Local Attractions

Located at the hub of western Colorado outdoor activities, Palisade offers easy access to skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, rafting and the scenic beauty of the Colorado National Monument. Other attractions available near Palisade include the following:

The Grand Mesa

Geologically, the Grand Mesa is a lava-capped plateau. Located directly east of Palisade, it is also the world's largest flat-top mountain. Over 300 stream-fed lakes are scattered across the mesa, tempting Colorado fishermen with rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout.

Several trails have been developed for horseback riding and bicycling with varying lengths and difficulties, along with two trails marked specifically for ATVs and motorcycles.

All camping facilities feature picnic tables, water, fire rings, pit toilets and are in wooded areas. There are NO RV hookups and NO dump stations nearby. Handicapped accessible sites are available at Little Bear Campground.

Winter activities include cross-county skiing and snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing at Powderhorn Ski Resort.

Colorado State Park (Island Acres)

Five miles east of Palisade on Interstate 70 in the scenic DeBeque Canyon, Island Acres can be enjoyed year-round for fishing, camping and picnicking. As the Colorado River and the erosive forces shaped the canyon, a large island was left in the middle of the river. The area was used as a campsite by trappers, explorers and Ute Indians. From the early l900's to l967, it was used as a peach orchard and livestock ranch.

Mule deer, skunks, cottontail rabbits, weasels, ducks, Canada geese, hawks, bald eagles, blue herons and bull snakes are common to the park and surrounding areas. There are three lakes for fishing and a separate lake with a sandy beach for swimming only. Be aware that there is no lifeguard on duty. Park fees apply.

Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range

The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area is one of only three areas in the western United States set aside for wild horse herds. It encompasses 30,261 acres of rugged canyons in the Book Cliffs northwest of Palisade. From 80 to 120 wild horses roam the sagebrush parks and pinion-juniper covered hills.

Horses were introduced to the continent in the 1500s by the Spaniard who explored the western United States. These horses were known as musta-os. The ones which escaped from the early wild herds were later called mustangs. Some of the Little Book Cliffs horses ancestry traces back to the wild Indian ponies, but the majority are descendants of horses who escaped or were turned loose by farmers or ranchers.

Each spring, colts and fillies are born and the herd usually sees between an 18 to 20 percent increase. Volunteers and BLM Range managers work hard to monitor the health and habitat of the herd. There are roundups which result in some of these horses being put up for adoption with the help of Friends of the Mustangs.

The best season for riding or hiking in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range is May through September.

Hoodoo/Spring Creek Trail Loop: 13.5 miles

Tellerico Loop Trail:10.2 miles

The Coal Canyon Trail: Gate is open June through November (Motor vehicle traffic is restricted through the remainder of the year.)

Mt. Garfield and the Book Cliffs

The palisades and Mt. Garfield, rising approximately 6,800 feet above sea level, are part of the Colorado plateau. The sculptured appearance was formed by an uplifted ancient sea bed combined with localized erosion. The Ute Indians and fur trappers roamed the trails of the Book Cliffs during the past century. These trails are extremely steep, rough, and challenging. Footing is unstable and slippery, especially when wet. There is no drinking water available along the trails. Carry plenty of water with you and stay on the trail.

Mt. Garfield Trail: 2 miles. A vertical climb of 2,000 ft.

Gearhart Mine Trail: 2.5 miles and slightly easier

Palisade Memorial Park

Palisade Memorial Park is located at 120 W. 8^th Street. It is open 8 AM - 11 PM and features two shelters you can reserve. The park is home to a memorial that commemorates the late Congressman Wayne N. Aspinall, a state legislator and former resident of Palisade who advocated the development of natural resources and reclamation projects. The memorial is located at the southeast corner of the park.

Riverbend Park

The dominant feature of Palisade's Riverbend Park is the Colorado River. In late summer and winter, the river is clear and sparkling, but in the spring, floods sweep cottonwood snags down the deep red current and the river rushes noisily toward the sea.

Migratory waterfowl is commonly seen in the fall and spring. Some geese nest in or near the park and remain to rear their young. When using the trails, you may see families of beavers, wild turkeys, Great Horned Owls, and Blue Herons. Occasionally mule deer with fawns are seen. About 150 resident and migratory species of birds are common to this part of Colorado.

The interplay of weather, animals, plants and floods along the Colorado River is an ever-changing spectacle that draws many residents for a daily walk. Early morning sunrise over the Grand Mesa, and late evening sunsets behind Mt. Garfield play tricks with light and shadows on the river, providing serene views through the cottonwood trees. Equally enjoyable is the great natural diversity found in Palisade's Riverbend Park.

There are covered picnic areas along the 3/4 mile surfaced trail. The hiking/biking trailhead is located at the end of Brentwood Drive in Palisade, where the trail crosses the Grand Valley Irrigation Canal and follows along the Colorado River.

Palisade Skateboard Park & Basketball Court

Opened in December l998 and built with the cooperation of the youth of Palisade, the Palisade Task Force and the Town of Palisade, this skateboard park provides a state-of-the-art recreational opportunity for avid skateboarders and roller bladers. With adjoining six foot halfpipes, two rollovers and a spine, the skateboard park has quickly become a center of activity.

Palisade Municipal Swimming Pool

This seasonal pool boasts some of the nicest water in the valley. Located at 571 W. 5th St., the pool is open from May 24 through Labor Day. A variety of summer youth swimming lessons, adult swim and lap swim opportunities, and private parties are available. Call 970-464-5509 for more information.

Other Activities in the Palisade Area

Western Colorado Center for the Arts
The Museum of Western Colorado