James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

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 consist 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 Pearls

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

As mentioned before, there are “five pearls” within the James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park, each with its own unique features.

Island Acres – The easternmost part of the park located east of Palisade off 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.
Corn Lake – Day-use area offering fishing and boat ramp to Colorado River.
Colorado River Wildlife Area – Day-use area aimed at protecting wildlife habitat.
Connected Lakes – Day-use section offering fishing and boat ramp to Colorado River.
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, lake, and Colorado River access.

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

1. Island Acres – Offers 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.

Colorado River Island Acres — Entrance to Island Acres Section.

2. Corn Lake – A day-use area near downtown Grand Junction. Hand carry and electric motorized vessels are allowed on the lake.

Colorado River Corn Lake — A hiking trail running between the Colorado River (left) and Corn Lake (right).

Coloardo River Corn Lake — Still setting over Corn Lake.

3. Wildlife Area – A day-use area great for hiking around.

4. Connected Lakes – A day-use area offering fishing and boat access to the lake and Colorado River.

5. Fruita – Year-round use area with large campground, one lake, and access to the Colorado River. It’s located close to attractions like the Dinosaur Museum, downtown Fruita and Colorado National Monument.

Colorado River Fruita Section — Entrance to the Fruita Section.

Colorado River Fruita Camping — Camping at Fruita Section.

Colorado River State Park — Colorado River at the Fruita Section.

Activities

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 available in 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.