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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 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Susan on 7/18/2010 Hiked on 7/18/2010, started with a nice weather then followed with bad weather for an hour. I agree it was tougher than the other hikes that we had but our 5 yr old twins girls enjoyed the scenery.
Reviewed by D & K on 6/1/2010 Hiked on 5/29 and it was beautiful! I will say that the elevation gain is more like 1700ft and not the 800 listed, so it was a bit tougher than we expected. However, it was very manageable with my husband carrying a child carrier. It took us right at 2hrs 45 min. Everyone we saw was very friendly as were the dogs. Not sure about all the dog poo everyone before us saw, we only saw one huge pile of horse poo. Can't wait to hike it again!!
Reviewed by Sudz on 5/2/2010 A very good moderate hike, somewhat steep and difficult during the first third or half (assuming you're coming up from the section 16 trailhead) but this makes for a very pleasurable and easier second half or 2/3rds as you come down the other side. Not much wildlife was seen, but there was bad weather coming in so the animals were probably just hunkered down. Everyone we came across during the hike was very friendly, mostly mountain bikers but a few other hikers. The only downside to the hike was the incredible amount of dog crap that was EVERYWHERE for the first few hundred yards of the hike. It got much better as we went, but I noticed everyone who had a dog with them did not have it on a leash. Please pick up after your pet!!!! 
Reviewed by Victoria on 4/30/2010 I love hiking at Section 16, so much I am doing a research project on it. Only thing is, hikers please start picking up after your doggies!!!
Reviewed by Gary B on 4/25/2010 Saw many Columbine in bloom. 4-25-10 Trail is in great shape. Watch out for mountain bikers coming down the trail.
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. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
