The Colorado River State Park was renamed James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park in 2005 to honor a visionary. Mr. Robb was instrumental in creating this “string of pearls,” or five distinct sections, that are this park.
From Fruita on the west end, to Island Acres on the east end and three stops in-between, this is one park split into five sections. To visit the park, follow the Colorado River west from Debeque Canyon to Fruita, and enjoy five uniquely different river and lake based outdoor recreation opportunities.
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.
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.
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.
Camping
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 electric sites plus full-hook up sites 25 and 36 provide 30 amp electricity. Full hook-up sites 1-12 and 37-44 provide 50 amp electricity.
The Island Acres section has 80 campsites (40 full hook-up, 34 electric, 6 tent) available. All electric sites provide 30 amp electricity. Full hook-up sites provide 30 amp electricity except sites 61-63, 66, 68 and 79 which are 50 amp.
All campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and stand up grills.
The City of Fruita continues their work to mitigate intermittent odors associated with the closure of their waste water facility adjacent to these campsites. Campers should be aware that hot temperatures and winds blowing to the SE will have a negative impact on the quality of their stay until that situation is completely resolved.
At Island Acres, reservations are highly recommend for weekends May through September. For Fruita, reservations are recommended every day of the week from April through October. For camping reservations call 1-800-244-5613. Reservations may also be made on line by visiting the "Buy and Apply" section of the website. Reservations for the Fruita campground are from the second weekend in March through October 31st and the Island Acres campground is from April 1 through October 15. Outside of the reservation window, camping spots are first come, first served.
For group camping reservations at Fruita, call 1-970-858-9188.
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.
Fishing
There are approximately 100 surface acres of water providing a variety of opportunities for anglers. The lakes at Island Acres, Corn Lake and Fruita are stocked with trout in the spring and fall. Corn Lake receives 25,000 10" rainbows during March, April and September, 125 19" rainbows in March, 5,000 3" black crappie in September, and 25 12" largemouth bass in August. Island Acres' two lakes receive more than 12,000 10" rainbows during the spring and fall. Fruita's Red Rocks Lake receive over 5,000 10" rainbow in the spring and fall months.
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 (970) 858-9188 which can be made 6 months in advance.
Group Picnicking
The Fruita and Island Acres sections offer great opportunites to host parties or events.
The Red Rocks GPA at Fruita can accomodate 150 visitors and has picnic tables, covered shelter, grills and electricity. To make a reservation, call the Fruita section at 970-858-9188.
Island Acres has two group picnic facilities. The Wildhorse GPA offers a covered shelter with electricity, grills and plenty of picnic tables and can accomodate up to 150 guests. The Grand River GPA is a non-electric, un-covered group picnic area that can accomodate up to 45 guests. To make a reservation call the Island Acres section at 970-464-0548
Hiking
There is a wonderful 4 mile long paved hiking trail that heads west from Corn Lake to the Wildlife Area and beyond to 29 Road. There is also a 1.5 mile paved trail that heads east of the Corn Lake boat ramp to 33 1/2 Road.
Be sure to check out the .75 mile long trail at Island Acres that follows the Colorado River and provides opportunites for viewing big horn sheep and wild horses.
Connected Lakes has 4 miles of trails that circle around the lakes on the park, both paved and hard packed.
Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is allowed only from designated hunting blinds at Island Acres, Corn Lake, 34 Road, Pear Park, and the Wildlife Area. Blinds can be reserved during waterfowl hunting seasons by calling 970-255-6161.
OHV Riding
Resident and Non-resident registrations are available at the Fruita and Corn Lake sections year round and at the Island Acres section from April through September. 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. You will have to trailer your OHV to the permitted areas. Call for more information.
Paddle Boarding
Corn Lake, Island Acres and Connected Lakes all offer gorgeous paddle boarding opportunities! Rent a paddle board nearby to enjoy stunning views and a full-body workout throughout the park.
Be sure to have one life jacket on board per person, as well as a sound-producing device (like a whistle).
Picnicking
Picnic sites with tables and grills are available along the river and by lake shores at Connected Lakes, Corn Lake, Fruita and Island Acres. Fruita provides stunning views of the Colorado National Monument. Island Acres is nestled next to the walls of the De Beque Canyon. Potable water is usually close by.
For reservations for the Group Picnic Area at Fruita, contact the park at 1-970-858-9188.
Snowmobiling
Resident and Non-resident snowmobile registrations are available at the Fruita and Corn Lake sections year round and at the Island Acres section from April to September. Snowmobile registrations run from October 1 through September 30th. Snowmobiling is not permitted on any of the park sections.
Swimming
Swimming is only allowed at the Island Acres swim area. Dogs are not allowed on the swimbeach or in the water of the swimming area. Glass and fires are not allowed. The swim area at the Fruita section is closed indefinitely .
Whitewater rafting
Corn Lake offers an easily accessible boat launch to access the river for whitewater rafting. A park pass is required on all vehicles entering the park and using the boat launch.
The boat launch at Fruita is often used by whitewater runners as there are class IV and V sections downstream through the gorgeous red-rock canyons of Ruby Horsethief. Check with the BLM for additional information. Generally, the Colorado River has class I to class III rapids through the Grand Valley as it flows past the sections of the park.
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 Fruita, Connected Lakes, Corn Lake and Island Acres when conditions permit.
Winter Camping
The Fruita and Island Acres sections are open year round for camping. However, facilites are availabe on a limited basis: All flush restroom facilites, shower facilities and laundry are shut down during the winter. Water is available on a very limited basis. Vault restrooms are still available at both locations.