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Palmer Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 133 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Palmer Trail'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.
Kid-friendly hiking area with a garden and formations.
What runners say about Palmer Trail
“Gave you great views of the gateway rocks as well as a few rocky areas to hike on.”
“The trails are all well marked and easy to follow.”
“Easy trail for those who are new/out of shape😁 Beatiful views and a wonderful experience with the family.”
We kept taking pictures as the trail climbed and I said we’ll have a 1000 pictures of the same thing but every time we went up the views got better. At the pique of one of the ridges we saw climbed which added an element of fun to the experience.
Easy trail for those who are new/out of shape😁 Beatiful views and a wonderful experience with the family.
Beautiful views! Be sure to go across the street from the parking lot to get to the hiking trails. There are paved trails within the rocks as well.
Nice views, easy hike. Connects with most of the main trails and sites of the park.
Trail conditions & character
“We kept taking pictures as the trail climbed and I said we’ll have a 1000 pictures of the same thing but every time we went up the views got better.”
“We parked in the Cenyral Garden main parking lot and accessed Palmer Trail just north and across the road from the Central Garden Area.”
“Most people park at the main gate and do the easier paved walks.”
Plan your run at Palmer Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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