Spend a Weekday in Palisade and Avoid the Crowds
Let’s face it, Colorado is on the map these days. The “secret” is out and the Centennial State is filled with tourists, especially on the weekends. Who can blame them? Our state is packed with fantastic day trips and getaways with scenic views, great food, and fun activities.
One of the best Colorado getaways is Palisade. Here you can escape the crowds and experience Colorado as it was meant to be. Come for the famed fresh peaches and stay for the wine and unparalleled views of the Book Cliffs mountain range.
Take a day or two out of your midweek and head over to the western slope to visit Palisade. Between escaping the Front Range and avoiding the weekend crowds, you can spend one day in Palisade and experience everything this classic Colorado city has to offer.
We’ve done the legwork of creating a weekday itinerary to visit Palisade where you can make the most of your time there and experience a hidden gem.
Spend One Day in Palisade, A Weekday Itinerary
Palisade is packed with a variety of luxury and outdoor activities. The small town in Mesa County, with a population of 2,565, was recently named America's “coolest desert town” by The Travel for its famed peaches, wineries, and pristine views.
Truly one of the best Colorado getaways, Palisade has everything you can imagine for a weekday visit.
Morning
Palisade Overlook - Consider starting your day in Palisade with a relaxing hike or bike ride along the Palisade Overlook. This popular trail offers amazing views of the vineyards and orchards along the valley floor. The full trail is 13 miles and soars 1,000 feet above the town, however, there is a shorter lower loop that is 4 miles and is a great way to start the day.
Brunch O’clock - Having worked up a bit of an appetite on your morning walk or bicycle ride, check out the Slice O Life Bakery for freshly baked pastries and espresso.
Midday
Check Out Local Shops - Palisade is home to a wide range of local homegrown businesses. From art at the Blue Pig Gallery to handmade goods at Wedel Pottery, there is something for everyone.
Explore On Two Wheels - See more of what Palisade has to offer from behind your handlebars. Open seven days a week, Palisade Cycle & Shuttle is a great place to get set up with a bicycle rental to use around town for a day or two. From leisurely riverside rides to extreme mountain biking, Palisade has a variety of trails for all skill levels.
Afternoon
Light Lunch - For lunch consider the 357 Bar & Grill, at 235 Main Street, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the week. The grill offers a range of burgers that are sure to refuel you after that bike ride, and they offer breakfast daily until 2 p.m.
Winery Tour - Palisade is the heart of Colorado wine country with more than 30 wineries to explore. Spend the afternoon exploring one or more of these wineries with a view. Better yet, use your bicycle to ride from one winery to another.
Evening
Dinner With A View - For dinner, we recommend Caroline’s, which serves up fresh Colorado foods with a French twist. The menu includes everything from fish, beef, and lamb to pork and wild game. Open until 9 p.m. during the week, the restaurant is part of the Wine Country Inn, which can serve as a place to stay if you opt to spend the night.
This is just a sampling of what this unique town has to offer. There’s no wrong way to spend a day in Palisade, so head on out to the western slope and enjoy a classic day trip in Colorado.