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Summary: This beautiful trail begins in the desert landscape of Colorado's front range, and winds around the foothills until it begins to climb steadily into the mountains. Here the landscape changes to a thick forest of pine trees. Be sure to notice the great view of the Garden of the Gods to the north (at the beginning of the hike), and the many points on the trail that offer spectacular views of the city and of the Pikes Peak foothills. My favorite spot in the hike is the log bridge and mountain stream. In the fall, winter, and early spring the cascading stream is frozen solid as it rushes down the mountain. This trail begins fairly steep, so pace yourself if you are not yet acclimated to the altitude and dry air. Also, during fall and spring, realize that even though it may be warm at the trailhead, the highest point of the hike is about 1000 feet higher, so you may be in significantly colder weather for a short time. Trailhead: From Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 west and turn left (south) onto 21st street. Turn right on Gold Camp Road and continue straight through the four-way stop sign. The trailhead and main parking lot is on the right just a few minutes up the road, with overflow and large vehicle parking just past it on the left. (Lat:38.82243 Lon:-104.89042) Trail Guides for Section 16/Palmer Trail: Hiking Colorados Front Range by Bob DAntonio (Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: City of Colorado Springs Park/Pike National Forest 719-385-5944 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Laura Pate Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mike on 2/6/2010 Hiked it today for the first time. Trail was snowed packed in north facing and shady areas with some ice in spots. Muddy in spots and a little crowded but everyone was friendly. 
Reviewed by Dave on 9/7/2009 Did the trail counter clockwise. First mile and a half to the highest elevations is pretty challenging. But great views during the flat part up there. Took us about 5 hours for the full loop, but we're 62! 
Reviewed by Kaye on 6/27/2009 I hike section 16 a couple times a year and keep coming back. The incline is challenging and I would recommend it as a warm up if you are planning to hike Pikes Peak. At least that is what I use it for. Although the parking lot was full I only saw a couple of hikers. Hope to go back and do it again soon.
Reviewed by Paul on 6/20/2009 This is a wonderful hike, beauty all around especially the Garden of the Gods on the way up, I however, have a tremendous fear of heights and found the second half of the hike very fearful because of the steep gravel. If you know someone that has a fear of heights, turn them around at the top.
Reviewed by PVM on 6/18/2009 June 18th. Made it up and back (walking) in 80 minutes because I get so fiercely charged up over such scenery. The first section is a nice, sandy warm-up before you hit the steeper, rockier part where you're bound to slow down. Any dogs I met were quite friendly, as were the mountain bikers and other hikers. How can you not be friendly when you're so near Paradise?
Reviewed by DD on 5/10/2009 We did this hike as a "training hike" for a group of Boy Scouts. Later this summer we're doing a 10-day trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. We loaded up packs to 35 to 40 lbs. for training's sake. All the boys did well.
Reviewed by Garth on 3/23/2009 I enjoyed the hike. I had to chuckle, that incline of 800 feet comes all at once. the views are very nice. I love the High Drive, Buckhorn, Mayes Peak area. I really enjoy that we can see both from this hike. When you get to the top of the elevation gain, I found turning east for a little side hike down that ridge. The views were the best of the hike. Also, at the end, you will hit a fork. Not to worry, they BOTH go down to High Drive. A lot of dogs off leash up there. If you have a dog, like me, you may want to keep them close by unless they do really well with other pups. I hope that helps. BTW, this is a best site I have found for Colorado Springs. I wish mine was this good. http://www.lamsonadventures.com
Reviewed by Freedom Junkie on 3/15/2009 I hiked this last fall (also went fishing there). It's a beautiful trek with wonderful lakes. Full review, complete with photographs, can be found at Freedom Junkie. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, El Paso County Hiking, El Paso County Trails, El Paso County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
