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Palmer Park Mountain Bike Trail
Colorado Springs, Colorado
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
50 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 2/18/11 by BUDDAH |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 12 miles | Global Rank: #366 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 233 | Wishlist: 104 |
| Avg. Speed: 2.07 mph | Avg. Time: 3hr 38min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,614/-2,866 ft | |
 1 trail check-ins |
Directions:
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Description: This place has trails for everyone. The park is surprisingly large despite its location in the center of town. The trails criss-cross every section of the park and can be combined for some really long rides. All the trails are well marked and are rated like ski slopes - green trails for beginners, blue for intermediates, and black diamonds for extreme riders. Lots of rocks, sand, and scrub brush. Many winding sections, rock drop offs, and great jumps. This trail is more technical in places than Ute Valley Park or other rides in town. A great place to ride after work or any time.
Description: This place has trails for everyone. The park is surprisingly large despite its location in the center of town. The trails criss-cross every section of the park and can be combined for some really long rides. All the trails are well marked and are rated like ski slopes - green trails for beginners, blue for intermediates, and black diamonds for extreme riders. Lots of rocks, sand, and scrub brush. Many winding sections, rock drop offs, and great jumps. This trail is more technical in places than Ute Valley Park or other rides in town. A great place to ride after work or any time.
added on June 18, 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
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Colorado Trail / Kenosha To Breckenridge in Breckenridge
Palmer Trail / Section 16 in Colorado Springs
Colorado Trail / Green Mountain in Deckers
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by delphinide on August 13, 2011
Awesome place to ride. Beware that the beginner trails have a mix of very technical elements. Some trails are not well marked, but you can ride for hours and have a great time. Trails on the north side are mostly hike a bike up. Had a great time here. Cheyenne was awesome! Recommend 5-6 in travel bike and tubeless tires.
reviewed by jmr4400 on June 14, 2011
Great network of trails from beginners to advanced. This has been my weekly playground, so becoming pretty familiar with the network and becoming more courageous every time I go, especially Templeton Trail. Just remember, if you crash, landing on the rocks can be more forgiving than the vegetation...cactus everywhere. Overall, I can never get sick of this park.
* Review edited 8/18/2011
reviewed by wilsomw on April 29, 2011
Palmer park is great. You have fast swooping trails for good fast runs but you also have teeth gritting technical trails. You can ride all day and still only ride half the trails. I ride here usually 2 to 3 times a week before work.
Similar Trail: When riding in town if Im not at palmer park then I'm at Ute Valley park. This park is fun but not near as large as palmer park.
reviewed by BUDDAH on February 18, 2011
Most of the trails ridden this am were dry, but I didn't ride all of them but I'm pretty sure there all in good condition..
reviewed by CJMCC on February 15, 2011
MTB: Hardtail Rockhopper 29er Lets start by saying that I am an absolute beginner. I have ridden these trails twice in the past 4 days, about 2 hours a piece. It's DRY as of today, only one 4x3 area of wet clay that I came across and it didnt slow me down. I read that its slow, but I was able to slay this place with some pretty good speed. The black diamonds that I rode seemed to only be rock garden type sections. I had to upgrade to slime tubes due to the high concentration of "invisible" cacti, that flattened my stock tubes to pancakes. I ran across a couple pretty techy downhill boulder areas..which were a pretty sick introduction to that style/type of MTBing. I definitely plan on riding this area as much as possible on lunch breaks and after work! Great place to learn some vital skills on not so terrifying terrain, I hope you all get to enjoy it as much as I do!
reviewed by BUDDAH on February 7, 2011
rode this trail a couple days ago and it was pretty dry but with the resent snow/slush we have had man it gets nasty in some spots with the clay mud, I'll keep you guys posted in a few dyas
* Review edited 2/7/2011
Similar Trail: south shore @ Lake Pueblo Ute valley park
reviewed by SomeNoobie on September 22, 2010
I would say if you are out for a quick ride, drop on in and ride this park. It is good for a few things but it's more or less pretty slow.
