Things to Do in the Fall in Palisade

Fall is the perfect time to plan a mini getaway. The hustle and bustle of summertime vacations have died down, but the weather in Palisade, Colorado, stays gorgeous well into the fall months of September, October, and November. If you’re looking for a quaint town that will feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook, Palisade is just the place to visit this fall. Beautiful autumn leaves, delicious fruit harvests, the best weather for mountain hikes, and wine tasting from award-winning vineyards are in your future.

U-Pick Orchards and Fall Peach Harvests

Palisade has long been known for its deliciously sweet peaches, so why wait for them to come to you? Visit U-Pick orchards such as Green Barn Fruit Co., Mt. Lincoln Peach Co., Palisade Peach Shack, or Green Acres U-Pick and select your fruit fresh from the tree. Orchards in Palisade grow cherries, apricots, apples, and pears, in addition to the famous peach.

If u-pick isn’t your style, don’t worry! You can still get your fresh produce at any of Palisade’s locally owned farms and orchards or at the Farmers Market, held every Sunday until October 9.

Colorado Wine Week – September 10-17, 2023

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just beginning to discover all that Colorado vineyards have to offer, Colorado Wine Week is the place to be September 10-17. The week’s itinerary is chock full of different activities, including wine pairing dinners, chef demos, local tours, paint and sips, murder mystery dinners, craft fairs, morning yoga, puppies, and so much more. Rounding out the week is Colorado Mountain Winefest, an all-day event in Riverbend Park featuring over 40 wineries and live music. Learn more and purchase tickets at coloradowinefest.com.

Fall Colors Viewing

The beautiful foliage is undoubtedly one of the best things about fall in Colorado. The cottonwoods, ash trees, and aspens in Palisade create stunning displays of color. The Grand Mesa, a popular destination for taking in the scenery, is only about an hour outside Palisade. If you take a drive to view the colors, be sure to end your day in Palisade with a delicious dinner from one of our local restaurants.

Wine Tasting

Photo Credit John Fielder

Truth be told, there isn’t a wrong time to go wine tasting in Palisade, but fall is a great time to go! Make it an extra memorable experience by booking a tour company such as JR’s Carriage Service. Nothing quite beats clopping through Palisade in a horse-drawn carriage, sampling wines crafted by experienced winemakers, and taking in the beautiful scenery. Need we say more?

Fall Hikes

Since it’s not unusual for temperatures to hit triple digits in the summer, outdoor recreation activities are often best done in the early morning. But in the fall months, temperatures drop just enough to make a hike much more bearable.

For a more leisurely hike, choose the River Bend Park Trail. Paved and beautiful, it’s perfect for walking or running. If you’re looking for a more moderate trail level and gorgeous views, choose the Palisade Rim Trail. And for the experienced hiker, the Mount Garfield trail offers a challenging hike up one of the most iconic rock formations in the area but rewards you with an impressive view of the entire valley.

If you visit Palisade this fall, tag us in your photos @visitpalisade and let us know what you enjoyed most!