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At a glance:
Distance: 2.6 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy Ascent 466 ft Map Link: Palmer Lake #2 Google Maps Link: Palmer Lake Trailhead Dogs: Not so much Bikes: Yes (at least we've seen them) |
Upper Palmer Lake
When we moved to Colorado, we knew that great hiking would be a part of our life. Chad Dawson, who lived in our neighborhood, took us here for our first official Colorado hike. He also was the first person I have ever seen put salt on a watermelon. This is a great little hike because it's easy, there's lots of water to throw rocks in, and you can connect into longer hikes that are really great if time allows.
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Upper Palmer lake #2
getting there:
Address: Old Carriage Rd, Palmer Lake, CO 80133
1) From Colorado Springs, head North on I-25 and take exit 161 (CO-105)
2) Follow 105 West toward Palmer Lake until you get to S. Valley Road.
3) Turn left onto S. Valley Road and go west until you see Old Carriage Road.
4) Turn left onto Old Carriage Road and follow this narrow road until you get to the parking area.
1) From Colorado Springs, head North on I-25 and take exit 161 (CO-105)
2) Follow 105 West toward Palmer Lake until you get to S. Valley Road.
3) Turn left onto S. Valley Road and go west until you see Old Carriage Road.
4) Turn left onto Old Carriage Road and follow this narrow road until you get to the parking area.
The Hike:
This is a popular hike for families who want to escape into the woods late in the afternoon or early evening. It's also a great place for starting longer hikes into the backcountry as there are many great trails that link up to this little gem. You can even fish in the upper reservoir and I have had good luck on a quiet afternoons from the far bank.
From the trailhead, head up the trail to the maintenance road that heads steeply up to the first lake (Everything in Colorado is steep, so it's all good). The maintenance road isn't very exotic, but the view back East are pretty good and after about 0.6 miles, you'll hit the first reservoir. This is not your final destination, and in and of itself is a fairly pathetic little pond. Of note, if you find a walkie-talkie in this lake, it belongs to me. Andrew really wanted to hold the walkie-talkie and dropped it in the first reservoir while hopping amongst the rocks. It was brand new. Thanks bud.
From the first lake, head up another 1/2 mile to the 2nd reservoir. With the service road behind you, the trail is much prettier and the views start to open up to the West. You will hit a little saddle and see the reservoir below. Lot's of places to string up a hammock, have a snack, and throw rocks in the water.
A trail winds around the North end of the reservoir and you can follow it to grander adventures deeper into the forest. Head back the way you came to get back to the trailhead.
From the trailhead, head up the trail to the maintenance road that heads steeply up to the first lake (Everything in Colorado is steep, so it's all good). The maintenance road isn't very exotic, but the view back East are pretty good and after about 0.6 miles, you'll hit the first reservoir. This is not your final destination, and in and of itself is a fairly pathetic little pond. Of note, if you find a walkie-talkie in this lake, it belongs to me. Andrew really wanted to hold the walkie-talkie and dropped it in the first reservoir while hopping amongst the rocks. It was brand new. Thanks bud.
From the first lake, head up another 1/2 mile to the 2nd reservoir. With the service road behind you, the trail is much prettier and the views start to open up to the West. You will hit a little saddle and see the reservoir below. Lot's of places to string up a hammock, have a snack, and throw rocks in the water.
A trail winds around the North end of the reservoir and you can follow it to grander adventures deeper into the forest. Head back the way you came to get back to the trailhead.