Palisade has traditionally been viewed as a summer destination, and for good reason. It’s the heart of Colorado’s wine country, with approximately 30 unique vineyards and tasting experiences, and it’s also home to the Fruit & Wine Byway, a trail of orchards, farms, and vineyards that goes on for nearly 40 miles. Plus, peach-picking, river rafting, camping, and, well, you get the idea.
But what about winter? Isn’t it cold in Western Colorado? Sure… sort of. Palisade sits at 4,700 feet above sea level, meaning it does experience winter conditions. However, because it’s a high-desert climate, the months of December, January, February, and March also bring with them a lot of sunshine.
So what will it be? Skiing? Desert hiking? Wine tasting? Check out all there is to experience in Palisade during the winter months.
Desert Hiking + Biking
You can’t beat the desert on a bright winter day; the fresh, clean air, the blue sky, and the warming sun. It’s a great time of year to find yourself wandering the rocky cliffsides, deep gorges, and serpentine canyons in and around Palisade.
There are multiple trails that leave right from the town of Palisade, including the Mt. Garfield Trail – which summits the iconic Mt. Garfield peak on the Bookcliffs – and the Palisade Rim Trail, which explores the foothills of the Grand Mesa and is now part of the Palisade Plunge Bike Trail.
Just a short drive from Palisade are other beautiful areas, such as the Colorado National Monument, Devil’s Canyon, and Rabbit Valley, all great for hiking and biking.
Wine Tasting
Palisade is home to nearly 30 wineries, and though each offers its own unique vibe, setting, and specialty, they all share mountain views and provide an unpretentious atmosphere to hang out. Whether you pull up a chair outside on a sunny winter day or sit inside to escape the chill with some red wine, winter is a wonderful time to wine taste.
Snow in the forecast? Even better. Wine tasting as the snow falls outside is an unforgettable, charming experience to have in Palisade.
Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Snowmobiling
One of the coolest and most unique aspects of Palisade is its position at the foot of the Grand Mesa. From town, you can look up and see the snow on “The Mesa,” which is considered the largest flat-top mountain the world, home to more than 300 lakes, dozens of hiking trails, off-road four-wheeling, and both frontcountry and backcountry camping.
It’s also the hub of snow-driven activity in the area. Just 45 minutes from downtown Palisade is Powderhorn Mountain, a wonderful, non-touristy ski resort that boasts beautiful tree runs, beginner and expert terrain, and a large outdoor deck for lunch and apres.
If you’re into cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, the Mesa has many options. The trails maintained by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council are a great place to start.
Finally, there are miles and miles of snowmobile trails that cut through the vast backcountry of the Grand Mesa. Thunder Mountain Lodge, the Grand Mesa Lodge, and Altitude Outdoor Adventures all offer snowmobile tours of the area.
Explore Pali as ‘Pleasuretown’
The wineries often steal the show, but did you know that Palisade also has a brewery, distillery, three hard cider makers, and two pot shops? All within just a few square miles, in between orchards and farms.
Not bad for a town of 3,000 residents! It’s no wonder we here at Palisade Kombucha have started referring to Palisade as ‘Pleasuretown.’
If you’re looking to relax after a hard hike/bike/ski, or simply want to bop around on a rest day, you’re going to be very happy with the local purveyors in Palisade. Don’t miss (in no specific order): Palisade Brewing, Peach Street Distillers, Red Fox Hard Cider, Talbott’s Hard Cider, Happy Camper, and the Colorado Weedery.
Palisade Kombucha 