Highline Lake

Highline Lake SP https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/highlinelake https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Canyon_State_Park Highline Lake State Park is home to two lakes, the Highline Lake and the Mack Mesa Lake. It is well known for its birdwatching opportunities and has two wildlife migratory waterfowl overlook kiosks where it is possible to watch Great blue heron, white pelicans and whooping crane among many others. There is fishing allowed all year round. It is also open in winter to Snowshoers and Cross Country Skiers.

Passes & Permits Accessibility Fees are charged year round and pay for the operation of park facilities. Passes are available at the visitor center, west park entrance station and automated pass dispensers. For your convenience the automated pass dispensers and visitor center accept credit cards. All visitors are required to display a current Colorado State Parks Pass on their vehicle windshield. The swim area is located 50-75 yards from the parking lot and is accessible with assistance. The beach house, toilet facilities and group shelter facilities are all accessible.One handicapped-accessible campsite, site #25, is available. A daily pass is valid from the day purchased until noon the following day. An annual pass grants entrance to all Colorado State Parks. For annual pass holders who own another vehicle, a multiple pass is available for an additional fee. Aspen Leaf annual passes are available for Colorado seniors (64 years and older) at a discounted rate. Aspen Leaf pass holders can receive a discount on camping on weekdays. A regular camping fee is charged on weekends and holidays. Colorado disabled veterans displaying Colorado Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates are admitted free without a pass. A camping fee is charged in addition to a daily pass fee. Campers are required to purchase and display a camping permit at their campsite. Wildlife More than 200 species of birds have been observed at Highline Lake State Park, and migrating ducks and geese winter at Highline. Birds such as the great blue heron, white pelican, snowy egret, whooping crane, golden eagle and bald eagle are seen in the park. Visit the Watchable Wildlife Overlook and Kiosk for more information about specific species. A bird list is available at the park office. Many animals make their home at Highline Lake and can be seen at various times of the year. Natural areas within the park allow visitors and school groups to observe animals in their natural habitats. Small game and waterfowl hunting at Highline Lake State Park is allowed with specific regulations. Information on seasons and regulations is available from a park ranger or the hunting brochures. Picnicking The large turf area and shade trees close to the lake provide cool picnic sites with grills and tables. Boating & Water Recreation Highline Lake opens to boating March 1st and continues to September 30th. The lake provides an area for power boating, jet-skiing and water-skiing. On weekends during the summer, boat capacity is often reached. Consider arriving early on weekends, or boat weekdays and evenings. The watchable wildlife overlook is accessible on the west side as well as the kiosk on the east side. An accessible fishing pier is available at Mack Mesa Lake. Highline Lake State Park Help Protect Your Park ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS A complete copy of park regulations is available at the entrance station. Highline Lake State Park was built and is maintained for your use and enjoyment. In the interest of safety and for the preservation of your park, please observe the following: 1. Place trash in the receptacles provided. All boats must carry the appropriate safety equipment – see Colorado Boating Regulations and Statutes. Also please note specific boating regulations on the map attached. Aquatic Nuisance Species regulations are enforced at Highline Lake. Inspection stations are located at both east and west ramps. For information, choose the Boating link at www.cpw.state.co.us. 2. Vehicles must remain on designated roads or parking lots. Park rangers patrol Highline Lake regularly to provide emergency assistance and ensure safe operation. 6. Report any problems to a ranger or dial 911. Swim Beach With warm temperatures in the summer a buoyed-off swim area is provided adjacent to the grassy picnic area. The water is tested weekly and water temperatures run from the high 60s to the 80s. The swimbeach is open from the first weekend in May through the end of September. Please observe posted swim beach rules and regulations. Group Picnic Facility This attractive area has facilities for groups of up to 150 and includes a large fire grill, covered eating area and modern restrooms. Groups should reserve the area in advance by calling the park office at (970) 858-7208, or by email up to 1 year in advance. A fee is charged for reserving this facility. C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E 3. Please keep all pets off the beach and on a leash no longer than six feet. 4. Fires may be built only in the fire rings or grills provided. 5. Camping is only permitted in designated campsites. To prevent theft, please do not leave personal belongings unattended on picnic tables or in tents and lock your vehicles. Highline Lake State Park 1800 11.8 Road • Loma, CO 81524 (970) 858-7208 • E-mail: highline.park@state.co.us cpw.state.co.us Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado through Colorado Lottery proceeds. CPW_RMHI_6K_3/18 cpw.state.co.us W elcome to High

