Palmer Lake Reservoirs
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Palmer Lake Hiking Trails Aren’t Far from Denver or Colorado Springs
Palmer Lake, Colorado is a fun little town resting up against the Rocky Mountain foothills. And it’s the perfect sweet spot for hiking, fishing, and fun local eateries in 2024.
One of three communities that make up the Tri-Lakes region, Palmer Lake sits on Palmer Divide at 7,200 feet, the highest elevation you’ll hit along the drive between Denver and Colorado Springs.
With it’s own unique wild west history, fabulous hikes, and a regional recreation area, you can see why families love to visit Palmer Lake, Colorado for the day.
Where to stay in Palmer Lake, cO
Palmer Lake is located very near Colorado Springs with easy access to I-25 to get you to Denver to some of the best attractions, restaurants and shopping Colorado has to offer.
The Palmer Lake area offers some pretty sweet mountain escapes with great views and quick access to local trails.
This luxurious modern farmhouse escape just up the road in Larkspur sleeps 14 and sits against Woodmoor Mountain on 35 acres of private forest. Enjoy 360 degrees of breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. Great for a multiple couples getting away or for two to three families taking a vacay together.
Hiking around the larger Palmer Lake reservoir
How far is Palmer Lake from Denver?
Palmer Lake is just 50 miles south from the heart of Denver. It’s the perfect day trip when you want to escape the city and explore new hiking trails with your friends or family.
Exit at CO-105 from Interstate 25 and head west to through Monument towards the foothills.
How far is Palmer Lake from Colorado Springs?
A mere 24 miles from the heart of Colorado Springs, Palmer Lake is a super close outdoor destination for folks and families living in this fantastic, emerging city home to Olympians in training, Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy and more.
Lake and Mountain Views Await in Palmer Lake
Looking for that Colorado luxury retreat near Colorado Springs? It’s not hard to find a peaceful lake home to rent so you can enjoy full Front Range Rocky Mountain views.
Palmer Lake Reservoirs in Fall
Our Favorite Palmer Lake Hikes
Since we have the privilege of living in Colorado Springs, the Palmer Lake hiking trails around the reservoirs are one of my all-time favorite nearby hiking areas.
The hike up to the Palmer Lake Reservoir never gets old and the many different hiking trails and loops from there make it so you can add on miles and explore to your heart’s content.
Trail runners, mountain bikers, and fishermen love this area too. With the right base layers and equipment (spikes, poles, or snowshoes), these hiking trails can be enjoyed summer through winter.
PRO TIP: Since the Palmer Lake Reservoir provides drinking water, there are no dogs allowed on any of these hikes that loop around the reservoir. While tempting, swimming is not allowed either.
Please note, you’ll see variations of everyone’s hiking experiences in apps like AllTrails and Hiking Project.
Nothing is 100% fool proof and we’ve been known to turn around a time or two!
One of my favorite hikes in Palmer Lake is the Limbaugh Canyon/Reservoir Loop, the third hike mentioned below.
Where to Park for Palmer Reservoirs Trailhead
If you want to park the closest to the trailhead, you will be required to pay $5 for a parking space.
No cash? No worries! The kiosk is card (debit/credit) only and you will just need to display the parking payment receipt on the dash of your car.
Be sure to give the correct license plate number when paying at the kiosk.
HEADS UP: There is NO PARKING allowed on Walnut or Lovers Lane. Violators of parking restrictions or requirements will be ticketed. Surveillance is installed.
However, you can find Free public parking Hwy 105 near the town’s ball field.
Bring your hammocks to hang near the reservoir. No swimming allowed.
Palmer Lake Reservoir via La Deux Reservoirs Trail
This was one of the very first trails we ever hiked upon moving to Colorado Springs. We’ve hiked it many times over in every season since with family and visiting friends.
Everyone loves it. Kids especially.*
Hiking up to the Palmer Lake Reservoirs is a moderate butt-burner, so take your time and keep your water bottle handy.
You’ll reach the first, smaller lake in no time. There are actually two reservoirs. And the views at both are stunning.
In the summer, pack a hammock, and enjoy some trail snacks or a picnic lunch along the water’s edge.
