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An amazing scenic loop with great access to downtown and many interconnecting trails.


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Map Key

4.8

Miles

7.8

KM

Point to Point

7,849' 2,392 m

High

6,639' 2,024 m

Low

1,325' 404 m

Up

918' 280 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

Description

This spectacular loop (one of my favorite in the Springs) starts at the Section 16 trailhead, to be found on Gold Camp Rd.

This trail is also frequently referred to as the "Section 16/Palmer Loop", but so long as you follow signs for Palmer Trail, no matter what else is written, you'll be fine.

The trail begins with a gentle incline that winds its way up through red rock and scrub oak, affording some great views of Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Open Space to the north (right).

There are a couple of unmarked trails that lead off to the right heading to Red Rock Open Space. Stay on the trail that leads uphill and generally looks more used, and you'll be fine.

After .7 miles, the trail intersects with the Intemann Trail, which connects to Red Rock Canyon and heads into Manitou Springs, where it can be used to get to The Manitou Incline, Barr Trail, and Ute Pass Trail.

For this run you'll continue straight and, shortly after the Intemann Trail intersection, the Palmer trail climbs into the trees. In the summer, this is a relief from the brutal sun. In the winter, expect to start hitting snow and ice.

The incline picks up at this point, becoming too steep for all but the hardiest of souls to run. The trail is well marked in the forest and, wherever there might be confusion, there is a marker pointing in the right direction. They will be marked "Section 16 / Palmer Trail" (Ring the Peak Trail).

Just over 1.5 miles from the TH, the ridge is reached, opening spectacular views to the south. I am always startled when standing at this point, where I see nothing but mountains and trees, that I am standing on City property.

The trail continues to the right (west) where it flattens out. There are some ups and some downs but all tend to be fairly mild. Eventually the trail begins a sustained drop that is less steep than the climb and a blast to hike as you allow gravity to do its work.

After about three miles, the trail reaches the valley and you continue around to the left towards High Drive, which can be seen when higher up on the trail as you are coming down.

To get back to the trailhead, take High Drive downhill for about .5 miles to hit paved road. Take the one furthest to the left/the highest (this is Gold Camp). The trailhead will be a few hundred feet up on the left.

To continue, you can take a left up High Drive to connect with Bear Creek Trail (#666), Jones Park Trail (#667), Captain Jacks, and other great local trails.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Doedderlein

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 8 votes

#12261

Overall
  3.8 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
13%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,109

in Colorado

#12,261

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,081 Since Apr 13, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Bear blocking the trail!
Jul 10, 2019 near Manitou…, CO
Pasqueflower, fuzzy crocus-like flower, blooming along Palmer Park Trail. Spring is here!
Apr 21, 2019 near Manitou…, CO
Have a Rest. Bench at Trail Junctions
May 14, 2022 near Manitou…, CO
Trail washout
May 14, 2022 near Manitou…, CO
View from Palmer Red Rock loop
Apr 28, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Nothing but trees and mountains on the Palmer Trail
Apr 13, 2015 near Manitou…, CO

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