C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Highline Lake State Park FACT SHEET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 Who we are Colorado Parks and Wildlife utilizes the principles of conservation - the wise use of natural resources - to effectively manage fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education for the citizens of Colorado and its visitors. Highline Lake State Park is the only reservoir in the Grand Valley that offers power boating, water skiing and jetskiing opportunities. The park is also popular for fishing and swimming, and many visitors use Highline State Park as a camping base for mountain biking and river rafting. Large shade trees and turf grass areas offer a pleasant place to rest and cool off from the summer heat after a hard day of playing. Beginning in September, small game and waterfowl hunting is allowed on weekdays. There are also great bird watching opportunities year-round. Visitors to Highline State Park spend about $7.2 million in local communities each year.1 Top attractions • The park is the center for water sports in the Grand Valley. • The shady picnic sites and campsites at the park provide a very pleasant experience for visitors. • The park provides easy access to many renowned mountain biking trails and is widely used by mountain bikers who want to camp. • The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds identified within the park. • Highline is the site of major, extreme sports races, including the 18 Hours of Fruita mountain bike race, and the Desert's Edge Triathlon. • Over the Edge Sports • U.S. Bureau of Land Management • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Challenges we face • • • Boating wakes and intense winds in the area generate wave action on the lake that increases erosion along the shoreline. Funding for a breakwater is vital to protecting the valuable shoreline recreation sites. Capacity issues. The park reaches carrying capacity most weekends during the summer, resulting in delays for boaters and occasionally in closure of the park due to lack of parking. Resources within the park, including BBQ grills and picnic tables, are frequently overcrowded. Due to the number of boats coming from Lake Powell, now fully infested with quagga mussels, Highline Lake is on the front lines in teh battle to keep these invasive pests out of Colorado. Volunteer activities • The campground host program is critical to the campground operation at the park. • Volunteers also help at the visitor center, with the maintenance program, with raptor monitoring and as trail hosts. Their service is very important to the overall park operation. 1Source: Corona Research, Colorado State Parks Marketing Assessment, “Visitor Spending Analysis 2008-2009" (adjusted for inflation). COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us KEN PAPALEO/CPW Our partners 1800 11.8 Road, Loma, CO, 81524 (970) 858-7208 • Email: highline.park@state.co.us Park Manager: Alan Martinez As of June 30, 2017 Manager’s message Highline Lake is an oasis in the desert. As the only water-based recreation area in the Grand Valley, the lake and day use area are at capacity most weekends during the summer. If you plan on camping at Highline Lake on weekends, make sure to make reservations 6 months in advance, as the campground is full every weekend from mid-March through the end of October. Weekday use makes it easier to find a campsite and enjoy the beautiful campsites that have turf grass and large shade trees. If you get the opportunity, come out and visit during the weekdays when you will have the park mostly to yourself. Annual Visitation 180,691 Geography Region: Northwest County: Mesa Year Acquired: 1966 Elevation: 4,700 ft Miles From Denver: 264 Facilities 2 Boat Ramps Dump Station Group Picnic Area Laundry 105 Picnic Sites Showers (coin-operated) Visitor Center Acreage Total Acres: 562 Governmental US Cong Dist: 3rd CO Senate: 7th CO House: 54th Trails Biking: 9.6 miles Hiking: 9.6 miles Horseback: 3.5 miles Cross Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing: 9.6 miles Total: 9.6 miles Employees Permanent: 4 Temporary: 13 Volunteers: 63 Volunteer Hours: 7,175 Roads Paved: 2.5 miles Unpaved: 0.3 miles Recreation Boating Fishing Geocaching Hunting Ice Fishing Ice Skating Jet Skiing Ranger/Nature Programs Sailboarding Swimming Water Skiing Wildlife/Bird Viewing Winter Camping Camping Campsites (basic,year-round): 36 Group Facilities (year-round) Walden Fort Collins Craig Hayden Steamboat Springs Sterling Estes Loveland Park Greeley Oak Creek Fort Brush Morgan Meeker Kremmling Wray Brighton Denver Golden Avon Vail Highline Lake Rifle Frisco Glenwood Springs Breckenridge Collbran Fruita Aspen Leadville Castle Rock Limon Burlington Fairplay Grand Junction Delta Paonia Hotchkiss Buena Vista Crawford Colorado Springs Kit Carson Cripple Cr