In the winter, grab your spikes, poles, and maybe even snowshoes for a serene wonderland.
Here’s our go-to gear for Colorado Hiking Trails in 2024:
We love the Osprey Sirrus Hiking Daypack for women, or the Stratos version for men, for carrying water, layers, and snacks on Colorado day hikes
Lightweight, versatile Hiking Poles built for a full day’s send on the trail — hike longer and stronger
2L or 3L Water Reservoir — This affordable reservoir is easy to fill
Patagonia Torrentshell - a true waterproof rain jacket and fantastic layering piece
Nano Puff Jacket - our favorite for 3 seasons in Colorado
RELATED: Beginners Hiking Tips and Daypack Essentials
Up to the second reservoir and back is just a tad over 4 miles while gaining over 700 feet in elevation, making this a moderate, doable hike for most folks and kids of all ages.
Hiking in Palmer Lake around the Pike National Forest is tough to beat.
TRAILHEAD TIP: For this hike and all of the following hikes to and around the Palmer Lake Reservoirs, you’ll find the trailhead at the end of Old Carriage Road in Palmer Lake, Colorado.
PARKING: New in 2021, be prepared to pay a parking fee of $5 to $10 at the north parking lot near the trailhead.
Hiking to the top of Chatauqua Mountain in Palmer Lake
Chautauqua Mountain and Balanced Rock Loop
Discover the Palmer Lake Reservoirs in reverse by starting off with a steep climb that tips its hat to the Manitou Incline.
Begin this hike counter-clockwise by crossing the stream to the left well before you hit the trailhead for the reservoirs.
Climb steadily up to the top of Chautauqua Mountain. It’s definitely your workout for the day. A true butt-burner!
Enjoy the views and a snack before heading on towards Balanced Rock.
Take a right on Balanced Rock Road, which will take you down and connect you to the La Deux Reservoir Trail. Finish this hike by passing the reservoirs on your right.
This loop trail is nearly 5 miles long and you’ll gain over 1400 in elevation before heading down Balanced Rock Road, which drops you near the larger reservoir.
Love Butt-Burners? Try Mount Herman Scramble and Rasberry Mountain Loop!
Limbaugh Canyon and Reservoir Loop
I’ve done this hike in every season and it never gets old. In fact, it’s on of my favorite winter hikes.
Begin your trek as if you are hiking the Palmer Lake Reservoir via La Deux Reservoirs Trail. Then, if you’re longing for a longer hike, continue up and around the second Palmer Lake Reservoir.
Past the second reservoir, follow Balanced Rock Road up along switchbacks until you crest at the top of the road. Look for the #715 trailhead sign.
Follow trail #715 down through Limbaugh Canyon where you’ll hug Raspberry Mountain on your right. Eventually, you’ll be dumped out onto Rock Ridge Road where you’ll walk a mile through a sweet, forested neighborhood to your parked vehicle at the Palmer Reservoirs trailhead.
In the end, you’ll hike about 6 miles on this moderate loop trail. I have this hike on repeat, no matter the season.
PRO TIP: To stay on the trail, follow the route in the Hiking Project app for the Limbaugh Canyon/Reservoir Loop. Don't walk too far on the final leg of the trail; it dead-ends into private property and you’ll have to climb back up.
Palmer Lake Reservoirs Hiking Trail in Fall
More hiking trails from Palmer Lake Reservoirs
At the top of our hiking list, we have yet to log these three hikes, but we will come back and update them here as soon as we come off the trail in 2021.
Palmer Lake Reservoir to Winding Stairs
A challenging 8 mile hike where you’ll climb over 2,000 feet and top out at over 9,100 in elevation. Give yourself a half day to complete this journey and bring lots of water and snacks.
La Deux Reservoirs Trail to Ice Cave Creek Loop
This 3.8 mile moderate jaunt sounds fantastic and fun in the snow with proper gear, like spikes and poles.
Hiking to the Harrison Plan Crash Site
Harrison Plane Crash via Ice Cave Trail
This arduous, worthwhile hike up to the Harrison Plane Crash site is 11 to 13 miles long — depending on who you’re asking and if you stay on trail. You’ll climb over 2300 feet in elevation, but it’s spread out over the long haul.
