 Starting on Gold Camp Road at the Section 16 Trailhead, this popular (but not too crowded) trail connects Section 16 to the The High Drive, climbing over a high ridge, skirting Mount Arthur and Tenney Crags, and dropping down to follow Bear Creek back down to the Section 16 trailhead. The Palmer loop also connects to the Intemann Trail which ends at the Iron Springs Chateau parking lot in Manitou Springs. From there it is a short walk to Hydro Street to the Barr Trail.
Level of Difficulty
Intermediate
Length
6 miles
Access
From U.S. Highway 24, take 26th Street south, drive past the cemetery, up two switchbacks to Gold Camp Road. Turn right (west) onto Gold Camp and drive another mile to the trailhead.
Trail Description
From the parking lot, you'll climb gently through dry gambel oaks. In May and June, these oak thickets shelter lupine and mariposa lilies, but in the winter only dry, copper-colored oak leaves rattle through the branches.
With lots of southern sun, this stretch is free of snow almost all winter. Enjoy it because soon the trail climbs into a shaded pine forest where snow clings to the path most of the year. As you walk, keep bearing left at every trail intersection. Going right leads down into Red Rocks and the Intemann Trail. As soon as you hit the pines, the trail becomes slightly steeper, but in less than a mile it tops out on a gentle saddle with great views of the city below. Make sure to bear right at a fork near the top. The saddle is a perfect place to have a break in the sun and pull out a snack. Look up at Mount Arthur, the highest visible mountain. The huge granite crags on its southeastern shoulder are Sentinel Rock and moredistant Specimen Rock.
Attractions and Considerations
NA
Drinking Water
NA
Camping
NA
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