James M. Robb Colorado River State Park - Clifton, CO

James M. Robb Colorado River is a diverse state park that’s made up of five sections, running from Debeque Canyon to Fruita. It begins at the canyon and passes the “five pearls” of the Colorado River State Park. Renamed in 2005 to James M. Robb, the park honors the man who created the distinct districts that make up the “string of pearls”.

There are five unique and exciting sections of the James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park consisting of the Island Acres, Corn Lake, Colorado River Wildlife Area, Connected Lakes, and Fruita. Island Acres is the easternmost point of the park, near Palisade, while the last section is in Fruita. Open year-round, this site is great for recreation.

The Five Sections or “Pearls”

Connected Lakes Grand Junction CO Fall Colors — Connected Lakes in Grand Junction. Photo: Chuckcars

As mentioned before, there are “five pearls” within the James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park, each with its own unique features.1) Island Acres – The easternmost part of the park is located east of Palisade on exit 247 from I-70. This narrow strip of the park is surrounded by steep canyons cut by the Colorado River, which runs through the park. It has 4 campgrounds open year-round.

There are 3 small lakes and a separate Swimmin’ Hole with a beach. The Colorado River runs along one side of the Park and I-70 does the other. It’s fairly easy to zone out the highway noise. Striking sandstone mountains tower over the sides of the Park.

2) Corn Lake – A day-use area near downtown Grand Junction. Day-use area offering fishing and a boat ramp to the Colorado River. Hand-carry and electric motorized vessels are allowed on the lake.

3) Colorado River Wildlife Area – Day-use area aimed at protecting wildlife habitat. It’s fantastic for short day hikes in nature.

4) Connected Lakes – A day-use section offering fishing and a boat ramp to the Colorado River.

5) Fruita – The westernmost part of the park, located 0.5 miles south of exit 19 from I-70 in the city of Fruita. This area is larger with a Visitor Center, one lake, and Colorado River access. Camp year-round at a large campground. It’s located close to attractions like the Dinosaur Museum, downtown Fruita, and Colorado National Monument.

Activities

Bird Viewing at James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park — Bird Viewing at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. Photo: Robot Brainz

Biking/Hiking: Numerous trails exist throughout all five sections.

Boating: Hand-carry and electric motorized vessels are permitted on the lakes at Island Acres, Corn Lake, Connected Lakes, and Fruita. Another state park, Highline Lake, is located nearby in Fruita.

Camping: Year-round at Island Acres Section in Debeque Canyon and Fruita Section. Sites include picnic tables, BBQ grills, and campfire rings. Group camping is available in the Fruita Section.

Island Acres Section in Debeque Canyon, 73 sites, Reservations
Fruita Section, 57 sites, Reservations

Read about the camping near Grand Junction, around Mesa County.

Fishing: Year-round at Island Acres, Corn Lake, Connected Lakes, and Fruita. Island Acres, Corn Lake, and Fruita are stocked.

Hunting: Island Acres, Corn Lake, and the Wildlife Area offer reservable waterfowl blinds during the season.

OHV: No riding in the park. Registrations are available at Island Acres, Corn Lake, and Fruita. Grand Mesa NF and BLM properties offer additional areas nearby.

Swimming: Island Acres Swim Beach is open during the season.

Trails: All trails of Colorado River State Park are included in the Colorado Riverfront Trail System.

Whitewater Rafting: The boat launch at Fruita is used for whitewater rafting. Sections of Class IV and V exist downstream on the Colorado River.