Several trails circle Mack Mesa Lake and Highline Lake. The park is close to the well-known Kokopelli trail complex and the newer, North Fruita Desert Trails bike trail complex.
A new loop has been added to the Highline Lake hiking and biking trails! Engle Loop adds approximately .9 miles to the 18 Hour Trail, bringing the trail's total length to 6.42 miles. The 18 Hour Trail is the trail loop around the park that is used for the 18 Hour Race that occurs every spring as a part of the Fruita Fat Tire Festival. The new portion of single track crosses several gullies and in places should be reminiscent of Prime Cut at the 18 Road area north of Fruita. Click here for a map of the 18 Hour Trail, including Engle Loop. Contact the Highline Lake Visitor Center at 970-858-7208 or email highline.park@state.co.us for more information.
An approximately 6 mile loop around the park, used annually in May for the renowned 18 Hours of Fruita Endurance Race. Bicyclists compete to complete the most laps in 18 hours of continuous riding. Trail is easy to difficult; wildlife is abundant and views are awesome.
3.5 miles; unpaved, gravel surface; easy; foot, horse & bike.
Highline Lake Trail begins at East Boat Ramp and follows Park boundary around the lake. This trail features excellent shore bird and mule deer viewing opportunities. Every year Loma Elementary takes their kids on this trail. If a first grader can do, so can you!
1.7 miles; unpaved; moderate; foot & bike; narrow single-track, steep sections.
Offering the best views of the lake, this trail is a tour of Highline's east inlets. It provides the only access other than boat to the cabanas along the east inlets, including a pebble beach where dogs are not prohibited. The trail provides no shade and gives you a real tour of the desert featuring sage, cactus, and lizards.
A .7 mile; unpaved; easy; foot & bike trail.
The amazing thing about this trail is the smell. The big sage next to the twisty juniper smells like a sagey cedar forest. Don't let the picture fool you, those shrubs are 6 to 8 feet tall!
One-mile; unpaved; easy; foot & bike; awesome views from atop Mack Hill.
One-mile; unpaved; easy; foot & bike; runs below dam in area rich in wildlife.
This loop offers the best tour of riparian habitat around the lake! Trail is flat except for beginning and end when returning to the top of the dam. It is the shadiest trail and has the advantage of being close to the swim beach.
Entrance is located on the service road near the patrol boat just on the other side of the dam.
- Kokopelli Trail System
The trail head for the world-famous Kokopelli Trail System from Loma, Colorado to Moab, Utah is just six-miles south of Highline Lake State Park, on county roads through rural farmlands.
- North Fruita Desert Trails
Access to the Bureau of Land Management, world-class, North Fruita Desert Trail System is mere minutes from Highline Lake State Park.
Can I wear my flip-flops?
Hiking is not really a flip-flop activity. Sand and rocks will become abrasive to the bottoms of your feet. The presence of Prickly Pear cactus, snakes, and ants also argues against this practice.
Will I need water?
The only drinking fountains at the park are located at the Visitor's Center, Day Use Area, and the Campground. The trails are mostly desert terrain with little or no shade so taking a water bottle is highly recommended.
Will there be shade?
The shadiest trail Highline has to offer is the Blue Heron Loop at probably 30% shady. Most of the other trails around the lake are in full sun. Come prepared with sunscreen and a hat. During the summer months, consider hiking in the morning before the heat has ramped-up.