Top 18 Lakes in Mesa County

Mesa County offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly within the Grand Mesa National Forest. Mesa Lake is a very popular spot, known for its tranquil waters and potential beaver sightings. The Bull Creek Reservoirs are highly recommended for a variety of trout species, including rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown, splake, golden, and snake river trout. Mack Mesa Lake at Highline Lake State Park is also stocked for both cold and warm water fishing.

For motorized boating and active water sports, Highline Lake in Highline Lake State Park is a prime destination. It's open to power boating, jet skiing, water skiing, sailboating, sailboarding, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. On the Grand Mesa, Sunset Lake, Griffith Lake, and Glacier Lake are popular for motorized boating. For non-motorized or electric motorboats, Forty Acre Lake, Kitson Reservoir, Island Lake, and Eggleston Lake are good choices.

Yes, many lakes in Mesa County are family-friendly. Mesa Lake and Lost Lake on the Grand Mesa are great for families, offering scenic views and easy access. Las Colonias Park provides river and lake access with playgrounds, picnic areas, and the Butterfly Pond. The Mesa Lakes area, in general, has multiple campgrounds and easy trails like the Mesa Lakes Shoreline Trail, suitable for all ages. Highline Lake State Park also offers swimming and paddleboarding, which are popular family activities.

The Grand Mesa National Forest features an extensive trail system around its lakes. The 2.8-mile Mesa Lakes Shoreline Trail offers beautiful views of Mesa Lake and is suitable for hikers and mountain bikers. The Land O' Lakes Trail is an easy, accessible paved loop with spectacular lake views. For more options, you can explore various trails listed in the MTB Trails in Mesa County and Running Trails in Mesa County guides. Highline Lake State Park also has wetlands and waterfront hiking and biking trails around Mack Mesa Lake.

The Grand Mesa National Forest offers numerous camping options. Popular developed campgrounds include Big Creek, Cottonwood Lake, Crag Crest, Island Lake, Jumbo, and Little Bear Campground. Cobbett Lake also has an adjacent campground with amenities. Jumbo Campground, located between Jumbo Reservoir and Sunset Lake, provides sites with lake views. All campsites on the Grand Mesa allow leashed dogs.

Absolutely. The Grand Mesa itself is the world's largest flat-top mountain, offering unique high-altitude lake environments. Lost Lake is particularly striking, tucked against the rim of the Grand Mesa with surrounding basalt boulders and enticing blue-green waters. Cobbett Lake provides shaded areas and views of the spruce forest. The Mesa Lakes area, including Mesa Lake, is known for its mirror-like waters and vibrant scenery, especially when wildflowers are in bloom.

The best time to visit the lakes in Mesa County, especially those on the Grand Mesa, is typically from late spring through early fall (May to September). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. Highline Lake State Park can reach boating capacity on weekends during peak season (May through September), so planning ahead is advisable.

Yes, many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. Specifically, all campsites on the Grand Mesa allow leashed dogs. Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction also features a dog park, making it a great spot for pets.

For fishing in Mesa County lakes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required. For camping in developed campgrounds within the Grand Mesa National Forest, reservations or permits may be necessary, especially during peak season. It's always best to check with the National Forest Service or Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the most current permit requirements for specific activities and locations.

While many lakes on the Grand Mesa are popular, areas like Military Park and Stell Reservoirs are generally less frequented by fishers and visitors compared to other lakes in the area, offering a more solitary experience. Wolverine Lake, an alpine lake at 11,120 feet, also tends to be quieter due to its higher elevation.

Yes, the Grand Mesa area offers various accommodation options. The cluster of lakes including Eggleston Lake, Hotel Twin Lake, and Baron Lake are among the most developed, providing numerous accommodation choices, including large campgrounds suitable for RVs, cabins, and tackle shops. Additionally, there are many campgrounds throughout the Grand Mesa National Forest.

Yes, the Grand Mesa National Forest provides opportunities for OHV enthusiasts. The Bull Creek, Trickle Park, and Granby Reservoirs areas are particularly popular for those looking to explore OHV trails. The Granby Reservoir area is a favored spot for four-wheelers.