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Palmer Trail / Section 16 Mountain Bike Trail
Colorado Springs, Colorado
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:    |
18 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 6/9/07 by RideorDie |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 6 miles | Global Rank: #871 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Out & Back |
| Ridden: 93 | Wishlist: 30 |
| Avg. Speed: 4.51 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 30min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,219/-1,296 ft |
Directions:
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Description: This route follows High Drive up about a mile to the Palmer Trail singletrack on the right side of the road. The Palmer Trail climbs about 2 miles from here through the woods on some of the smoothest singletrack in town. At the top there's a 3-way intersection; take the right fork if you want to make this a loop w/ section 16 (and you're in the mood for some washed out, technical as gank singletrack). Otherwise take the left fork up a little farther for awesome views of Garden of the Gods. Turn around once the trail starts getting steep and gravel strewn. From here it's a 3+ mile descent back down the trail you climbed. Awesome.
Description: This route follows High Drive up about a mile to the Palmer Trail singletrack on the right side of the road. The Palmer Trail climbs about 2 miles from here through the woods on some of the smoothest singletrack in town. At the top there's a 3-way intersection; take the right fork if you want to make this a loop w/ section 16 (and you're in the mood for some washed out, technical as gank singletrack). Otherwise take the left fork up a little farther for awesome views of Garden of the Gods. Turn around once the trail starts getting steep and gravel strewn. From here it's a 3+ mile descent back down the trail you climbed. Awesome.
added on June 24, 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Barr Trail (pikes Peak) in Manitou Springs
Bergen Peak in Evergreen
Peaks Trail in Breckenridge
Kessel Run in Fruita
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by BUDDAH on September 23, 2010
i rode the whole palmer/ sec16 trail ysterday as opposed to just the palmer trail out-n-back and i must say section 16 was not as bad/hard/dangerous as i had heared about (in my opinion Palmer park has some areas that i would consider harder or more dangerous than section16), yes it is loose, yes it is rocky and yes it was dry but still rideable. i did have a hard time clearing the first two switchbacks but other than that it was fun and fast. if you want very fast and flowy then stick to the palmer trail out-n-back which is a blast... i rate it a 4 for the for climb and the fun DH on palmer trail but its a 3 over all i think...
Similar Trail: capt. jacks, buckhorn, falcon trail(only longer)
reviewed by SomeNoobie on September 21, 2010
I went up High Dr and came down the back side of Red Rock Trail that leads into Palmer Trail... Good down slopes with lots of rocky spots. I am sort of new at anything single track but would say I can keep up with some of the intermediate guys. To learn and get better this is a great start. I will do it again any time.
Similar Trail: Captian Jacks
reviewed by pdinsurance on September 2, 2010
I wish I was as cool as dirtcoach, I had to walk my bike down a little bit of the section 16 downhill. I plan on trying it again, and in daylight next time. The uphill is the best in the local area.
Similar Trail: anything in the C. Canyon
reviewed by DB4LYall on April 11, 2010
3.5 miles of uphill but the singletrack is in great shape. Alot of walkers on this trail to going the other way. The downhill switchbacks are ridiculous and had trouble with unstable rocks. Pick your lines well and keep your fingers on the brakes. I went end over end going over a rock which shifted causing the bike to flip but luckily the loose granite that fills the downhill area cushioned my fall. Overall the climb was good but for the downhill pull the body armor out of your bag.
Similar Trail: Red Rock Canyon
reviewed by vbeckman74 on March 13, 2009
Some rough spots, and some elevation. It's all worth it on the way back down.
reviewed by JohnsXCbike on November 14, 2008
Nice trail all around, good climb, nice scenery, coming back down is steep and rough at times at least on my bike.
* Review edited 3/14/2011
reviewed by skibum on October 6, 2007
I have a tough time understanding how anyone could give this trail less than 4 stars--it's a rare 5 for me. The climb on the Palmer Trail is ideal--enough grade to be great training, but not so much as to kill a mere mortal. Along the way there are unbelievable vistas, especially since your right on the edge of town. Then, once on top, the real fun begins. First there's "the rock." You come around a corner and encounter a big, gnarly hunk o' Pikes Peak Granite occupying the whole trail. Take the high line and power over it. Then get ready for the downhill. Just as you get some real speed going, there's a 3-ft root drop into a gravelly groove followed imemdiately by a switchback left. Then comes a series of tight switchbacks combined with rock and water bar drops. The last two miles alternate between really fast/swooopy and fast/technical. Unbelievably fun for such an accessible trail.
