Palisade

• Beat the weekend crowds by planning your visit during the week—this gives you more space to savor wine tastings, orchards, and trails without the rush.
• Stick to marked paths, especially on the Palisade Rim. Shortcuts may damage native plants or encroach on private property.
• Preserve the landscape—carry out all your trash. Bonus: if you see litter on your route, pick it up and leave the area better than you found it.
• Orchards line many routes, but the fruit is not free for the picking. Support local growers instead—visit fruit stands or U‑Pick orchards for a proper taste.
• Rent a cruiser and explore vineyards and orchards at a leisurely pace. It’s scenic and local-favorite way to experience the area—just be sure to book rentals in advance.
• Venture beyond town—nearby treasures include the Colorado National Monument, the dramatic Grand Mesa Plunge trail, and even wild horse viewing in the Book Cliffs.

• Palisade locals greet riders and pedestrians with a nod or wave.
• Visitors are encouraged to explore during off-peak weekday hours to avoid crowds and get a more intimate experience.
• Please do not pick produce from the vineyards and trees lining the roads.

• Palisade is situated near drainage basins prone to flash floods, heavy, sudden rainfall can lead to dangerous runoff. Always monitor weather forecasts and stay alert during monsoon or storm conditions.
• The region’s terrain includes landslide-prone areas and unstable slopes, some derived from Grand Mesa’s debris flows and rockfall zones. Trails and roads near cliffs or steep ground may be risky, especially after rain.
• Palisade faces a moderate wildfire risk over the coming decades. Stay informed during fire seasons, follow local fire restrictions, and be ready to evacuate quickly if conditions intensify.
• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when paddle boarding, kayaking, or floating the Colorado River. Many launch sites even lend life vests for free.
• If you're venturing into backcountry or trail areas, carry the essentials: navigation, sun protection, clothing layers, light, first aid, firestarter, tools, extra food and water. Also, let someone know your route and expected return time.
• Violent crime in Palisade is very rare—often reported as zero in recent years. Property crime does exist but remains below many national and Colorado averages. That said, certain neighborhoods see higher incidents—survey your surroundings and take basic precautions.

• Dogs on leashes are permitted on trails such as the Palisade Plunge.
• Most u-pick farms and tasting rooms permit pets on outdoor patios, though you should always check locally with each farm or winery.

While there’s no municipal transit system, Palisade is well-equipped for accessibility via tour shuttles, bike rentals, and pedestrian-friendly downtown streets. Trail routes and services ensure access across most winery and orchard experiences.

Visitors are urged to use reusable water bottles and pack a gallon per person per day, due to Palisade’s high desert climate.

Picking up any litter and leaving the place better than you found it is part of the “Do Palisade Right” ethos.

No major scams concerning tourists, just stay aware and alert.

For medical or trail-related emergencies, dial 911 (first responders in Mesa County). For visitor center assistance, call 970‑464‑5602 (Palisade Visitor Center).