COLORADO PA R K S & WILDLIFE Your Guide to Colorado’s 41 State Parks 2018 Edition cpw.state.co.us CAMPING RESERVATIONS • 1-800-244-5613 • cpw.state.co.us i Welcome to Your State Parks! Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s Cheyenne Mountain a state park waiting to welcome State Park you. Mountains or prairies, rivers or forests, out in the country or next to the city… Colorado’s 41 state parks are as diverse as the state itself, and they offer something for everyone. Take a hair-raising whitewater river trip, or kick back in a lawn chair and watch the sunset. Enjoy a family picnic, cast a line in the water, take a hike, ride a horse, try snowshoeing or discover geocaching. From Eastern Plains parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain parks at 9,500, the network of state parks offers a wealth of activities for busy people of all ages, or the chance to do nothing at all. You can play on land or on water. On a high peak or on the prairie. In the country or the city. In spring, summer, winter or fall. Golden Gate Canyon State Park State parks are great places for families. There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy together such as boating, hiking or picnicking, as well as organized nature walks, talks and events. Junior Ranger programs, activity backpacks, kid-friendly hikes and fishing ponds for kids are among the many offerings for youth. From toddler to teen and adult to senior, every family member can enjoy their activity of choice, then come together to share a meal and stories around the campfire. Whether you’re an active outdoor recreationist or prefer to spend time watching clouds go by, you’ll enjoy the special moments waiting for you in the state parks. Rifle Gap State Park Cover photos: Large photo: State Forest State Park; lower left: Pearl Lake State Park; lower center: Elkhead State Park; lower right: Lory State Park Plan Your Visit Colorado’s state parks are open every day of the year, weather permitting. Day-use areas are generally open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and some parks may have closed gates after hours. Campgrounds are open 24 hours a day. Contact individual parks for hours of operation. Check our website for seasonal or maintenance closures: cpw.state.co.us Entrance Passes All Colorado state parks charge an entrance fee. Cost of a daily pass may vary by park ($7–$9). A pass covers all occupants of a vehicle and is valid until noon the day after purchase. Some parks may charge a per-person fee for cyclists and walk-ins. Fees are used to help pay operating costs. Cherry Creek State Park charges an additional fee for the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority. Annual Pass Who doesn’t love a deal? And the state parks annual pass is a great one. For just one low price, the annual pass lets you enjoy all 41 state parks for unlimited visits for 12 months from date of purchase. That’s all the parks. That’s unlimited times. The annual pass pays for itself in as few as 10 visits. If you’re a Colorado resident who’s 64 years or older, there’s even a further discounted Aspen Leaf annual pass. There are also passes for disabled and income-eligible residents. For details and to purchase a pass, visit a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office, state park or buy online: cpw.state.co.us Extend Your Stay Make more of your state park visit by staying overnight. Bring your tent or RV, spend a cozy night in a cabin, camp in a tipi or discover a comfortable, year-round alternative State Forest State Park to traditional camping with a yurt. All together, the state parks have more than 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins and yurts. Almost 300 campsites are ADA accessible. Many parks offer campsites or cabins for large groups. Heated cabins and yurts make a park getaway suitable any season of the year. Camping Reservations Summer weekends fill up quickly so advance reservations for overnight stays are recommended. Reservations can be made six months to three days ahead of arrival. Reserve online: cpw.state.co.us Toll Free: 1-800-244-5613 A nonrefundable reservation fee applies to bookings, and visitors must purchase a daily or annual entrance pass in addition to paying camping and reservation fees. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 1 What Can I Do There? Colorado’s state parks are places to have fun, get away, recreate and re-create. Here are some park activities to help you do that: Fishing Top-notch fishing awaits anglers in 37 state parks across Colorado. Think Gold Medal Waters and trophy fish. A valid fishing license is required for all anglers 16 years and older. Licenses and our annual Colorado Fishing regulations brochure are available online, at most parks and at CPW authorized sales agents. Water Sports Many state parks are built around a lake or Crawford waterway, which means boating and other water State Park sports are among the headliners. Larger parks offer boat rentals and full-service marinas. Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Col

