Palisade is a region in western Colorado, defined by its unique microclimate and varied landscape, which includes the towering Grand Mesa, the prominent Mount Garfield, and the winding Colorado River. This geography, combined with extensive orchards and vineyards, creates a distinct environment for outdoor pursuits. The area offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling, with routes traversing river valleys, agricultural lands, and mountain foothills.
Palisade provides a range of outdoor…
16
Routes
5
(8)
Average rating
310
People visited

5.0
(1)
47
hikers
5.67km
02:25
510m
510m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
14
hikers
14.3km
06:18
420m
420m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(2)
14
hikers
13.5km
04:49
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
5
hikers
7.47km
02:02
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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13
riders
30.3km
01:52
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
riders
87.2km
05:11
650m
650m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
17.5km
01:01
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8.81km
00:53
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
59
riders
68.8km
03:18
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

27
riders
56.9km
02:52
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

18
riders
110km
05:49
1,980m
1,980m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

16
riders
23.4km
01:22
60m
60m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Palisade offers diverse outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The region features varied landscapes such as the Grand Mesa, Mount Garfield, and the Colorado River, providing a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like the Palisade Rim Trail.
Palisade offers various hiking experiences, from easy walks around Corn Lake to scenic routes in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area. The Grand Mesa also provides numerous trails suitable for different skill levels. For more information, explore the Hiking around Palisade guide.
Palisade is well-known for its cycling opportunities, including touring and road cycling. The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway offers scenic rides through orchards and vineyards, with loops ranging from 5 miles (8 km) to 25 miles (40 km). Mountain biking trails like the 13-mile (21 km) Palisade Rim Trail are also available. Discover more in the Cycling around Palisade guide.
The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway is a popular route for touring and road cycling, winding through the region's orchards, vineyards, and fruit stands. It features various loops, including a 5-mile (8 km) East Cruiser Loop and a 7-mile (11 km) West Cruiser Loop. A more challenging 25-mile (40 km) East Orchard Mesa Loop offers additional hills and vistas. Find detailed routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Palisade guide.
Yes, Palisade features challenging mountain biking trails for experienced riders. The Palisade Plunge is a notable trail, spanning 30 miles (48 km) and descending more than 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) from the Grand Mesa. The Palisade Rim Trail also offers 13 miles (21 km) of scenic mountain biking. Local bike shops provide rentals and shuttle services.
Palisade is home to several natural attractions, including the Grand Mesa, known as the world's largest flat-topped mountain. Mount Garfield features dramatic sandstone cliffs and offers trails with expansive views. The Colorado River winds through the area, providing opportunities for water activities and scenic backdrops.
Palisade offers family-friendly outdoor options, such as easy walking paths around Corn Lake. The region's orchards and vineyards provide gentle routes suitable for touring cycling, allowing families to explore the agricultural landscape. Many wineries and fruit stands are accessible along these routes.
Routes in Palisade have an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from 8 users who have completed and reviewed routes in the region. More than 340 visitors have explored Palisade using komoot.
Komoot offers several guides for exploring Palisade, covering various activities. Available guides include Hiking around Palisade, Cycling around Palisade, and Road Cycling Routes around Palisade. These guides provide detailed information and route suggestions.
For additional information about Palisade, including local attractions and events, the official tourism website is www.visitpalisade.com. The Palisade Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (970) 464-7458 for further inquiries. These resources provide comprehensive details for planning a visit.
The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area, near Palisade, offers opportunities to observe wild horses in their natural habitat. The diverse landscapes, including the Grand Mesa and Colorado River, also support various bird species and other wildlife. Visitors may encounter local fauna while exploring trails.
The Palisade Plunge is a renowned mountain biking trail designed for expert riders. It spans approximately 30 miles (48 km) and features a significant descent of more than 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) from the top of the Grand Mesa into downtown Palisade. This trail offers a challenging and exhilarating experience.

