A Little-Known Town in Colorado Is Being Called America’s Coolest Desert Destination
Most people picture ski slopes, alpine cabins, and mountain peaks when Colorado comes up in conversation. The state has more snow-capped beauty than nearly anywhere else in the country. However, the western part of Colorado features a small desert town that flips the stereotype on its head. It’s got sunbaked cliffs, vineyards, lavender fields, and some of the juiciest peaches in the country.
A Desert Town That Shouldn’t Exist (But Does)
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Located about 11 miles east of Grand Junction, Palisade lies along the Colorado River in the Grand Valley. Unlike Colorado’s mountain destinations, it’s a high-desert community characterized by red cliffs, mild weather, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The town was founded in 1904 and got its name from the sheer cliffs nearby, known as the Palisades. With just over 2,500 residents, it’s small enough that locals still wave at strangers but big enough to hold its own on the state’s tourism map.
Palisade is special for its climate. The town gets hot days and cool nights, a rare mix that turns the valley into prime real estate for fruit orchards and vineyards. Locals call it “The Peach Capital of Colorado,” but it’s also known as the state’s wine country.
More than 30 wineries grow grapes like Cabernet franc and Sauvignon blanc, and the area has been compared to California’s Napa Valley, only with less traffic and more river views.
Where Peaches and Wine Share the Spotlight
The town’s reputation starts with its fruit. Palisade peaches have a sweetness that comes straight from the soil and the desert heat. Stores across Colorado proudly display them with “Colorado Proud” labels during harvest season. Visitors who time their trips right can even pick peaches straight from the trees at local farms.
Wine is the other reason people come to Palisade. The town’s vineyards stretch out against a backdrop of mesas and canyons. Some travelers explore by bike, pedaling along the Fruit and Wine Byway, which connects the downtown area to local orchards, fields, and tasting rooms. Others book a shuttle or a carriage tour and sip their way through the valley.
You don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy it, either. Many of the wineries host casual tastings, outdoor events, and summer concerts. The Wine Country Inn offers guests a chance to stay right among the vineyards and join nightly wine receptions before sunset.
More Than Wine Country
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Palisade’s surrounding desert and river trails give the town an adventurous side that surprises most first-time visitors. The Palisade Rim Trail offers sweeping views of the valley below, while the Mount Garfield hike rewards anyone who can handle a steep climb with incredible panoramas of the Colorado River. For something slower, there’s the Riverbend Park Trail, perfect for a morning walk or run.
During the warmer months, locals trade hiking boots for paddles and take to the river for rafting and paddleboarding. Camping is popular, too, with options ranging from full-service RV resorts to primitive sites near the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain.
A Year-Round Reason to Visit
The best part about Palisade might be that it’s worth visiting any time of year. Each season feels like a new version of the same friendly town.
Spring brings orchards covered in blossoms and events like Barrel Into Spring and the Honeybee Festival. Summer is when the town comes alive with travelers; there’s also the Lavender Festival in June, and the famous Palisade Peach Festival in August. Fall slows things down with crisp air, grape harvests, and the Colorado Mountain Winefest in September.
Even winter has its charm, with mild weather, tasting rooms, and easy access to nearby skiing at Powderhorn. Locals like to say, “Life is good here all year long,” and it’s hard to argue with that.