Let’s Go, Girls!

How to spend a few days in Palisade with your best friends

Raise your glass if this sounds familiar: work has been a little too demanding lately, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and the yard work never seems to come to an end, no matter how many weeds you pull! If a weekend away wine tasting and outdoor adventuring with your best girls sounds like just the break you need, read on for some trip inspiration and activities on the beautiful western slope of Colorado in Palisade.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

The Paddleboard Adventure Company in Palisade has everything you need to explore the Colorado River. Whether you’re in the mood for a lazy float in a ducky or tube or are ready to get the grand tour by paddleboard, we recommend getting out on the water at least once during your trip to Palisade. The summers in our high desert climate can get hot, and nothing beats the heat like a dip in the river. Please remember: safety first, and always wear a lifejacket!

Go Horseback Riding through Little Bookcliff Wild Horse Area

Rhyne Horses offers guided trail rides through Cameo. You might even see some wild horses out on the trail! This is the perfect opportunity to embrace your inner Shania Twain and experience Colorado outdoors on horseback. If you’re looking for something a little tamer and booze friendly, they also offer horseback wine rides at Colterris Winery in Palisade (and if you ask us, horses and wine seem like the perfect combination).

Get Crafty at Spun

The local studio and supply shop, Spun, has everything you need to start knitting, weaving, crocheting, and more. They offer open studio sessions to make any craft you’d like or a knitting class to create your own hats, mittens, fingerless gloves, blankets, and more! If you find a new hobby you really love, get looms, yarn, and needles to take home. Learn more at spun.buzz.

Take the Fruit and Wine Byway

Many visitors to Palisade love to explore the area via the Fruit and Wine Byway. It’s a great way to hit multiple wineries, enjoy the mountain views of the Grand Mesa and Bookcliffs, and cruise along on a bike. The West Cruiser Loop is a seven-mile ride that will take you through Riverbend Park and the most wineries of any loop. Stop by Palisade favorites such as Carboy Winery at Garfield Estates, Red Fox Cellars, Colterris Collection, Colorado Vintner’s Collective, Talon Wines at the Meadery, Grande River Vineyards, and so many more!

Don’t worry about bringing a bike with you. You can rent bikes and ebikes from local shops, including Palisade Cycle and Shuttle or Paddleboard Adventure Company.

Go Wine Tasting

With over 30 wineries in the area, you really can’t come to Palisade without stopping to do a little tasting at at least one of them. Browse the full list of wineries and choose your own adventure on our Wineries to Try page, or book a tour with a trusted local tour company to help you determine which ones should be on your must-see list. Local tour guides have extensive knowledge of the area, can customize your ride to your party, and take care of the driving, so all you have to worry about is which wines you want to bring home with you.

Many wineries have live music and events happening during the summer months, so it’s worth calling ahead to see if anything special is happening. Food trucks, good wine, live music, and views of the sun setting across the Grand Valley make for a pretty epic Friday night with your girlfriends! You can also browse our complete events calendar to help you plan your trip.

Don’t Forget to Book Accommodations!

Stay close to the action (and the wine) by booking a place to stay in Palisade. We’re proud to be home to several adorable bed and breakfasts, pet-friendly motels within walking distance of restaurants, and campgrounds for your RV or tent. Find the perfect lodging option for your group on our Where to Stay page.