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 Reporter |
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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by GP on 7/2/2008 It was really beautiful. Will bike this trail very soon. 
Reviewed by Tom on 6/22/2008 Have hiked and biked this trail several times. For biking, would recommend doing it clockwise, up Palmer Trail, and down the steep part to Section 16. The downhill is loose granite and challenging. Hiking, you should go counterclockwise. There is a trail when you start going down Palmer Trail which goes into the Crystal Park area. I would recommend it for great views to the north. You can either hike or bike it.
Reviewed by PB on 6/20/2008 Hiked up. Ran down. Nice trail.
Reviewed by Brandi on 6/8/2008 Love this trail! It was beautiful ...really could not stop taking pictures. It was very easy to stay on the trail. Definitely a great place to hike ...ride ...or run.
Reviewed by Cathy on 5/24/2008 We were RV traveling across country and looking for a nice hike for us and our energetic lab pup. (RV parks have such strict leash rules.) This is a gorgeous hike that took us 3.5 hours (we're 53 and 68). For us mature folks, the uphill was strenuous, the downhill easy, which is why I guess it's rated "moderate." I would definitely hike this again if in the area. Spectacular views. Reminds us of some of our NorCal hikes in the Sierras.
Reviewed by TMS on 5/3/2008 We weren't aware that the last leg is on Highline road, assuming you hike North initially through the sandstone ridges. When you come onto the pavement after the house, head along the left most road to your car.
Reviewed by Carlos on 4/15/2008 Great hike - brought dog, my adult kids and thier kids. Made us feel good to live in Colorado Springs. What a great place to live!!
Reviewed by RBARMYGUY on 3/1/2008 HI, NICE TRAIL. KINDA ICY THIS MORNING ABOUT A THIRD OF THE WAY UP OTHER THAN THAT REALLY NICE HIKE. ALSO RECOMMEND FRIVING BACK DONW THE GOLD CAMP TRAIL RD DRIVE BACK THRY THE BROADMOOR AREA. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
