This track is usually impassible even when in its best shape. Located at the southern most end of Unaweep Canyon, The Palisade is characterized by steep cliffs, deep rugged canyons rolling out to flat desert valley bottoms. The walls tower 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. On all sides there are numerous hoodoos, along with the unique shape and the tall jagged cliffs making it highly photogenic. Rainfall in the area varies from less than 10 inches to more than 30 inches per year causing an ecological diversity in plant and animal life.
Few places offer such a wide range of natural characteristics and diversity.
At the far eastern end of the rim, Fish Creek offers a series of waterfalls tumbling 1,700 feet in 1.5 miles.