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Palmer Lake, Colorado

Top Spots in and near Palmer Lake

  • Palmer Lake, Colorado

    Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail

    4.11 mi / 656 ft gain
    This hike starts with a steep uphill, and if that doesn't take your breath away, the views of the lakes definitely will. After the uphill slog, you'll immediately reach the lower reservoir. On still mornings, it offers perfect reflections of its surroundings.  The trail continues along its northe...
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  • Monument, Colorado

    Mt. Herman & 715 Loop

    4.0
    6.16 mi / 1877 ft gain
    The Basics: Mt. Herman is the most prominent peak overlooking Monument, CO and is easily spotted from I-25. The area between Monument and the mountain hosts a large network of meandering trails that are great for trail running and mountain biking. Our hike today starts at the uppermost parking lo...
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  • Larkspur, Colorado

    Spruce Mountain Loop

    4.5
    5.46 mi / 810 ft gain
    Spruce mountain is an approximately 4.2 mile loop outside of Colorado Springs near Palmer lake. The hike is a pretty easy one, that has some great views of the Front Range including peak a boo views of Pikes Peak. Starting at the Trailhead, you can either take the right or left trail which will t...
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike Eagle's Peak (USAFA)

    4.0
    2.5 mi / 1100 ft gain
    This is a short trail that goes very high in elevation. In about 1.25 miles you can go about 2000ish feet in elevation change. You need to wait till 9am to start the hike as it sits on the US Airforce Academy. It is definitely worth it. Bring shoes that can handle the rocky terrain.You take the f...
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  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Lovell Gulch Trail

    5.22 mi / 814 ft gain
    Lovell Gulch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
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  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail

    4.0
    4.45 mi / 719 ft gain
    Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Paddle Rampart Reservoir

    Rampart Reservoir is located off of Rampart Range Road and is boat accessible from Spring until Fall. It has a boat ramp for motorized as well as human powered boats. There are vault toilets nearby. It is a nice place to spend the day paddling at close to 9,000 ft elevation. Just be prepared for ...
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  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Red Rocks at Woodland Park

    4.3
    1 mi / 100 ft gain
    In Woodland Park driving on HWY 24 towards Divide, you will see signs for HWY 67 which is where you'll need to get to. The Road will fork towards the end of town (left being 24 towards Divide, Right being 67). Stay right at the fork onto 67. You will then drive about 2 miles until you see a sign ...
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Camp along Rampart Range Road

    Along Rampart Range Road there are about 30 free BLM camping spots that offer scenic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding forest. The road in is about 6 miles of gravel, however a 2WD Sedan was able to make the journey just fine! The camping spots are designated by a pre-existing fire ring and...
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  • Cascade, Colorado

    Photograph Rampart Range Road

    4.7
    20 mi
    From the starting point near Balanced Rock in Garden of the Gods, Rampart Range Road turns to dirt and begins a steady climb into the foothills west of Colorado Springs. Though dirt, the road is well-graded and perfectly suitable for passenger cars in good weather. As the road climbs, you'll trav...
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike to Blodgett Peak

    3.0
    4.5 mi / 2325 ft gain
    Getting There Google Maps + "Blodgett Peak Open Space"= Easy Peasy. The parking lot only accommodates 11 cars with a one of those reserved for handicap.  A port-a-potty is the only facility available at the trail head, so plan accordingly. The Hike Starting out at about 7,000 feet the first mile ...
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  • El Paso County, Colorado

    Hike to the top of Castle Rock

    5.0
    2 mi / 800 ft gain
    The Basics: If you've never been to Green Mountain Falls, you're missing out! This tiny mountain hamlet, just off Hwy 24 before Woodland Park, hosts a vibrant collection of local shops and eateries around its community lake. It is also home to many lesser-known hiking trails, including the H.B. W...
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  • Green Mountain Falls, Colorado

    Hike Crystal Falls Trail to Crystal Creek Reservoir

    5.25 mi / 1750 ft gain
    The Basics: The little town of Green Mountain Falls often gets overlooked as motorists speed up Highway 24 to Woodland Park and beyond. However, big hiking opportunities abound here. The town probably has as many miles of hiking trails as it has miles of paved roads! Being on the base of Pikes Pe...
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  • Sedalia, Colorado

    Hike Devils Head Fire Lookout

    4.7
    2.8 mi / 951 ft gain
    This is one of my favorite hikes near Denver and the lookout itself is over 100 years old! On the road to the trailhead there are many spots for camping and other activities.From Sedalia, CO head down Highway 67 for about 10 miles. Turn south onto Rampart Range Rd and continue for about 9.5 miles...
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike Pulpit Rock

    4.1
    2.2 mi / 505 ft gain
    Heading South on N. Nevada Blvd. you will pass a Harley Davidson dealership on your left, about a mile after that there is a large parking lot for Pulpit Rock Park. Once you park, there is a clearly marked trailhead that will get you on your way! There are various trails you can take to get the t...
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike the Upper Loop Trail

    5.0
    0.75 mi / 72 ft gain
    This short spur trail is right off Perkins Central Garden Trail. Most people walk by it because the walkway changes from paved to dirt, but it is definitely a must-see if you're exploring the park. It climbs just a short amount before reaching the rocks you can climb on. Make sure you take a mome...
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Camping and Lodging in Palmer Lake

Manitou Lake Pavilion
Woodland Park, Colorado

Manitou Lake Pavilion

South Meadows
Woodland Park, Colorado

South Meadows

Pike Community
Woodland Park, Colorado

Pike Community

Painted Rocks
Woodland Park, Colorado

Painted Rocks

Lone Rock Campground (Co)
Sedalia, Colorado

Lone Rock Campground (Co)

Indian Creek Equestrian Campground
Sedalia, Colorado

Indian Creek Equestrian Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Palmer Lake

Explore Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

Explore Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

The Outbound Collective

6 Reasons why the Manitou Incline is Colorado's holy grail of cardio

6 Reasons why the Manitou Incline is Colorado's holy grail of cardio

Jennifer Broome

The Top 10 Places For Fall Leaves In Colorado

The Top 10 Places For Fall Leaves In Colorado

Eric Schuette

25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado

25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado

The Outbound Collective

How To Explore Southern Colorado To Its Fullest

How To Explore Southern Colorado To Its Fullest

Chris Martin