Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail

Palmer Lake
Reservoir Trail

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Nearest city: Palmer Lake

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Difficulty: Medium

Miles roundtrip: 3

Elevation gain: 800 ft.

Trail Directions: Print Mapquest Directions

Trail Description:

The trail begins in the valley and you start your hike through a sparse pine forest.  It follows Monument Creek up a very steep incline.  This part of the trail also serves as somewhat of a service gravel road to the Palmer Lake Reservoirs.  This is where the towns water comes from so for that reason you can't swim in the lakes.  This is a pet friendly trail but the rules are clearly posted about keeping dogs on a leash for the same reason you can't swim in the reservoirs.  If everyone did the water wouldn't make for very good drinking water.  The lakes are very scenic and can also be fished for Rainbow Trout.  The incline to the 1st and smaller reservoir is very steep and considering that you begin your hike above 7000 ft in elevation doesn't make it all that easy.  It is worth it once you get there.  At the end of the 1st Reservoir there is another trail which branches off to the right throught the rockslide area.  This leads to ice caves and eventually a nice meadow you can camp at.  There are also many interesting, large rock formations and ice caves further in.  The second half to the Main Reservoir, almost twice the size of Palmer Lake is not as steep.  You can also bike it if you want a real challenge.  Once you reach the 2nd Reservoir you can hike all the way around it.  On the west, shallow side away from the dam if you continue on there is a site you can camp because you are now in Pikes National Forest.  There is an offroad trail that leads out to Rampart Range Rd.  If you attempt it make sure you have 4WD and a tow cable.  Click the offroad icon for an interactive map and directions.

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