The best walks and hikes around Palisade

While many trails in Palisade involve steep climbs, the Colorado Riverfront Trail offers a more leisurely and flat experience suitable for all ages. It provides a gentle path along the water, contrasting with the region's more strenuous mesa hikes.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in Palisade, offering pleasant temperatures. Summer mornings can also be great, but be prepared for high heat by midday, especially on exposed trails. Winter hiking is possible on lower elevation trails, but higher areas like the Grand Mesa will have snow.

Yes, many trails around Palisade are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. The terrain can be rocky and exposed with little shade, so ensure you carry plenty of water for your dog. Trails like those in the Little Book Cliffs are suitable, but always check specific regulations before you go.

For a chance to see ancient rock art, explore the trails in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range. The canyons in this area, such as the moderate Main Canyon — Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area hike, are known for their pictographs and petroglyphs left by the Ute people.

Yes, Palisade has several excellent loop trails. For a challenging day out, the Palisade Rim Loop Trails offer a fantastic circular route with rewarding views from above the valley. This allows you to finish back at your starting point without retracing your steps.

Given the exposed, high-desert environment, certain items are essential:

• Water: Bring more than you think you'll need, as there are few natural water sources on the trails.
• Sun Protection: A hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are crucial due to the lack of shade.
• Sturdy Footwear: The terrain is often rocky and uneven, so hiking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended.
• Layers: Temperatures can change quickly, so pack a light jacket, even on warm days.

The Mount Garfield trail is considered strenuous. Although it's relatively short at about 3.5 miles, it involves a steep and rapid elevation gain of over 1,600 feet. The reward is an incredible, airplane-like view over the Grand Valley.

Yes, you have a good chance of spotting wild horses in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range. Trails in this area, such as the Coal Canyon — Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Area route, take you through the habitat of one of America's few remaining wild horse herds.

Yes. While the full upper and lower loop is a long, difficult trek, there is a well-established 4-mile lower loop option. This shorter hike still provides fantastic views of the valley and the Colorado River without the commitment of the full 13-mile journey.

The trails around Palisade are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views over the vineyards and the unique experience of trekking on the mesas high above the valley floor.

The main access point is the Palisade Rim Trail Head, located just east of town. It's a popular and well-regarded starting point with parking available. From here, you can access both the lower and upper loop trails.

The immediate Palisade area is characterized by a dry, high-desert landscape, so prominent waterfalls are not a feature of the local trails. For hikes with more water features, you may need to travel to the nearby Grand Mesa, which has a cooler, alpine environment with numerous lakes.