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Colorado State Parks
Parks > James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park > Park Activities

Park Activities

Biking

There is paved biking from Corn Lake to 29 Road, through the City of Grand Junction and all the way to Fruita as well as a trail running 1-1/2 miles east of the Corn Lake boat ramp. A riverfront trail linkage between the City of Fruita and the Fruita section of the park was completed in May 2017. Come and give it a try! The Fruita Section is near several great mountain bike trails including the North Fruita Desert and Kokopelli Trailhead. Fruita is growing and has many fun opportunities that are in riding distance from the Fruita Section of the park. While staying at Island Acres throw your bike in the car and ride around the Town of Palisade to the local orchards and vineyards. You can also check out the Palisade Rim Trail, a single track trail, which offers great views of the valley. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:39 PM)

Birding

The Connected Lakes section offers great birding opportunities during the fall and spring as migrating birds stop to rest. Owls have also been spotted nesting in the cottonwood trees for several years in a row. Great blue herons can be seen all along the Colorado River within all five sections of the park. Bald eagles have been seen regularly at the Fruita and Island Acres Section as well as at Connected Lakes during the spring and winter months. Osprey put on a show in the summer through the fall before the lakes freeze. Stop by any of our offices to pick up a copy of the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park Bird List. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:40 PM)

Boating

Hand-propelled, sail, and electric-powered boats can be hand-launched on the lakes at Island Acres, Corn Lake, Connected Lakes, and Fruita. Boats are prohibited in the designated swimming area at Island Acres and waters within the Colorado River Wildlife Area and the Pear Park sections of the park. River access is from the Corn Lake, Connected Lakes, and Fruita sections. Be sure to have an appropriate size and type of life jacket for each individual while on the river or the lakes within the park.​​ For more information on boating please see the Colorado Boating Statutes and Regulations​. Caution: boating is not permitted on the Colorado River from Island Acres because of a dangerous roller dam downstream. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:40 PM)

Camping

The Island Acres section has 80 campsites (40 full hook-up, 34 electric, 6 tent) available.​​ The Fruita section has 57 sites (22 full-hook up, 22 electric, 13 tent) available as well as one group camping area which has 6 sites. All campsites have fire rings, picnic tables, and stand-up grills. Group Camping (Fruita only): For group camping reservations at Fruita, call (970) 858-9188. For more information, see the James M. Robb camping page. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:40 PM)

Dog-friendly

Leashed pets are welcome in the park and on the trails. Pets are not allowed on the swim beaches or in the swim areas. Dog waste stations are set up throughout the park and trails and provide dog waste bags and trash cans. Please pick up and dispose of your pets’ waste properly.​​ (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:41 PM)

Education Programs

Interpretive programs are typically offered on weekends in the summer at Fruita and Island Acres. Contact information: Fruita: (970) 858-9188, Island Acres: (970) 464-0548 (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:41 PM)

Fishing

There are approximately 100 surface acres of water providing a variety of opportunities for anglers. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:41 PM)

Group Camping

The Fruita campground has one group camping area accommodating 36 individuals in 6 campers or up to 12 tents. There are a total of 6 sites with water and 30 amp service. Call the park office for reservations at (970) 858-9188 which can be made 6 months in advance.​​ (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:41 PM)

Group Picnicking

The Fruita and Island Acres sections offer great opportunities to host parties or events.​​ For reservations, contact Fruita at (970) 858-9188 and Island Acres at (970) 464-0548 (April-September) or (970) 434-3388 (October-March). (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:41 PM)

Hiking

There are various trails at different sections of the park providing beautiful views and wildlife sighting opportunities. Be sure to adhere to the guidelines and leash your pets. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:42 PM)

Hunting

Waterfowl hunting is allowed only from designated hunting blinds by reservation only at Island Acres, Corn Lake, 34 Road, Pear Park, and the Colorado River Wildlife Area.​​ Blinds can be reserved by visiting CPW.shop.com or by calling (800) 244-5613. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:42 PM)

OHV Riding

Resident and Non-resident registrations are available at the Fruita and Corn Lake sections year-round. OHV registrations run from April 1 through March 31st. Riding on the park is not allowed, but there are great places nearby on BLM property and on the Grand Mesa National Forest. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:42 PM)

More Activities

Winter Activities

Camping with reduced facilities is available at Fruita and at Island Acres during the winter months. All hard-surfaced trails are maintained for walkers and bicyclists. Ice fishing is popular at different locations when conditions permit. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:43 PM)

Winter Camping

The Fruita and Island Acres sections are open year-round for camping. However, facilities are available on a limited basis during winter. Only electric and tent sites are available; full hook-up sites are closed. Facilities open again in March at Fruita and April at Island Acres. (Updated: 9/12/2023 4:43 PM)