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A steep, challenging climb past the two picturesque reservoirs above Palmer Lake.


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Map Key

2.8

Miles

4.4

KM

Point to Point

8,208' 2,502 m

High

7,228' 2,203 m

Low

1,072' 327 m

Up

91' 28 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views

Description

This trail starts in the back side of Palmer Lake, CO and immediately lurches upwards into a fairly grueling dirt road climb to the first of two lakes above Palmer Lake. I've rated this segment of the climb as an intermediate one due to its steepness, aerobic demands, and fairly loose surface.

Once at the first reservoir, the grade lessens a bit. The route then continues through aspens and pines following an infrequently used forest road, eventually reaching Balanced Rock - a rock monument above Palmer Lake.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Adam Ross

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 8 votes

#24308

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

#1,947

in Colorado

#24,308

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,875 Since Aug 13, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
17%
83%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

North side of the first reservoir covered in snow.
Nov 18, 2017 near Palmer…, CO
Lower Reservoir looking east.
May 31, 2016 near Palmer…, CO
Palmer Lake Reservoir #2
Jul 7, 2018 near Palmer…, CO
Palmer Lake Number 2
Jul 7, 2018 near Palmer…, CO
Balanced Rock
Jul 7, 2018 near Palmer…, CO
Walk up to Balanced Rock
Jul 7, 2018 near Palmer…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Apr 30, 2022
Tamara Wulf
Sep 2, 2021
Brandon Bell
Uphill only. Returned over the Chataqua ridge. 2.8mi
Jan 31, 2021
Thomas Beatty
I like the trails in the Rampart Range, nice loose gravel that doesn't mud up very easily. — 3h 20m
May 21, 2020
Erin Gaither
Mar 22, 2020
Hannah Spieldenner
Jul 17, 2019
Barb Mueller
Jun 4, 2019
Roxie Stacci
Me &Val went down this trail after Chautauqua, it was not nearly as steep as Chautauqua 2.8mi
May 11, 2019
Daylene York
2.8mi
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