On average, folks need five to seven hours to enjoy this challenging hike. You’ll have earned a tall cold one after this one. We recommend plenty of snacks and 3 liters of water per person.
The plane crash is over 70 years old and is sobering and surprising when you come upon it. Spend a quiet moment honoring the life of the single flyer and giving thanks for his past military service.
You can hike this as an out and back, or connect back with Winding Stairs trail on the way back to the second reservoir. Look at a hiking trails map before you head out on the trail.
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Waterproof Maps for Hikes Near Palmer Lake Reservoirs
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Let’s Talk.
Pick our brains about hiking trails in Colorado. Book a call with us and glean knowledgable advice and tips.
Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area
Take your paddleboards and kayaks to Palmer Lake Recreation Area
Palmer Lake Recreation Area is fantastic for fishing, paddling, biking, and walking on a beautiful Colorado day for folks looking for something to do after the hike.
Featuring a beach, playground, picnic tables, the New Santa Fe Trailhead, and a cool walking bridge that takes you over to town, this area fills up quick on the weekends.
While SUPS, kayaks, and rafts are allowed, swimming is not.
199 County Line Rd, Palmer Lake, CO
We love fishing on Colorado lakes and reservoirs from our XL Isle Megalodon Paddle Board
The New Sante Fe Trail
Beginning near the playground at the end of the parking lot for the Palmer Lake recreation area, this biking and walking trail takes you all the way into Colorado Springs.
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is enjoyed by bikers, runners, and families on an afternoon stroll.
Mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are best used on this trail that carries you along the Rocky Mountains front range, through the town of Monument, and then the U.S. Air Force Academy before moving on to Colorado Springs.
Dropping 1,200 feet in elevation, the south end of the Sante Fe Trail becomes the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail at Woodmen Road.
Plan ahead for a pickup at Woodmen if you’re looking for an easy ride.
HEADS UP: Don’t confuse Palmer Lake with hiking around Palmer Park in Colorado Springs, but know that both are fabulous hiking areas!
The new Sante Fe Open Space is accessible from two point off the New Sante Fe Trail. Great for easy going hikers and newbie mountain bikers.
Sante Fe Open Space - New in 2022!
El Paso County has a new open space, ideal for families who love to bike, hike, run, and ride horses together.
Open from dawn to dusk, the new open space covers 60 acres of rolling to moderate terrain with fabulous views of Colorado’s Front Range. Older ponderosa pine trees, scrub oak, and rolling grass meadows.
The Santa Fe Open Space has 1.75 miles of single track trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to enjoy. These trails are easy to navigate with trail signage at all intersections and maps at each trailhead.
Santa Fe Open Space has two entrances for visitors to access the recreation area. The western entrance is located approximately 1/2 mile southeast of the Palmer Lake Recreation Area, while the eastern entrance is located 2.5 miles northwest of the Highway 105 Trailhead parking area. See a map and learn more here.
Location: 199 County Line Rd, Palmer Lake, CO 80133
Hiking or biking on the New Sante Fe Trail in Palmer Lake is fun with friends and family
Restaurants in Palmer Lake, Colorado
There are several roadside diners and restaurants in Palmer Lake strung along CO-105. These two really stand out:
Rock House Ice Cream
Lip smacking good ice cream, root beer floats, shakes, hot dogs, homemade pie, sandwiches, and more in this cute little roadside stop open mid March through Christmas. 24 CO-105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133
O’Malley’s
Also close to Palmer Lake recreation area, this Steak roadhouse and pub with karaoke nights and outdoor seating serves up cold beers and wings too. 104 CO-105, Palmer Lake
Which Palmer Lake hike do you like?
Which one of the hikes mentioned above have you been on or do you plan to try first?
Hiking with kids ? Plan ahead and they’ll love these Palmer Lake hiking trails.
Unwind and rekindle on these Top Romantic Getaways in Colorado.
Learn about Palmer Lake town history.
Let us know what you think! We’d love to hear from you.
The view of Palmer Lake Recreation Area from town
