Top 6 Fall Things to Do in Palisade, Colorado
Sweater weather in Palisade is one of the best times of the year! In the fall, the weather isn’t quite as hot, the crowds are a little smaller, and our vistas are a little more golden!
Take a Ride with JR Carriage Service
Experience the brilliant tapestry of fall colors and the warm tones of the surrounding mountains as you embark on a charming carriage ride. Let the crisp air and golden sunlight fill your senses while the vibrant oranges and yellows of the season create a breathtaking backdrop. Seeing the Grand Valley from a horse-drawn carriage gives you a new perspective! After all, Palisade has deeply agricultural roots. JR’s Carriage Service offers many types of carriage packages, but a fan favorite is the Horse-Drawn Wine Tour. This package can carry up to 14 guests on a private tour. During the tour, your guide will bring you to 3-7 different winery locations, curated to your specific pallet and tasting objectives. The tour can also stop at local fruit stands, lavender farms, historical landmarks, breweries, and distilleries. Book your tour online.
Experience the Fall Colors on the Grand Mesa
Peak fall color season on the Grand Mesa is in September, but the aspens are still lingering with yellows and golds throughout October. Plus, it’s the perfect time of year to explore the many lakes and hiking trails in cooler weather compared to our hot summer months.
If you love the outdoors, the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway is not to be missed. When heading east on I-70, take Exit 49 to CO-65 N. The road will wind for miles up to the top of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain. From there, we recommend choosing one of the Top Hikes for optimal views. They vary in length and difficulty level, but all have incredible scenery!
Every September, Powderhorn Resort celebrates Color Weekend, when visitors can purchase a lift ticket to take in the gorgeous colors from above. Some take a round-trip on the lift, others use it to hitch a ride to the top for epic hikes or mountain biking downhill. Live music and specialty food and drinks are found at the base of the resort. This date usually happens in late September, so keep your eye out for next year’s event!
Learn a Little History
Feel inspired and retrospective with some of our local educational opportunities. If you’re looking for some indoor activities in Palisade, the Palisade History Museum is open four days a week, year-round! It’s free to visit (although donations are appreciated) and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll see unique exhibits about Palisades coal mining and agricultural roots. Stop in the museum, which was once a trucking shop, located at 3740 G Road.
Explore Palisade by Bike
Fill your lungs with fresh air and feel the breeze on your face while biking through Palisade! Palisade and the Grand Valley often experience milder weather than the rest of Colorado, thanks to the surrounding mountains that preserve a warm little oasis in the center. So, fall is the perfect time to explore our Fruit & Wine Byway since the days are still warm and sunny, but the intense July and August heat has passed. The average temperature in October is a high of 68 degrees. Plus, October is the peak season for fall colors in Palisade! With all the vineyards turning shades of yellow and orange, the Fruit & Wine Byway is truly the best way to experience all of the autumnal magic.
When biking through Palisade, make sure to leave time to stop at local favorites like Vines 79 Wine Barn, Sauvage Spectrum Winery, Talbott’s Hard Cider Tap Room, Restoration Vineyards, and Carlson Vineyards – all of which can be found along the East Orchard Mesa Loop.
Eat a Locally Sourced Meal at Pêche
Pair sweet vanilla ice cream with the perfect juicy Palisade peach, and sample the pork chop topped with sweet corn and locally grown chiles … the flavors are practically calling you in! If you’ve been waiting for a sign to make a reservation at Pêche, this is it! Here, you’ll find some of the finest dining in Palisade, although the atmosphere is very relaxed and easygoing. In Pêche, you’ll taste exquisite cuisine from locally sourced farmers in an open kitchen environment. The menus often change, as each meal is a thoughtfully designed composition that changes with the seasons. But we promise you’ll love every bite. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online or by calling 970-464-4911.
Check Out the New Art
You need to check out Palisade’s burgeoning arts community, and we just installed some new pieces in downtown! Check out the sculptures.
The Craig Gallery also has lots of new artwork including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Pop in to see the featured artists’ work and maybe purchase a treasure of your own to take home! It’s the perfect way to commemorate a trip to Palisade, Colorado.