Similar Trail: Buckhorn/Jack's/Chutes Pipeline
reviewed by dirtcoach on September 27, 2007
I road this trail about 10 years ago and I now remember why I haven't since. I can see why some riders from the CS area try to ride the double black DH trails at Keystone, when they have no business on them. Sec 16 IS NOT A TECHNICAL TRAIL, Or a GREAT DOWNHILL it is Steep and takes some skill so you don't spin out the rear wheel while going up, though I cleared everything on my 32lbs full suspension bike up and down including the steps. The trail is narrow and has some spots with some rocks, a moderate blue trail at best. I kept looking for the technical challenge but it never happened. I started at Red Rock Canyon I wanted to take a look at and play the FREE RIDE area. Guys that is not free ride, maybe at the very basic level ZERO challenge again. Maybe ok to teach your girlfriends retarded brother how to ride a bike but boring. The Red Rock Canyon trail ratings the Black trails are high green at best mostly washed out gravel pits. Don't bother riding any of this, let the dog walkers have it.
reviewed by RideorDie on July 21, 2007
This is a great trail, but is always popular with hikers and trail runners, so be prepared to share or p*** people off (and some times both). I really enjoy the climb. It's a good steady push with plenty of flat spots to let you catch your wind without stopping. You are rewarded at the top by a nice little waterfall followed by some sweet, gank, technical DH. This ride is a good one to hit after 667 and 666. It makes for a good 10 mile loop or so with plenty of rewards. If your just starting to ride, don't attempt the DH loop, just turn around and enjoy the smooth trail. Otherwise, RIDE or DIE!!!
reviewed by john.fennell on June 7, 2006
Rode just the Palmwer Loop portion out an back. So I skipped the technical DH. The gravel there and the rocks are too much for my limited skills and my Giant Ranier hardtail. The Down hill was fun though.
Similar Trail: Captain Jacks and Bear Creek Canyon
reviewed by shhlacker on May 7, 2006
Great Trail. Views are awesome and trail goin up is very nice. Goin down the gravel is pretty lose. My legs were burnin on the way up and my forearms burning on the way down, very cool :) More info/pics @ http://www.shhlacker.com/path.php?pathid=28
reviewed by westfamily60 on April 9, 2006
Great Ride. Hardtail, Trek 3900 with Spinner Front Fork. Consider myself an enthusiast (Weekend Warrior). Ascent is a great workout. I stayed on Second Sprocket on the crank and 1-4 on the Rear Sprocket. Recommend a rock guard for the Crank. I ground two teeth down because I missed a line on the downhill. Still grabs the chain so I'll hold off buying new. This is one of the best rides I've ever taken. Highly recommend.
reviewed by warrubi on July 15, 2005
Carbon bars is a pansy. Great ride and very fun. Watch your lines and tryto stay light in the seat.
reviewed by carbon_bars on June 17, 2005
WOW!!! a great ride the climb is tuff but worth it. take section 16 down for a ride that borders on insane. this is a ride that you have to watch your lines and plann ahead. section 16 is ruff and if you like technical it is the downhill for you!!
reviewed by snowman on September 6, 2004
this is my favorite after work trail. I love the up hill section once you get off high drive. and yes the down hill is washed out and rocky but ever so fun and once you get down the first part you can get going pretty fast.....hang on tight
reviewed by BamBam on September 6, 2004
the first section of this trail from high drive is pretty steep. About 1/2 mile in you come to a fork. Stay to the RIGHT. The remainder of the uphill is not as steep, but is loose and rocky. The downhill is fast in some sections, if you are not familiar take it slow on the corners it is easy for front tires to wash out on this loose rocky trail.
reviewed by mudhunny on June 30, 2004
Technical as gank is right on... the descent is not so fun on an unforgiving hardtail, quite frustrating considering you expect a rewarding downhill after the long but smooth climb up. I would imagine the rocky descent is much more satisfying on a full suspension bike.
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