James M. Robb Colorado River State Park
RV Guide

Each of the park sections has a multi-use trail for guests who like to get outside and hike or ride bikes. Bring your water and hiking or biking gear and experience the sounds of the Colorado River along your route. The Island Acres area has a .75-mile, self-guided interpretive trail that follows the Colorado River. Hikers can follow the natural surfaced path and learn about the geology of the area along their walk. The Corn Lake section of trail is one and a half miles, and it connects to the Wildlife Area’s Riverfront trail, which is approximately three miles long. Both sections allow hiking and biking. The Connected Lakes trail is four miles of varied surface paths that range from paved to hard-packed pathways. For hikers and bikers who prefer concrete trails, head to the Fruita section of the park. Fruita has the newest parts of the Riverfront trail as well as a one-mile gravel trail that runs along the perimeter of Red Rock Lake.

Whether you prefer to skim the shoreline and swim, or you like to cruise the waterways, there are plenty of recreational water opportunities located within the different sections of the park. Swimmers should visit the Swimmin’ Hole at Island Acres for a day of cooling off and fun. If you have a boat with an electric trolling motor or a boat without an engine, you can visit almost all of the park’s waterways except the swimming area, the Wildlife Area, and the Beswick Parcel in Pear Park. Boaters who prefer to float the Colorado River can launch their craft at Corn Lake, Connected Lakes, and Fruita. If you don’t have a boat, but you want to participate in some water activities, there are numerous river outfitters nearby that offer guided floats as well as gear and equipment rentals.

Part of what makes the outdoor areas within the different sections of the park enjoyable is the ability to sit near the Colorado River. Many visitors come to the park to picnic, even if they are passing through the area and just stopping for lunch. All of the park’s sections, except for the Colorado River Wildlife Area, have tables and charcoal grills. Most of the picnic areas are first-come, first-served and are located near shade or water. There are also group picnic areas available for reservation in the Island Acres and the Fruita sections of the park. For more information, consult a map, visit the park’s website, or contact a member of the park staff.

Anglers who love to fish year-round will enjoy the fishing within the park’s boundaries. Anglers may fish from the river or some of the ponds located in the different sections of the park. Whatever kind of fish you like to catch, you may find both cold and warm water species nearby. Depending on where you fish, be sure to check the Colorado Department of Fish and Wildlife’s guidelines for fishing as the area is home to several endangered species. Park maps give detailed information on boat launches, fishing piers, and other fishable areas. Don’t forget your fishing license. The state of Colorado requires that all anglers age 16 and older have and possess a valid license. You may purchase a permit at the park’s main headquarters, or from either of the satellite offices.

Guests who enjoy the solitude and silence of the early morning, or the fading colors of a sunset, will appreciate the wildlife viewing opportunities within the park. Many different animals pass through the different park sections, and visitors who are quiet and patient might catch a glimpse of a cotton-tailed rabbit, skink, mule deer, or a beaver. The more prominent watchable wildlife is the park’s birds. The area is host to migratory birds as well as other bird species. Bring your binoculars and your bird guides and see if you can spot dove, quail, songbirds, osprey, bald eagles, golden eagles, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Ask a member of the park staff where the best wildlife viewing areas are located, and see what you can spot out on your search.

Winter in Colorado is just as exciting as the summer. When the weather turns cold, and the snow begins to fly, people who love to be outside in the snow come to the state parks to enjoy the silence and the serenity of nature. The James M. Robb Colorado River State Park doesn't slow down during the winter. Although the facilities may be winterized, outdoor opportunities are still abundant. When the conditions are right, the park is open for ice skating and ice fishing. The trials, both paved and natural surface, are available for hiking, biking, or walking. Bundle up and see the Colorado River differently than you ever imagined!