Entry No. 86 — the Grand Junction file — filed under: after-dark
Highline Lake State Park - After-Dark Paddle & Stargazing
Twin lakes ringed by high desert just off I-70 west of Grand Junction, where motor-free Mack Mesa Lake and the hand-launch East Ramp on Highline Lake let you slip a kayak or paddleboard onto glassy water as evening light fades. It's far enough from town lights that the Western Colorado Astronomy Club uses it as a dark-sky star-party site, and the park is even building a Horizons Amphitheater for stargazing programs. Day-use gates close at 10 p.m., so time a late paddle before closing or come for a club star night; reflected sky on flat water makes it a quietly romantic alternative to a crowded overlook. (Both lakes are zebra-mussel designated, so clean your gear.)
The move: Bring kayaks or paddleboards to the East Ramp around a full moon, glide out onto Mack Mesa Lake, and float in the dark watching constellations and their reflections.
📍 Before you go About 25 minutes northwest of Grand Junction. The park doesn't run an official organized moonlight paddle, so this is self-guided - check gate/closing hours and water-skiing zones, and call 970-858-7208. Mack Mesa and the East Ramp are paddle/hand-launch only.
- 📍 Loma
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 1800 11.8 Road, Loma, CO 81524
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4
last checked: 2026-06-23