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Strolling in Palmer Park


© Virginia O'Connor

Introduction

The weather in November and December can be unpredictable. For many weeks, dreadful weather will keep the hikers in town. So, what's a hiker to do? Let's hit some of the trails in town, shall we? One of the larger and more impressive parks inside Colorado Springs is Palmer Park. Because it is easily accessed, it is a well-loved park.

Trail Rating

  • Boots: A one or a two
  • Kids: Absolutely
  • Dogs: Yes, but definitely on a leash
  • Facilities: Yes, but these appear to be closed for winter

What to Bring

Well, not too much is necessary here. Be sure to layer your clothes well. In the cold weather, the sun in town can be deceiving, and when you hike in Palmer Park, the wind can make you feel much colder than you thought you would. Bring a camera, there are great photo opportunities here. Also, bring your visiting relatives. During the holiday season, everyone seems to feel a little sluggish, but don't let the weather get you down. A quick jaunt through this large and beautiful park is just what's needed to awaken the senses.

How to Get There

Palmer Park has a number of trails and parking spots. We took the Templeton trail in Palmer park. To get to the trail, take Austin Bluffs east of the Interstate 25. Pass through the Union intersection and turn on Brenner Place. Park on the side of the road and take the first trail you see at the park sign.

Trail Specifics

Palmer park has several trails that intersect often. It can be difficult to keep up with where you parked your vehicle, but as long as you remember that Pikes Peak is to the west, and you know on which street you parked, you can find it again. Trail signs are posted around the park too, and these can help you stay on a single trail, which will loop back to its beginning. They look like this picture.

Palmer Park incorporates multi-use trails. In fact, deer are often seem roaming through the park. A horse stable is located next to the golf course, and riders often venture onto the Palmer Park trails. The trails also allow mountain bikers, so be very careful to pay attention as you wander through this park. One trick we have found very handy for small children and dogs: put bells on their shoes and collars respectively. The noise is often enough to warn the mountain bikers that something or someone else is also on the trail.

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The copyright of the article Strolling in Palmer Park in Hiking in Colorado is owned by Virginia O'Connor. Permission to republish Strolling in Palmer Park in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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