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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 2 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mealinda on 1/10/2009 Did it again today. Brought husband along. GPS says 5.28 miles counterclockwise parking back to parking. Anybody get anything different?
Reviewed by maureen on 1/4/2009 This was the best hike to start the new year. Going counterclockwise is best for me - get the hard part over first. Linked up w/3 avid hikers and spent an enjoyable time with them - hope to see them elsewhere. Not to much ice/snow on the way up, but at the bridge, Yaks, stabilizers or in my case - trail runners w/screws are a must! This is my favorite. On 4 Jan did the fire road from the caretakers to Bear Creek Trail head - in snowshoes! 
Reviewed by Mealinda on 12/28/2008 Loved it! First time hiking it and although I missed Gold Camp Rd because it is actually Lower Gold Camp from 21st St, after finding it I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to go back and try some of the different loops, such as the waterfall to Northwest Manitou loop. Being as it is winter, I would recommend yak trax for some of the icier spots. I used mine about 2 miles in for the rest of the way.
Reviewed by Chris on 11/13/2008 Great hike for the mid range hiker. First part a bit aggressive and some other hills but beautiful scenery. Intersects with other trails. Could use more maps along the way. Pack a lunch and enjoy the view. Lots of nice folks on the trail and friendly dog friends.
Reviewed by Port on 8/13/2008 I really enjoyed this hike. The 1st 2 miles are a nice climb and everything else is an easy descent. Most of the trail is marked well, but there are a few minor trails that intersect Palmer and could use marking. Make sure you make the left going back uphill while walking beside the stream on the road. I stayed right and added 1.9 miles to my hike.
Reviewed by TJ on 8/7/2008 I just finished this trail tonight. It took me (as well as 3 others) 2 hours to take the entire trail. It rained on us but it really made the hike nice and cool. I will do this one again but on a clear day so that I can see the view of the Peak and GoG.
Reviewed by NH on 7/14/2008 We loved this hike and would surely do it again! We found the trail a bit confusing and werent sure if we were to keep going at the top, but found a fellow hiker to direct us. At the end we ran along the road until the pavement, but missed going up the hill to the parking lot. Be sure to take a left at the pavement to find your car!
Reviewed by GP on 7/2/2008 It was really beautiful. Will bike this trail very soon. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
