ISLAND ACRES:
Located off I-70 at Exit 47, Island Acres is nestled within the scenic Debeque Canyon. If you are looking to camp, fish, swim, picnic or hike Island Acres has what you need to make an enjoyable family outing. There are two fishing ponds that are stocked in early spring and fall as well as a wildlife pond where you might see some critters hanging out. Of course you can always fish the
Colorado River, just make sure you are releasing the endangered fish that make their way up the Palisade Fish Ladder. The swim beach opens in May and offers a refreshing cool down in the hot summer days of the Grand Valley. The Cobblestone Trail runs nearly the entire length of the park along the Colorado River and is an easy trail to enjoy with younger family members. Island Acres offers tent camping, electrical hook-up sites, and full service hook-up sites. There is a camper services building that offers coin operated showers and laundry service. Island Acres also has two group picnic areas that can be reserved by calling the visitor center. CORN LAKE:
Corn Lake is located off 32 Rd in Clifton and is a day-use only park. The lake offers great fishing as it is stocked several times in the spring and fall. Hand-propelled and small electric motor powered boats are allowed on the lake. There are also plenty of picnic tables so your family can enjoy a relaxing day outside. If you are looking for a place to launch your raft into the river, Corn Lake has a boat ramp that will get you onto the Colorado River (even if you are just dropping off people or a boat you are still required to pay the entrance fee--this applies to all the sections of JMR-CRSP). COLORADO RIVER WILDLIFE AREA:
Colorado River Wildlife Area is a day-use only park and is located one mile west of Corn Lake on D Rd. Recreation facilities are kept to a minimum at this section because the primary management emphasis is on protection and enhancement of wildlife and wetlands habitat. Fishing is allowed on the south and west side of the lake only and boating is not available. Along with Corn Lake and Connected Lakes, the Wildlife Area features part of the Colorado Riverfront trail that spans various lengths of the Colorado River throughout the Grand Valley. Visit http://riverfrontproject.org/trails for more information on the trail system. CONNECTED LAKES:
Connected Lakes is a day-use park only located west on Power Road off State Highway 340. This section offers fishing, picnicking, boating (non-electric motor boats only on ponds), biking and walking trails, and river access. There are many trails in this section that are easy and relaxing. They range in length from .21 miles to 1.75 miles. Connected Lakes is also a great location to view migratory birds. FRUITA SECTION:
The Fruita Section is located in Fruita, CO on the west end of the Grand Valley. It is just south of I-70 at Exit 19 on State Highway 340. The Fruita area is a mecca for mountain bikers so if you are looking for a place to stay that is close to trails this is your headquarters. The Fruita section offers camping with walk-in tent sites, electric hook-up sites, and full hook-up sites. There is a camper services building that offers coin operated showers and laundry. There is also a great visitor center to get all your Colorado State Parks information from and also sells various books and other gift items. There are two lakes in the Fruita section; one offers great fishing opportunities (Red Rocks Lake to the south of the visitor center) and the other is designated for wildlife (Bookcliff Lake to the west of the visitor center). Each lake also has a trail that runs along it. If you are having a family gathering or looking for a venue to have a wedding, Fruita has a group picnic area and group camping that can be reserved by contacting the visitor center.