Similar Trail: Cheyenne Canyon
reviewed by tlemons on July 20, 2010
This is my regular stomping ground. As said before its what ever you want it to be. I love the mix of tech climbs and drops. Good practice for Fruita & Grand Junction.
reviewed by DB4LYall on May 24, 2010
This is my favorite trail in Colorado Springs. Although you have to watch out for the little hoodlums that like to spray paint things on the rock face. If you catch them please run over them regardless of your 26in wheels. This park is great and will test your ability every which way!!!!
Similar Trail: UTE Valley Park
reviewed by jason.d.holcombe on May 21, 2010
I was pressed for time so I went to Palmer Park today. If technical trail riding is your thing you should check this place out. If not go elsewhere. With that being said... Palmer Park can be utilized to improve most riders skills regardless of how good they are or think they are :-) This is a heavily used trail system. I came across many other mtn bikers and trail runners. They were all friendly. Note: I rated this trail a "3" because going slow, while balancing, hopping, weaving, and pushing my way through a bunch of rocks and roots isn't my thing. I'll take my hardtail to the Falcon Trail and ride all day and love every minute of it.
reviewed by Steven_Ned on May 7, 2010
soemthing for everyone here. this trail system is massive and yo can ride all day on different stuff
reviewed by BUDDAH on March 16, 2010
moved here from LA last Feb. and was totally blown away at what was just two minutes from my house, great trails for all and like mentioned before getting lost on these trails is actually half the fun for the after work ride, some tech stuff and nice singletrack in some places. i bring my 20 month old and pull him in his trailer on the mesa trail. gotta gettem started young give him a feel for the bumps and rough terrain....
reviewed by Curtis_C on December 12, 2009
Palmer Park has a very large network of trails for every riding level. A rider could put together upwards of 20 miles of riding within the park with little to no trail overlap This route is one I ride after work which takes around an hour and a half. This route offers some nice down hill sections with some good climbs in the mix as well. Pretty much every trail has some sort of feature either being a rock climb or drop or the many tree root features that cross the trail at odd angles. Riding Palmer Park will help improve your biking skills as well as giving one a good workout.
reviewed by DB4LYall on October 12, 2009
The whole park is Palmer Park and has alot of different trails in it. Its the best I have road in Colorado Springs
* Review edited 11/5/2009
Similar Trail: Red Rock
reviewed by zr140th on August 20, 2009
Excellent park! Quite a bit packed into a small area, pretty impressive.
reviewed by mtnspectre on June 21, 2009
This trail has something for everyone. I took my son and his friend out there and they enjoyed it greatly as well as some coworkers who don't ride. Trails are well marked and like I said there is something for everyone. The expert trails are very technical and at the improv area....enjoy!
reviewed by T.P.Crockmier on June 16, 2009
Palmer Park is a fantastic place. It is more or less centrally located in the Springs, and has some fantastic trails.
reviewed by vbeckman74 on March 13, 2009
There is something for every rider here. Pay attention. There are cliffs and large drop offs on some of the trails.
reviewed by cjm on December 7, 2008
What it lacks in vertical, it makes up for with a short climb up Grandview Trail. Edna Mae Bennet is a surly and fun descent. Quality intermediate stunts through out the park. There are some special steeps and a few zippy flowy sections, too. Hikers and equestrian are still nice to bikers, so keep it that way by stopping and saying "hi."
Similar Trail: South Shore Lake Pueblo
reviewed by JohnsXCbike on November 14, 2008
I love palmer park, its a fun place to ride right in the middle of the city, great for a quick ride after work. I think its the best place in the area to work on technical skills.
