Palmer Reservoir Trail - Information and Map
Located just west of Palmer Lake and a short drive from Monument, the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail offers a scenic climb into the foothills of the Rampart Range. The route follows a steadily ascending trail through pine and aspen forests before reaching the peaceful reservoir area, with attractive views of the surrounding mountains and the Palmer Lake valley along the way.
This trail is especially appealing to hikers, trail runners, and fitness walkers looking for a moderately challenging outing with a sustained uphill climb. Mountain bikers may also enjoy the route and its connections to longer forest roads and nearby trails. Families with active older children can appreciate the reservoir as a rewarding destination, although the elevation gain may be difficult for very young children or inexperienced hikers.
A detailed trail map is particularly helpful for visitors who want to explore beyond the reservoir, identify connecting trails, or plan a longer adventure through the surrounding Pike National Forest.
The Palmer Reservoir trail is on POCKET PALS Trail Map#13. The other trails included on this trail map are: Chautauqua Mountain, Ice Cave Creek, Inlet, Limbaugh Canyon (Trail 715, upper), Mt. Herman, New Santa Fe (portion), Sundance Mountain, Sundance Valley, Swank, Trail 715 (upper), and Winding Stair.
All Pocket Pals Trail Maps offer very detailed information for each trail, including: trail distances, allowed trail uses, difficulty levels, elevation profiles, total ascent/descent, directions to the trailhead, trailhead longitude and latitude, and waypoints (landmarks along each trail).
