Palisade Meadows

Managing agency

Rio Grande NF — Saguache RD

Palisade Meadows is a 4.8-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the Rio Grande National Forest's Saguache Ranger District. The route gains 1,166 feet of elevation, making it a moderately challenging day hike. The trail offers access to scenic meadowland terrain characteristic of the Rio Grande National Forest. Hikers can expect gradual to moderate elevation gain as they progress along the route. The out-and-back format allows visitors to turn around at the meadows or continue based on fitness level and time constraints. This trail is managed by Rio Grande National Forest's Saguache Ranger District, which maintains the trail system and provides local expertise. The location near Colorado's high country provides typical mountain hiking conditions with alpine vegetation and expansive views. Palisade Meadows is suitable for hikers seeking a moderate workout with meadow-based scenery in the Rio Grande National Forest. The 1,166-foot elevation gain over the 4.8-mile distance provides a steady climb without extreme difficulty, making it accessible to a range of hiking abilities.