Overview
Palisade is a sleepy farming community founded in 1904 in northwestern Colorado, named for the dramatic stone palisades of Mesa Verde Sandstone and Mancos Shale. Over 75 percent of Colorado's wine grapes come from Palisade, and the town is home to over a dozen wineries.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Festivals · Nature
Before you go
Culture
Small-town charm with informal, rustic feel. Historic Victorian gingerbread houses line the road into town; Main Street offers a Norman Rockwell setting.
Festivals
Three major festivals: Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival, Palisade Peach Fest, and Colorado Mountain Wine Fest draw crowds in summer and fall.
Packing
Bring camera for photogenic mesas, rock formations, and vineyards. Comfortable walking shoes for downtown; cycling gear if planning winery visits by bike.
Transport
Palisade is located just off Interstate 70 near Grand Junction. A car is recommended to visit wineries and orchards spread across the valley.
Weather
Best times to visit are May, June or September for mild weather. Summer brings heat; winters are cold but wineries remain accessible.