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Palmer Park (Yucca Flats Trailhead)
4.8 ★★★★★ 348 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 (Yucca Flats Trailhead)'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.
Sprawling natural oasis offering a playground for hiking and walking off-leash dogs with scenic views.
What runners say about Palmer Park (Yucca Flats Trailhead)
“First time coming to Palmer Park today and it's a beautiful park literally in like the heart of Colorado Springs.”
Beautiful trails in the middle of Colorado Springs! The wide, pretty flat trail labeled Mesa trail is the one where you can have unleashed dogs. The other trails they have to be leashed. Not everyone follows the rules as we have had dogs run up to us on the leashed trails (there is sufficient signage).
This trail provided such a gorgeous getaway without feeling completely lost. There's plenty to observe, from plants to animals. Some caution to take as some trails may get extraordinarily muddy and therefore may become slippery.
Great views, enough trails for every type of hiker (casual, advanced, with furry companion). Will be coming back to explore all of the different branches of the trail.
great place to see pikes peak and hike off leash with your dog. please be wary as there are some trails you need to put you dog back on the leash.
Trail conditions & character
“Great views, the sunset was beautiful, quiet, perfect for dogs, and overall just a wonderful park so definitely will be coming again!”
“Vegetation is a mix of scrub oak, juniper, and prairie grasses; in spring the wildflowers add color, while autumn brings crisp air and extended views.”
“The trails vary from smooth, fast singletrack to more technical, rocky climbs and descents, making the park appealing to hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike.”
“Popular loops near the parking areas are well-worn and social, whereas the more remote folds of the park offer solitude and quieter wildlife sightings.”
Plan your run at Palmer Park (Yucca Flats Trailhead)
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.
- Websitegopalmerpark.org
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 |
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