C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E 2020 Colorado State Recreation Lands INSIDE: STATE FISH UNITS, STATE WILDLIFE AREAS, STATE TRUST LANDS, STATE PARKS cpw.state.co.us ONLINE FEATURES Check out more Colorado Parks & Wildlife on our VIMEO & YOUTUBE CHANNELS LINKS TO MAPS MAKE CAMPING & HUNTING RESERVATIONS ONLINE! STATE WILDLIFE AREAS STATE FISHING WATERS STATE TRUST LANDS STATE PARKS Cherry Creek State Park © Nora Logue VIDEOS CHECK OUT THE 360 VIDEOS OF COLORADO’S STATE PARKS! 101 PLACES TO TAKE A KID FISHING #TAKEAKIDFISHING G.E.M. TRAIL NOW OPEN IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS! CONTENTS CONTENTS Printed for free distribution by: WHAT’S NEW: 2020................................................1 cpw.state.co.us COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW) 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 ■ 303-297-1192 RESERVATIONS......................................................1 OUR MISSION: The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. ■ Abbreviation key................................................................................1 STATE FISH UNITS (SFUs)........................................2 ■ What is an SFU?..................................................................................2 ■ SFU properties & regulations..............................................................2 COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE DIRECTOR Dan Prenzlow COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEMBERS, as of July 2020 STATE WILDLIFE AREAS (SWAs)......................... 3–29 Marvin McDaniel, Chair Carrie Besnette Hauser, Vice-Chair Marie Haskett, Secretary Taishya Adams Betsy Blecha Charles Garcia Dallas May ■ What is an SWA?.................................................................................3 ■ SWA access rules................................................................................3 ■ SWA properties & regulations..................................................... 4–29 STATE TRUST LANDS (STLs) PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAM.............................. 30–51 ■ What are trust lands? What is the STL public access program?.............30 ■ State trust lands FAQs/access rules...................................................30 ■ State trust lands public access properties & regulations............ 31–51 REGULATION BROCHURE EDITOR Chelsea Harlan PRINTED STATE PARKS................................................. 52–59 The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (CPW) receives federal financial assistance from multiple bureaus within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (as amended), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability or age. In addition, CPW adheres to all antidiscrimination laws of the state of Colorado. For more information on how to request an accommodation or to file a grievance, please visit cpw.state.co.us/accessibility. MAPS............................................................ 60–65 ■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Northeast ..........60 ■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Southeast ..........61 ■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Northwest .........62 ■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Southwest ........63 ■ NEW State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Central close-up.............................64 ■ Game management units (GMUs)....................................................65 NOTICE: Laws and regulations in this brochure are paraphrased for easier understanding and are intended only as a guide. Complete Colorado wildlife statutes and regulations are available at CPW offices listed below and online: cpw.state.co.us/regulations CPW REGIONAL AND AREA OFFICE LOCATIONS ADMINISTRATION 1313 Sherman St., #618 Denver, 80203 303-297-1192 (M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MT) LANDS INDEX BY COUNTY............................... 66–73 ■ State fish units, state wildlife areas, state trust lands, state parks GET THE BROCHURE ONLINE: cpw.state.co.us/rec-lands Send us your outdoor photos and stories for a chance to be featured on a brochure cover or CPW's online blog! HUNTER.TESTIMONIALS@STATE.CO.US COVER: ▶ Gone fishing at Sylvan Lake State Park. © Dustin Doskocil for CPW OTHER PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: ▶ Mountain biking at Trinidad Lake State Park. © Thomas Kimmell for CPW C O L O R A D O P A R K S & INSIDE: STATE FISH UNITS, STAT

