PALMER LAKE, COLORADO

The Santa Fe Regional Trail

Palmer Lake is the beginning of the 14-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail. The trail is one of the largest continuous trails in El Paso County, running south through Monument to the southern boundary of the Air Force Academy.

The trail route following the abandoned Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way.

The trail is about six feet wide and graveled and supports a wide variety of activities. Biking, hiking and horseback riding are all allowed on the trail. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. When weather permits, the trail provides an outlet for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

The trail is maintained by the El Paso County parks and Recreation Department. Mile markers along the trail help trail users keep track of the distance they have traveled. Sign posts appear periodically and point out unique landscape features.

Restrooms and water fountains are located at the Palmer Lake Trailhead and at the trail's intersection of Third Street (in Monument) and the intersection of Baptist Road.

Parking areas:
Palmer Lake Trailhead (County Line Road)
Highway 105 (Monument)
Third Street (Monument)
Baptist Road (Old Denver Highway)
North Gate of the Air Force Academy **
Ice Lake Trail Access (southern end of the Air Force Academy) **

**Due to the Homeland Security protocol, please contact the Air Force Academy to see if this portion of the trail is accessible to the public.

Douglas County, El Paso County and the Town of Palmer Lake jointly received a Go-Colorado Grant in 2002.

With this grant, the Santa Fe Trail is being extended from the Palmer Lake Trailhead to meet with the Greenland Ranch Trailhead (Douglas/El Paso County Line). The portion of the trail located in Douglas County is open. The extension between the two existing trails is currently under construction by El Paso County and will be officially opened fall 2003.

Palmer Lake Reservoirs

Tucked in the mountains behind Palmer Lake are two reservoirs which supply the town with water. Both reservoirs are accessible by a trail used by hikers and bicyclists. The lower reservoir is fenced off from the public, but the upper reservoir has an open shoreline. However, both reservoirs and Monument Creek, which flows out of them, are considered part of the town's watershed. Swimming and camping are prohibited in these areas. Dogs must be kept on a leash and kept from swimming in the water.

The trail leading to the reservoirs will take hikers into Pike National land above the second reservoir, where camping is permitted.

The reservoir trailhead, called the Emory Hightower Trailhead, is located at the bottom of Old Carriage Road in Palmer Lake. A small parking area is available and signs explain the rules of the trail.

Directions from I-25:

From the South, take Exit 161, turning left onto Highway 105. Palmer Lake proper is located approximately 4 miles from this point. Turn left (the only way you can turn) onto South Valley Road.** Go through the 4-way stop to the next left, Old Carriage Road. At the bottom of the curve is the Emory Hightower Trailhead parking.

**look for the 40 mph sign, then the 30 mph sign.

Take the next left. From the North, take Exit 163, turning right onto County Line Road. Palmer Lake is located 2 miles from this point. Cross over the railroad tracks onto Highway 105. Drive through town and turn right (the only way you can turn) onto South Valley Road.** Go through the 4-way stop to the next left, Old Carriage Road. At the bottom of the curve is the Emory Hightower Trailhead parking.

**if you go through town and see the 50 mph sign, turn around and follow the notes from above.

Palmer Lake

On July 4, 1999, Palmer Lake was the site of a dedication ceremony in celebration of the restoration project which has been completed.

For years sediment had collected on the bottom of Palmer Lake, making it shallow and a poor habitat for fish. Over several years a local committee worked hard to dredge the bottom of the lake and cleanup the shoreline.

A walking trail has been completed, making a continuous trail (approximately 1 mile) around the perimeter of the lake. A handicap fishing dock, with benches, has been added at the north end of the lake.

Located adjacent to the Santa Fe Regional Trailhead and El Paso County Park, the lake is prime recreation spot in the Tri-Lakes area.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing drought, the water level in the lake is very low. Hopefully, with the end of the drought in sight, the lake will return to the beautiful condition the committee had worked so hard to restore.

Other trails

There are more hiking trails in the Tri-Lakes area, including Fox Run Regional Park in Gleneagle, The Monument Fire Center in Monument, and Black Forest Regional Park.