Palisade; Colorado's Wine Country

When you think of Colorado you probably don't immediately envision images of grapes on the vine or peach orchards. But in Palisade, Colorado that is exactly what you can find. Although there are small vineyards sprinkled throughout Colorado, the major concentration are in the sun-kissed valley of Palisade. Surrounded by mesas, in what is known as Grand Valley, Palisade is a quaint and savory experience.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply want something to do this weekend, there is pleasure for all in this valley of produce. Palisade, is home to many annual festivals: music festivals, bike tours, and of course their famous peach festival.

A sample of  Palisade wineries:

Maison La Belle Vie

Garfield Estates Vineyards

Canyon Wind Cellars

Meadery of the Rockies

Palisade Brewery Company

Grand River Vineyards

Colorado Cellars Vineyards

DeBeque Canyon

There are a few places to lodge in the area but even more lodging options about ten minutes away in Grand Junction. For nearby lodging:

Wine Country Inn

A Divine Thyme Bed and Breakfast

Vistas and Vineyards Bed and Breakfast

I loved the Vin De Peche sampling at this lovely French winery. 

It was like drinking a refreshing taste of summer.

Palisade; a beautiful outdoor experience.

Enjoyed the V2 sampling at Garfield Estates.

Colorado Waterfalls

Below is an abbreviated list of random waterfalls around Colorado. I tried to organize them according to their distance from Denver, starting with the closest. It may not be 100% accurate as far as distance but close enough I think.

1) Maxwell Falls
Located in Evergreen, one of the closest to Denver.

2) Boulder Falls
Obviously located just west of Boulder. Another quick stop along the road kind of adventure. Very short hike but very pretty and close to town.

3) Rainbow Falls
Located in Manitou Springs, just west of town. A very interesting short hike that is surrounded by colorful graffiti. Definitely a contrast of urban living versus natural water flow. This is a waterfall that is under a highway bridge.

4) Seven Falls
Located in Colorado Springs. This is a commercialized tourist attraction, as opposed to the others listed here that are free. Several falls. Pretty but "touristy."

5) Helen Hunt Falls
Located in Colorado Springs, the entrance is right next to Seven Falls but this site is FREE. This is a nice picnic spot.

6)Hanging Lake (probably THE most popular, and picturesque waterfall hike in Colorado!)
Located near Glenwood Springs. An ascending hike but SO worth it at the end!!

7) Agnes Vaille Falls
Located near Mt. Princeton and Buena Vista. A short and at times bumpy hike to a spectacular waterfall. Many campgrounds nearby.
 (Updated on 7/8/16: This trail is closed for now due to a fatal rockslide that occurred in 2013. Not sure if/when this will reopen. They have blocked the parking lot and posted no trespassing signs).

8) Zapata Falls
Located in between Crestone and the Sand Dunes National Park. A short hike and nice stop if you are in the area.

9) Rifle Falls
Located at Rifle Falls State Park near Rifle, CO. These you can actually hike to.

10) Treasure Falls
Located along Wolf Creek Pass down in southern Colorado near Pagosa Springs. This is more of a stop along the way kind of location but pretty.

11) Box Canyon Falls
Located in Ouray, CO. A really cool trail that meanders through some rock walls and waterfalls!

12) Bridal Veil Falls
Located near Telluride, CO. A very beautiful sight to behold! Not so much a hike...more of a remember-to-look-up when at the far end of town.

Colorado National Monument

On my way to Moab, Utah I decided to visit the Colorado National Monument. Driving along Rim Rock Drive I witnessed magnificent views of canyons, dessert-looking vistas, and unique red rock formations.

The park is located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers hiking and biking trails, wildlife encounters, and ranger-guided tours. If you don't have the time or gas to make it to Moab...I think the Colorado National Monument is the next best thing.