Photography Gus Gusciora©

Written By NICHOLE ZANGARA
Palisade received its name for the austere and dramatic palisades of Mancos shale just north of town. Also known as the"Banana Belt" Palisade's climate makes peach and grape growing major industries. Nestled in the eastern corner of the Grand Valley just off I-70, this Victorian-styled town celebrates its centennial this year, in addition to its ongoing tributes to vineyards and peach production.

During the summertime, festivals commemorate the rich soil and bountiful orchards. While in Palisade, take a bike ride through this pastoral, pristine setting, visiting wineries along the way. For awe-inspiring views of the valleys and a chance to see wild horses, walk along the historic stagecoach trail, which winds to the top of the Bookcliffs-one of the three areas in the western United States where feral horse roam freely. For a hiking-good-time, head to Mt. Garfield Trail, a two-mile, 2,000-vertical-foot climb encompassing a section of the Colorado Plateau. For the less adventurous, Gearhart Mine Trail extends over two miles without much climbing.

Five miles east of Palisade lies Island Acres, a large island with three lakes (left behind by the Colorado River), where camping, fishing and swimming make for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. For wintertime fun, the Grand Mesa, a lava-capped plateau and the world's largest flat-top mountain, comes alive with skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. With so many things to do and see, a visit to Palisade is always a sweet and delicious experience.

LOCAL STATISTICS:

Attractions/Services:
Colorado WineFest
Eleven Local Wineries
Fruit Orchards and Stands
Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Range
Grand Mesa

Calendar of Events:
Palisade Peach Festival
August 19-22

Voted Best of the West in Festivals/Events for many years.

Incredible Year-Round Climate! Centennial Celebration in 2004!