Attractions and Places To See around Palisade - Top 16

Palisade offers several stunning natural landmarks. You can experience breathtaking views of the Grand Valley and the Colorado River from the Palisade Rim upper Loop Trail - Epic Viewpoint. Another notable spot is Wild Horses Plateau on Mount Garfield, which provides a resting point midway up the mountain and is known for wild horse sightings. The iconic Mount Garfield itself stands at 7,740 feet, offering dramatic backdrops and rewarding hikes.

Yes, Palisade is surrounded by significant geological features. The Book Cliffs, ancient formations dating back 75 million years, are a prominent feature that gave Palisade its name. Additionally, the Colorado National Monument, about 30 minutes away, is a geological wonderland with towering rock formations and panoramic canyons. You can also find 'The Palisade' butte, a significant geological feature north of Gateway, characterized by vertical cliffs and deep rugged canyons.

For families, Corn Lake is an excellent choice, offering a trail that encircles the lake, picnic shelters, boat ramps, and restrooms. Riverbend Park also provides a paved trail for hiking and biking, disc golf, picnic areas, and a playground. Many orchards, like Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard, offer U-pick opportunities, which can be a fun family activity.

To delve into Palisade's past, visit the Palisade History Museum. Located in a pre-1939 log structure, it offers free admission and insights into the area's agricultural history, coal mining, and the evolution of its peach industry. The historic Downtown Palisade also features charming boutiques, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants, including the Blue Pig Gallery.

Palisade is renowned as the 'Peach Capital of Colorado' and its wine country. You can explore its agricultural heritage by driving or cycling the Fruit & Wine Byway, which winds through picturesque orchards and vineyards. Many of the over 30 local wineries, such as Varaison Vineyards & Winery or Colterris Winery, offer tours and tastings. You can also visit U-pick farms like Z's Orchards for fresh peaches and other stone fruits.

Yes, Palisade offers a variety of hiking trails. The Palisade Rim upper Loop Trail - Epic Viewpoint provides stunning views. For a more challenging experience, the Palisade Rim Trail offers sweeping views from over 1,000 feet above town. You can find more hiking options, including the Mount Garfield Trail and Coal Canyon, in the Hiking around Palisade guide.

Beyond hiking, the Colorado River flows through Palisade, offering opportunities for fishing, rafting, float trips, and paddleboarding. For cyclists, the Fruit & Wine Byway provides scenic routes through orchards and vineyards. You can find various cycling routes, including the Fruit and Wine Byway Loop, in the Cycling around Palisade guide. The Palisade Bike Skills Park is also available for beginner mountain bikers.

Palisade offers outdoor activities year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for enjoying the Colorado River and the famous peach harvest. In winter, nearby Grand Mesa offers cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.

Absolutely. While Palisade is known for its wine, you can also visit the Palisade Brewing Company for a selection of craft beers and pub food. Peach Street Distillers produces small-batch spirits using local fruits and grains, offering another unique local beverage experience.

Visitors frequently highlight the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like the Palisade Rim upper Loop Trail - Epic Viewpoint, which offers extensive vistas of the Grand Valley and the Colorado River. The opportunity to spot wild horses at Wild Horses Plateau on Mount Garfield is also a unique and cherished experience. The blend of natural beauty with the rich agricultural landscape of vineyards and orchards is a major draw.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Palisade Rim Trail is a 13-mile route considered difficult, offering sweeping views from high above the town. The Palisade Plunge (Final Chute) is also a challenging mountain biking section, known for its narrow, sandy, and exposed terrain near the edge of a cliff. More challenging routes can be found in the Hiking around Palisade and Cycling around Palisade guides.

Yes, in addition to its famous vineyards and orchards, Palisade also features beautiful lavender farms. Sage Creations Organic Farm is one such place where visitors can sometimes pick fresh lavender, offering a fragrant and unique agricultural experience.