WHAT'S NEW C O L O R A D O P A R K S & LICENSES W I L D L I F E 2021 Colorado Fishing SEASON: MARCH 1, 2021–MARCH 31, 2022 cpw.state.co.us 2021 FISHING BROCHURE CORRECTION UPDATED: APRIL 19, 2021 Please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us/regulations for complete regulation information. NOTE: THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE BROCHURE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY CORRECTIONS. PAGE(S) CORRECTION AS PRINTED IN BROCHURE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 1 The qualifying age for applying for a senior lifetime low-income fishing license was incorrectly listed as 65 and older at the time of publication. The correct information is: Senior lifetime low-income fishing licenses are available for Colorado residents age 64 and older. Go online for full eligibility requirements: cpw.state. co.us The online version of the brochure has been updated with this correction. page 1 2021 FISHING BROCHURE CORRECTION UPDATED: MARCH 12, 2021 Please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us/regulations for complete regulation information. NOTE: THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE BROCHURE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY CORRECTIONS. PAGE(S) CORRECTION AS PRINTED IN BROCHURE BACK PAGE BACK COVER The contest start date for Take a Friend Fishing was incorrect at the time of publication. The correct information is: The contest starts APRIL 1, 2021! Go online for contest rules and how to enter: cpw.state.co.us/ takeafriend The online version of the brochure has been updated with this correction. back cover ONLINE FEATURES Check out more Colorado Parks & Wildlife on our VIMEO & YOUTUBE CHANNELS VIDEOS FISHING FOR HIP HOP: COLORADO STYLE FISHING FUNDS CONSERVATION 101 PLACES TO TAKE A KID FISHING © CPW GET THE CPW FISHING APPS: The CPW Fishing app can help you discover over 1,300 fishing locations, check local conditions, read up on regulations and more! The CPW Match a Hatch app can help you match your fly to the same insects where you’re fishing! CO OUTDOORS “QUICK TIP”: SPINCAST REELS CONTENTS CONTENTS Printed for free distribution by: WHAT’S NEW: 2021................................................ 1 cpw.state.co.us LICENSE INFORMATION...................................... 1–2 COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW) 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 ■ 303-297-1192 ■ License & Habitat Stamp fees........................................................................1 ■ What you need to buy a fishing license; license requirements......................1 ■ Residency requirements; Habitat Stamps; anglers with disabilities..............2 OUR MISSION: The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. GENERAL INFORMATION.................................... 3–7 Dan Prenzlow ■ Fishery programs: Gold Medal Waters; Wild Trout; stream surveys.................3 ■ State records program: Records by Weight; Records by Length......................4 ■ State Records by Weight award table.............................................................4 ■ Master Angler program; award lengths.........................................................5 ■ Help improve your fisheries............................................................................5 ■ Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS).....................................................................6 ■ Fishing terms glossary...................................................................................7 ■ Online fishing information resources.............................................................7 FISHING LAWS................................................. 8–10 ■ Legal fishing methods....................................................................................8 ■ Special conditions & restrictions...............................................................8−9 ■ Statewide bag & possession limits...............................................................10 ■ MAP: Wiper/white bass & walleye/saugeye bag limits................................10 SPECIAL REGULATIONS: FISHING WATERS........11–39 ■ MAP: Upper Arkansas River.........................................................................12 ■ MAP: Blue River Basin.................................................................................13 ■ MAP: Middle Colorado & Eagle Rivers..........................................................15 ■ MAP: Upper Colorado River — Headwaters to Radium...............................16 ■ MAP: Conejos & Alamosa River Drainages...................................................18 ■ MAP: Upper Gunnison Basin — Taylor Park Res. to Blue Mesa Res..............19 ■ MAP: NEW North Fork Gunnison Basin — Hotchkiss to McClure