Palisade: River Trails, Wine and Local History

Discover Palisade through three highlights: trails along the Colorado River, a landscape shaped by fruit and wine growing, and local history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Palisade, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests: cycling, tastings and seasonal pick-your-own offerings lead to different experiences than historical walks or a visit during the Peach Festival. The Palisade Peach Festival takes place every year on the third Friday and Saturday in August at Riverbend Park in Palisade, Colorado. If you’re planning your trip around it, check the specific festival dates for that year.

Along the Colorado River: Trails and Activities

The Palisade section of the Colorado Riverfront Trail starts at Riverbend Park, at the south end of Brentwood Drive. It crosses the Grand Valley Irrigation Canal and runs 0.75 miles along the north bank of the Colorado River. The Colorado Riverfront Trail is suitable for easy walks, birdwatching and cycling. Riverbend Park has a paved trail for walking and cycling that follows the Colorado River.

Palisade has routes for mountain bikes and gravel bikes, including the Palisade Plunge, a downhill route for experienced riders. Check trail conditions and access before setting out. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also possible on the Colorado River near Palisade. Water conditions and equipment availability vary, so it’s a good idea to check before your outing.

Fruit & Wine Byway and Local Produce

The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway is divided into three routes and is designed for drivers and cyclists. Along the Byway are orchards, lavender gardens and vineyards, as well as wineries and farm stands selling fresh fruit.

Palisade’s vineyards and orchards lie between the Colorado River and Grand Mesa. Warm days, cool nights and a high-desert climate are among the conditions in which they thrive. Many wineries have tasting rooms where visitors can sample wine or enjoy a glass; opening hours vary by tasting room.

Pick-your-own offerings are also available at Palisade’s orchards and farms. Availability is seasonal, and some offerings may require a reservation. At Sage Creations Organic Farm in Palisade, visitors can pick lavender seasonally. If you’re planning a visit, check the applicable seasonal details.

Discover Local History on Foot

The Historic Crissey House is stop 10 on the Palisade Historic Walking Tour. Built in 1907, the Herbert and Edith Crissey House is associated with Palisade’s first decade. The Palisade Historical Society offers guided walks on request and for special groups. Topics include Colonel Bower, the town center and historic sites around downtown Palisade.

The story of Palisade’s first history museum begins with the renovation of a log cabin built before 1939. George Bunte Jr. had it built for his freight company, Grand Junction Palisade Freight. The Palisade History Museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; admission is free. Check opening hours before you arrive.

The Palisade Historic Walking Tour brochure is also available as an e-book. Printed copies are available in the holder beneath the Historic Downtown Palisade Sign on 3rd Street between Main Street and Kluge Avenue, as well as at the Palisade Chamber of Commerce and the Palisade Branch Library. This lets you familiarize yourself with the stops before a walk or use the brochure along the way.

Discover more destinations: Fruita, De Beque, Redlands, Grand Junction.

Back to the main travel overview: Mesa.