Trail Run Project Logo

This is one of the more popular trails within the Garden of the Gods, and it's easy to see why!


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.9

KM

90%

Runnable

6,589' 2,008 m

High

6,354' 1,937 m

Low

232' 71 m

Up

277' 85 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Runner Notes

This rolling trail provides the most dramatic views of the area, and the gentle terrain makes for a pleasant run. Make sure to get here early, as the trails tend to fill with other visitors, especially on weekends.

Description

If you're looking for a trail that will be your biggest "bang for the buck," this is the trail for you! Though this is one of the longer trails in the park, embarking on the full trail is well worth the effort. You'll be navigating along the western edge of the park, which provides incredible views of both the rock features to the east, the plains beyond them, and also the mountains to the west. You'll begin from the main parking area, and you'll work your way south, moving through the Central Garden. You'll pass the most famous formations in the park, and your vantage point will allow you to admire the features from afar.

As you continue, you'll leave the crowds of the main garden area behind. While the trail has been gently rolling, from this point grades mellow out, allowing you to admire the foothills scenery. As you make your way around the Siamese Twins, you'll know that you're nearing the end of this trail. The route ends at a small parking area located off of Garden Drive.

Flora & Fauna

Most of the trail is lightly forested with a combination of pines. There will also be desert dwelling plants, such as yucca and cacti.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 7 votes

#14718

Overall
  3.7 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
43%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,291

in Colorado

#14,718

Overall
33 Views Last Month
3,663 Since Sep 23, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

17%
17%
67%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Siamese Twins hides just around the corner along the Palmer Trail.
Feb 2, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
The view from the beginning of the loop.
Aug 27, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
Heading south alongside some beautiful rock formations
Dec 12, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
The Front Range of the Rocky Mountains as seen from Palmer Trail.
Aug 27, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
Stormy skies cast shadows over Garden of the Gods.
Oct 13, 2016 near Manitou…, CO
Balanced Rock.
Oct 14, 2016 near Manitou…, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.