Ah, false spring—that wonderful time when the mountains give us a taste of warmer weather before winter reminds us it’s not quite done yet. It’s the perfect excuse to break out of the winter routine and go explore. This time, we set our sights westward, destination: Palisade, Colorado (just a two-hour drive from Eagle County).
Weekend getaways like this are a great way to shake things up, get out of the house, and take a break from the daily routine. A little sunshine and fresh air can do wonders!
Exploring your own state as a tourist is always an exciting experience, so here’s a breakdown of our weekend in Palisade, along with some tips if you’d like to plan a similar trip.
Friday Evening: Packing and Preparing
Packing for a weekend getaway can sometimes feel like a last-minute scramble, but by Friday evening, we had all our essentials ready to go: bikes, duffel bags, and a cooler full of snacks and Saturday dinner. It’s always a good idea to have everything prepped the night before—especially snacks. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to spend precious time looking for the perfect road trip snack.
For this trip, we packed the usual essentials: granola bars, trail mix, sandwich makings, and of course, some sweet treats. Don’t forget the coffee—you’ll need it for the early morning departure!
Saturday
9:00 AM: On the Road!
We hit the road, leaving Eagle County and cruising down I-70 west. The drive through Glenwood Canyon is gorgeous, and as we followed the Colorado River, the landscape shifted from mountains to red rocks and then to expansive mesas as we got closer to Palisade.
It’s one of those drives where you just want to pull over every five minutes to snap a picture. But we had a destination, so onward we went!
12:30 PM: Colorado National Monument – Fruita, CO
After passing the Colorado National Monument countless times on our way to Moab during previous trips, I finally decided it was time to make a stop—and I’m so glad I did. This park is absolutely stunning, and it was the perfect way to kick off our adventure.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at Colorado National Monument:
- Visitor Center: This is where we started. Grab a map, check out the souvenirs, and get some tips from the rangers on what to see.
- Trails for All Levels: There are a variety of hikes here, from easy strolls to more challenging options. Whether you’re up for a short walk or a longer trek, you’ll find something that suits you.
We decided on a short and sweet hike along the Canyon Rim Trail. This one gave us stunning views of Grand Mesa, Grand Junction, and Fruita, plus a great look at Independence Monument—a popular climbing spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Exploring Rim Rock Drive
After the Visitor Center, we hopped back in the car and drove along Rim Rock Drive to take in the views. This scenic route has plenty of overlooks for photos and a few short trails to stretch your legs. Here are a few stops we made:
- Otto’s Trail: A quick hike with great views.
- Coke Ovens Trail: Another short trail with sweeping canyon views.
- Devil’s Kitchen Trail: This was definitely a highlight! The short, out-and-back trail led us scrambling up rocks, with a beautiful canyon view at the top.
We eventually made it to the Devil’s Kitchen Picnic Area, where we enjoyed a late lunch. The picnic shelter was peaceful and secluded, making it the perfect spot to relax before heading out of the park for the next part of our adventure.
4:30 PM: Our Airbnb Stay
After our time at Colorado National Monument, it was time to check in to our Airbnb in Clifton, just outside of Palisade. We booked a place on a working farm—it was cheaper than staying in wine country, and we got the bonus of hanging out with farm animals. It was the perfect spot to unwind.
The farm was located right along the Colorado River, with a beautiful view of the Grand Mesa. The sunset that evening was absolutely breathtaking—those red hues against the rocks were the perfect end to a day of exploring. We were joined by three friendly guard dogs who made their rounds and then cuddled up with us on the porch. A cozy, peaceful experience.
Sunday
7:00 AM: Coffee, Farm Animals, and Check Out
We woke up to another stunning red sunrise and enjoyed coffee while soaking in the peaceful morning. After breakfast, we took one last stroll around the farm to say goodbye to the pigs, alpacas, horses, and peacocks.
11:00 AM: Biking
It was time to hit the road again and check out the One Riverfront Trail for a scenic bike ride. The trailhead was conveniently close to our Airbnb, and the smooth, paved trail was perfect for an easy ride. We passed ponds full of families fishing, cruised through sections of James M. Robb State Park, and turned around when we felt good.
1:30 PM: Exploring Palisade
After our bike ride, we made a pit stop at Mt. Garfield Greenhouse and Nursery (highly recommend it for all your gardening needs) and then headed into Palisade for lunch.
Pro tip: parking is free at the main lot just outside of downtown, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot.
We grabbed lunch at Palisade Brewing Company, where we enjoyed beers and sandwiches on the patio. Afterward, we strolled through downtown and popped into the Blue Big Gallery, a local art gallery with two floors of unique artwork. It’s a great way to spend some time before heading back home.
Sustainable Hiking Tips: Taking Care of Nature
As we explored, we were reminded of how important it is to take care of our outdoor spaces. Here are a few quick tips to make your hike more sustainable:
- Pack it in, pack it out: this is a core principle of “Leave No Trace”, meaning that you should take all trash and waste out of the backcountry, ensuring that the environment remains pristine for future visitors and wildlife.
- Reusable water bottles: Help reduce plastic waste by using a reusable bottle.
- Stay on the trail: It’s not just for safety—it helps protect delicate ecosystems and prevents the spread of invasive species.
- Respect other users: Be mindful of who shares the trail. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders all have different needs.
Extend Your Stay: A Few More Things to Do
If you have extra time, here are some ideas to make your stay even more memorable:
- Visit Glenwood Springs: Take a leisurely walk downtown, do some shopping, and enjoy the many hot springs the town has to offer.
- Tour Palisade wineries: If you visit during the harvest season, Palisade’s wineries and tasting rooms are a must-try.
- Camp at Colorado National Monument: For a truly immersive experience, spend the night camping within the monument to wake up to those incredible canyon views.
Wrapping Up the Weekend
It was truly a wonderful weekend in Palisade, Colorado. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, enjoying local wines, or just relaxing, Palisade offers something for everyone. The combination of stunning scenery, delicious food, and the charm of a small town makes it a great destination for a weekend getaway.
So, if you’re looking for a refreshing break and some time in nature, give Palisade a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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