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A fun short hike to the summit of Palisade Mountain. Enjoy great views of the Continental Divide.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

Point to Point

8,226' 2,507 m

High

7,408' 2,258 m

Low

846' 258 m

Up

28' 8 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

43%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Description

The Palisade Mountain trail begins at a Forest Service gate. There is a small parking area along Snowtop Drive with room for 3-4 vehicles. Do not park at the Forest Service gate!

The trail begins with an easy 0.2 mile hike through a pretty meadow where wildlife can often be seen. This area also has many wildflowers during the warmer months. Just past the meadow, the trail begins to climb more steeply on an easy-to-follow route. Continue on this route for approximately 0.75 miles through beautiful forest land. At this point, you'll need to follow cairns closely as the trail become harder to follow. This area also includes two small but steep rocky canyon sections that are a little more difficult. Within 0.1 miles from the summit, you hike through a small level burn area.

From here, the way to the summit is only clear by following cairns. The final 25 yards is a fairly steep scramble over large boulders to the summit. The views from here are incredible in all directions. There is a pvc tube containing a summit register at the top.

Flora & Fauna

Many wildflowers, including indian paintbrush and columbine, can be seen during the warm summer months. Many times deer can be seen along the way. Palisade Mountain is a fairly active area for black bears and mountain lions as well, so be alert. Rattlesnakes have also been seen in the area. Many types of birds are in the area as well.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Bowen

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 25 votes

#238

Overall
  4.4 from 25 votes
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Trail Rankings

#50

in Colorado

#238

Overall
40 Views Last Month
6,132 Since Aug 23, 2017
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Photos

The view to the south near the the burn area.
Aug 23, 2017 near Loveland, CO
Sunset on a Saturday. Palisade Mountain, near Drake
Nov 9, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
Summit of Palisade Mountain, Drake, Colorado
Nov 16, 2019 near Loveland, CO
Views of the Continental Divide from the summit of Palisade Mountain.
Aug 23, 2017 near Loveland, CO
Top of the hike looking east
Oct 27, 2018 near Loveland, CO

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Minor Issues 9 days ago
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