Palisade Colorado Recreation

With a mild climate and plenty of diverse terrain, Palisade, Colorado is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Palisade borders the Bookcliffs and Grand Mesa National Forest, which offer hiking, biking, camping and much more. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, head to nearby Powderhorn Ski Resort for some steep and deep skiing or snowboarding. Whether it’s hiking at a state park, biking on the Palisade scenic bike route or taking in the wild life at the Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Area, Palisade is sure to please.

Road Biking in Palisade

With the sun shining down, the majestic Mount Garfield and Grand Mesa standing guard and smooth road ahead, there is no better way to experience Palisade, Colorado, than on your bike.

You’ll get to see Palisade orchards and vineyards up close by riding East Orchard Mesa between Highway 6 in Palisade and Colorado 141 south of Clifton. Begin at 38 Road in Palisade, which takes you zigzagging through grapevines, peach, apple and cherry trees and two wineries with public tasting rooms. At E Road, turn left one D 1/4 Road and continue following the road, which will continue heading south and west. When you get to 32 Road/Colorado 141, head north and then east on D 1/2 Road. Continue heading north and east until you reach Palisade.

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Climate

Winters are moderately cold with daytime highs averaging about freezing and dropping to the mid-teens and low-20s at night. Snowfall averages about 12 inches in Palisade, but seldom stays around for any length of time. On the Grand Mesa, expect 6-10 feet of snow annually.

In the spring and early fall, temperatures are in the mid-60s to low-80s and the Grand Valley sees a frost-free period of 160-180 days annually, which is three weeks longer than the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.