A Discovery in the Palisades of Western Colorado
Luxury lodging with red-rock surroundings, dinosaur bones, horseback riding, a classic car museum, and so much more
One of the many wonders of the great Centennial state is its varying landscape. Within a day’s drive, you can tour the snowcapped Rocky Mountains, aspen forests, rolling farmland, the Great Sand Dunes, and breathtaking rock formations.
Travel near the Utah-Colorado border and you enter the Palisades, a Western wonderland surrounded by red-rock mesa, where Grand Junction, the Colorado River, numerous national parks, and Colorado peach and wine country are just a short drive away. And if you’re looking for a stay that matches its surroundings in equal parts jaw-dropping beauty and heart-pounding adventure, skip on over to the small town of Gateway for a luxury stay at the award-winning Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa.
Built by John Hendricks, founder of the Discovery Channel and Discovery Communications, the resort offers not only high-end relaxation—think private wine country tours, a state-of-the-art spa, and a tour through the Auto Museum (Hendricks’ own collection of impeccably preserved historic cars)—but also one-of-a-kind, action-packed and curiosity-piquing adventures.
In addition to ogling the stunning natural surroundings, guests can mountain bike, climb, off-road in an ATV, sight-see on a helicopter flight, sport shoot, fly-fish, horseback ride, and zoom down the canyon roads in a luxury rental vehicle. Hiking experiences even include a guided trek through the Dinosaur Tracks area, fossil-infested land found right on the property.
About an hour away sits the increasingly popular town of Palisade, where Colorado’s highest quality peach orchards and wine vineyards lie. The Resort will arrange a private driver to whisk you up and out of the canyon—the views alone are worth the drive—and on a tour of Palisade’s many wineries. To name just a few: Graystone Winery, Meadery of the Rockies, Red Fox Cellars, St. Kathryn Cellars and Talon Wine Brands, and Colorado Cellars, the state’s oldest, largest, and most award-winning winery. While you’re at it, make a pit stop in downtown Palisade and have lunch at Palisade Cafe 11.0.
Whether you’re returning from a hike on one of the property’s many trails, an adventure in Grand Mesa National Park, a romp in wine country, or an Ancient River Stone Massage at the resort spa, you’ll find ample comfort in the accommodations. Built with adobe architecture in mind, the pet-friendly property offers 58 guest rooms and suites, and 14 palisade casitas, all designed to create the illusion that each party is completely isolated under the stars of mesa country. Speaking of, one of many private dining experiences includes a Stargazing Dinner—you enjoy a delicious meal while an astronomer guides the way.
A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING TREAT:
Throughout the month of November 2017, the Spa at Gateway Canyons invites guests to indulge in two special treatments, as well as a handful of turkey-day treats.
Learn more: A Luxe Thanksgiving Getaway in Gateway
Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa recently won Condé Nast Traveler's 2017 Readers' Choice Awards as the #6 Top Resort in Colorado. For more information, visit gatewaycanyons.com.