* Review edited 2/26/2009
Similar Trail: Ute Valley
reviewed by myarros on November 10, 2008
Templeton Trail - this trail is Great! Very brutal for a beginner like me ;) but well worth it. I learned a lot this past Saturday in riding up this trail! There are obstacles/challenges one after the other for miles. I couldnt finish the whole trail because of time. But, one day soon I will. They're are sections that unless your and advanced rider, you'll want/have to walk your bike around or over.
reviewed by myarros on November 3, 2008
I really enjoy riding in Palmer Park. Like others have mentioned, it's amazing to have so much in such a small area right in the middle of CS. The trails offer alot of fun, challenging riding. I even ventured out on to some of the "blacks", and lived to tell about it ! ;)
reviewed by farrier1 on November 15, 2007
Hard to believe this is in the middle of town. I spent 3 hours riding everything from easy cruising to stuff that I wished I had worn armor. Very fun place. I will go back and do more exploring. Get a map at an LBS, or be prepared to get lost, which is not entirely bad, is it.
reviewed by chaserbra on October 8, 2007
no way should this be ranked 3 in the world or country or whtever..no big climbs no big decents all false flats or flats the only time i ride it it when im desperate to ride everytime i go there it is amature hour. the only semi good trail is tempelton just cuz its technical other wise its s***
reviewed by skibum on October 6, 2007
20+ miles of singletrack all packed into a 750 acre park smack in the middle of town--what a resource! Plenty of variety for all skill levels. Take the beginners on the Mesa or Yucca trails, let the intermediates get fast and flowy on Palmer Point or stretch their technical capabilities on Kinnikinnik. Experts can use all their suspension on Cheyenne, Edna Mae Bennett, or Templeton. Full on knuckleheads can always find plenty of rock formations for sick drops or crazy air. Explore and have fun!
Similar Trail: Ute Valley Park
reviewed by dougsmith on September 22, 2007
Overall, I think it is one of the best places to ride in Colorado Springs. There are different levels of difficulty, not too many big climbs. A lot of trails for being located right in the middle of town. Lots of Templeton Gap trail was un-rideable for me(huge boulders). Great views of the city and mountains.
Similar Trail: Garden of Gods
reviewed by mtberman on July 6, 2007
Great park but over rated on this site and def not one of the best in the world
reviewed by shane_anthony77 on June 8, 2007
Great for a short ride or an afternoon. There are alot of trails to ride so you can jump around. There is fun for the technical rider or for the family ride.
Similar Trail: Cheyenne Mountain Park, Colorado Springs, CO
reviewed by RideorDie on June 6, 2007
This place is great. It's open nearly all year, and never seems to get over crowded. I would have to say that this is a great park for ANY skill level. If you want to avoid getting into something too technical either turn around and go the way you came, or get a trail map of the park. Most of the local shops have them, especially the better ones (see reviews on this site). This park WILL have what ever it is that you are after.
reviewed by teamfreak16 on May 29, 2007
Just rode Palmer Park on Saturday afternoon, first time since last summer. Technical in a lot of spots, very fast in a lot of spots. Don't like the trail you're on? Poke around, you're sure to come across one that's more your thing. I love riding here, the whole place is fun.
reviewed by pyrophly on April 22, 2007
I found this trail to fill my technical expectations. I was disappointed w/ the trail "markings". I would NOT recommend this place for beginners. They will find themselves in over their head at some point in the ride.
* Review edited 1/6/2009
Similar Trail: Markum Park in FL or Racoon Mtn trail system in TN.
reviewed by trekker on January 19, 2007
Great single track! Some nice technical riding as well. Recently relocated here from Delaware. Nothing close to Palmer Park back East!
reviewed by hippiedeb on October 1, 2006
Weeeeee! Loads of fun and lots of things to test your ability to push the envelope of your comfort zone! We went through Palmer Point through the Greenway trail. Unfortunately, we only had an hour to spend in Palmer Park, so we only played in the southest portion of the park on the blue trail. Next time we will plan on spending lots more time here.
reviewed by rocketbracket on July 28, 2006
big mtb playground right in the middle of Colorado Springs. you can drive your car on paved road all the way to the top. make sure to get there early so you spend all day riding. since it's right in town you'll encounter other trail users. trail range from easy to ones i didnt want to try on my hardtail.
