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Palmer Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,760 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Palmer Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
737-acre wildlife preserve offering hiking, biking & sports fields on a mesa overlooking the city.
What runners say about Palmer Park
“The park itself has plenty of other trails that you can hike and they all look well maintained.”
“It gives lots of beautiful views, and the trail really feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere instead of in the middle of town.”
“The area has magnificent views of the mountains and multiple trails of varying difficulty for hikers of all levels.”
Love this place just watch out for mountain lions. I have hiked here quite a few times and there are a few pretty cool *small caves and ancient rock formations to explore..
I have played the playground for about an hour and a half. They have three different play areas within the same distance, and two sets of swings. Definitely a park for all ages. Lots of places to sit and watch your Kiddos. Also, a good amount of parking to accommodate the amount of people who were there.
Beautiful and impressive place for hiking. There are many trails to choose and the park is huge, so definitely everyone will find something fitting - easy, medium or a bit harder trail. Rock formations are not so big like in Garden of the Gods, but for nature lovers surely great because of variety of shapes.
This is an amazing park, the long off leash trail is beautiful and so much fun for the dogs and me as well. It feels like a trip to the forest just 10 minutes from home. It’s so well maintained, the park rangers are great.
Trail conditions & character
“At mile one, reach a low ridge with sweeping views of Colorado Springs and distant Pikes Peak—pause to take in the panorama and the textured reds of the outcrops.”
“This is an amazing park, the long off leash trail is beautiful and so much fun for the dogs and me as well.”
“Continue on a singletrack that descends into a juniper-strewn draw; the trail narrows, the footing more technical, and birdcalls punctuate the quiet.”
“After a quarter mile, the path curves up toward sandstone formations; the incline is steady but manageable, offering early glimpses of layered rock and occasional scrub jays.”
“Also, a good amount of parking to accommodate the amount of people who were there.”
Plan your run at Palmer Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecoloradosprings.gov
- Phone(719) 385-5940
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Colorado Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Palmer Park (Yucca Flats Trailhead)
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