Pali-Tours offers a unique, customizable experience exploring the hidden gems of the Grand Valley through safari-style adventure tours for both tourists and locals alike.

Dave Smith, owner and operator of Pali-Tours, drives a 12-passenger, safari-esque, open-air military transport vehicle around Palisade, guiding his riders on adventures of their choosing, from wine tasting and picking fruit to walking a herd of alpacas through a peach orchard.

“Pali-Tours is totally unique. There’s nothing else like it anywhere near here,” Smith says. He emphasizes that his tours are more than just a ride across town — they are an interactive, one-of-a-kind way to experience Palisade. “I’m not just a limo guy. It’s knowing the people and the stories behind the places we go. What I’m offering isn’t just a ride; it’s more of an experience of history of the area and local knowledge.”

Smith opened Pali-Tours in May of 2019 to showcase the best attractions of Palisade and to reduce driving under the influence in the area.

“I wanted to eliminate drunk driving. My boy’s 10 years old and he bikes around with his buddies and stuff. We just want them safe. This is a safe option,” Smith says.

Each tour is customizable to the group, and people of all ages and interests are welcome aboard. Both children and adults enjoy activities such as fruit picking, alpaca-walking and stopping for sweet treats at Sweet Kiwi Bakery in Palisade. Riders ages 21 and older can tour wine country and pick from dozens of wineries in the area.

“The bachelorette parties, women’s weekends, couple’s weekends and weddings are huge,” Smith says. “If you have an idea, I can guide you in the right direction. If you don’t have an idea, I can offer something up.”

Tour packages include the Winer Package for Palisade wine enthusiasts and the Fruit Loops Package through the valley’s abundant orchards. Smith also offers adventure shuttle services from bike trails (the Buggin’ Out Package) or from the Colorado River (the Splish Splash Package). The Mixing It Up Package is a customizable adventure anywhere throughout the valley, and the Pile In Package accommodates all sorts of private groups, from wedding parties to family reunions.

“It’s based around the businesses and activities around Palisade, and it doesn’t all have to be about drinking,” Smith says. “The Grand Valley has so much to offer with Mount Garfield, the Colorado National Monument, the Colorado River, hiking, biking and camping. In particular, Palisade has the wineries, orchards, alpacas, vineyards, locally-grown food, agritourism. There’s so much to do.”

For more information about Pali-Tours, including pricing and available tour packages, visit pali-tours.com.

Originally published in the Fall 2019 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Pali-Tours Launches New Safari-Style Adventure Tour