Similar Trail: markham park
reviewed by Bombardier on July 4, 2006
As stated with most of the other reviews, it's possible to link a lot of the different trails into an all-day ride. They range from wide smooth jogging trails, to oh-my-gawd rock-strewn technical nightmares. We followed Palmer Point trail for a good while, and it offered a nice intermediate mix of flowing singletrack, rock gardens, & climbs.
Similar Trail: Red Rock Canyon, Ute Valley, B Street Trails
reviewed by shhlacker on May 15, 2006
This is a great palce to bike in CSP. All types of trails from Beginner to "That's Impossible". I think I've hittin every trail in the park but everytime I go I'll find another one to try out. You can check out some of my rides at Palmer Park at http://www.shhlacker.com
Similar Trail: Palmer Trail in Seciton 16
reviewed by sionnach on April 22, 2006
Awesome! great scenery, some tough trails, and its here in the city!
reviewed by BAWombat on February 28, 2006
Been riding there since 1991. Although I don't like what has become of some of the trails over the years, it is still a great place to ride. It offers a wide variety of trails for all skill levels right in the center of town.
Similar Trail: Ute Valley
reviewed by c3667 on November 13, 2005
This is a pretty fun trail system. I think the trails could be marked a little better. We did a big loop and explored most of the trails we came to . Good technical spots and mix of fast places .
reviewed by IAmtbGRL on October 14, 2005
I rode these trails back in 1999. They were really great, fun trails although I have to say compared to Sugarbottom in Iowa, it's really not much better (other than the fact it is in CO)!
reviewed by telemarkdude on September 13, 2005
I really do love the variety of trails at Palmer Park. I don't think I can ever get bored there. It can feel like a maze if you're new to the park and don't know the trails; -- but the exploration is half the fun!
Similar Trail: Ute Valley Park
reviewed by bonkedagain on August 2, 2005
If you like technical riding this is a great place to go. Try to do the whole Templeton Loop. There are plenty of challenges on that trail (and I have the scars to prove it!). If you don't like risking your body there are enough other trails that are still challenging and fun. Are there better singletrack trails you could ride? Sure. But how many trails like this are right in the middle of a city?
reviewed by warrubi on July 15, 2005
This is a great place to ride in the springs as it offers something for everyone. I have a blast everytime I ride here.
reviewed by carbon_bars on July 6, 2005
the trail has becime alot more technical.. if you follow the cheyene trail it has washed out alot, and has become really rocky.. it is probley the most technical in town now..
reviewed by carbon_bars on June 17, 2005
plamer park is all what you make of it.. it can be a leasure ride, technical climb or tuff descent event. trails go everywhere. i suggest you ride with some one who knows the park. i can see getting frustrated looking for the ride you desire
reviewed by Kev on June 16, 2005
Great untill my brakes gave out! :) After I fixed them I was back to having fun. There are some pretty extreme trails in there. Some of the runs are exausting technical uphill climes. Others, for instance those in the yucca flats section of the park are geared towards ex-couchpotatos. This park offers variaty, distance, wildlife, and more. My personal favorite is the Kinikenick loop, an intermediaet run
reviewed by groundrush on June 14, 2005
Great trail system. It offers a little something for everyone. Its good to ride with someone who knows the area for the first few times, as they can show you the best areas to ride.
reviewed by pedalmasher on December 8, 2004
THis is a great trail system near the middle of Colo. Springs. Easy access and many diffrent levels of aerobic and technical difficulty make this system a lot of fun for all riders. Definately a 'Do make' when in this city.
Similar Trail: Gambrill and Watershed as well as Patapsco Maryland.
reviewed by docdee on May 26, 2004
Response to \"Abe\" Yes there are better trails in town but not many are as easly accessed or have the variety of trails and skill levels. I like Palmer Park because I can get there quickly and ride as long or short as I want and not just do a loop.
Similar Trail: Bear Creek
reviewed by mudhunny on pre 2003
There are tons of trails out here. I could play out here all day. The cheyenne trail has some wicked downhill.
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