A closer look at James M. Robb-Colorado River, located near Fruita.

Description: The park follows five sections – “a string of pearls,” as it is fondly known. One area outside Clifton is called Connected Lakes, where day-use visitors enjoy three bodies of water on a non-motorized boat, or they hike or bike the 5 miles of trail winding around the lakes. The Colorado River section outside Fruita forms the park’s west end, and camping is an option here with views of Colorado National Monument. Swimming is allowed at Island Acres on the east side. The Corn Lake section is yet another spot for anglers.

Activities: Non-motorized boating, fishing, hiking, biking, geocaching, swimming, camping at Fruita section

Wildlife: Occasional mule deer and mountain lions, with small mammals more common, such as red foxes, coyotes, beavers; wide variety of raptors and waterfowl, with common sights of red-tailed hawks, osprey, swallows, turkeys, bald eagles in the winter; fish include largemouth bass, channel catfish, black bullhead, carp, rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Fun fact: James M. Robb was a parks advocate who helped create the Colorado Riverfront Foundation, supporting trails that link users to waterways.

Address: Visitor center at 595 Colorado 340, Fruita 81521

Contact: 970-858-9188, [email protected].

Hours: Varied depending on sections

Directions: To get to the visitor center at the Fruita section, head west toward Grand Junction on Interstate 70 before exiting for Colorado 340. Head east on the highway and follow signs to park.