There’s something really freeing about showing up somewhere with zero expectations. No research, no itinerary, no idea what you’re walking into. That was me at Palmer Park.

I was about halfway through a two-week trip in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, and my legs were already carrying miles from the Manitou Incline, Garden of the Gods, and Red Rocks Canyon Open Space. I wanted to keep moving — because that’s just who I am — but I also wanted something that felt a little quieter. A little less crowded. So I pulled up AllTrails, found a nearby trail, and drove over without giving it a second thought.

What I got was 3.5 miles of peaceful trails, sweeping views, and one rainbow I genuinely did not see coming. I would have hiked more, but there was a storm rolling in, and I didn’t have rain gear with me.

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What Is Palmer Park, Exactly?

I really had no idea when I pulled into the parking lot. Since visiting, I’ve learned quite a bit about the park.

Palmer Park was named after William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. It’s a massive wilderness preserve, spanning almost 740 acres, and it sits right inside the Colorado Springs city limits. Palmer Park is home to over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, a dog park, a community playground, a picnic area, and more. When I found all that out after my visit, I was genuinely shocked this park wasn’t on more must-visit lists I’d read about when researching for my trip. I’d stumbled into something way bigger than I realized.

For a solo hiker looking for a quiet afternoon outside, it turned out to be exactly what I needed.

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The Trails I Hiked

The 25 miles of trail in Palmer Park intersect with one another at multiple points, so I felt good about just hiking out without much of a plan. I started on the Edna Mae Ascent trail, which led me up to the Edna Mae Bennet Trail. From there, I connected sections of the Mesa, Templeton, and North Canyon trails before arriving back at the car. I covered about 3.5 miles.

I had solid cell service the whole time, but I always download the offline map on Alltrails before heading out, and I’m especially glad I did here since I was genuinely making up a route as my feet carried me along.

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The Mesa Trail Overlook: Stop Here. Seriously.

This is the part I keep thinking about, what truly made Palmer Park worth visiting.

When I reached the scenic overlook on the Mesa Trail, I stopped and just… stood there for a minute. These complete-in-awe moments are why I love hiking. The views stretched out in every direction — the kind of panorama that makes you forget you’re technically still inside a city.

One of the things I love about Colorado, at least on this visit, is the constant beautiful blue skies and puffy white clouds. There’s nothing quite like the Mother Earth combo of lush trees, mountains, and bright blue sky.

I didn’t want to leave, but there was an incoming storm, and I knew I still had a few miles to get back to my car.

I didn’t plan for Palmer Park to be a highlight of my Colorado Springs trip, but standing at that overlook — rainbow and all — it was easily one of the most memorable.”

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What to Know Before You Go

Since I went in completely blind, here are a few things worth knowing if you’re planning a visit:

• Location: Palmer Park is located in northeast Colorado Springs — easy to get to from just about anywhere in the city.
• Cost: Free to enter.
• Parking: There are multiple parking lots throughout the park with plenty of space. I had no trouble finding a spot.
• Trail conditions: Trails were well-maintained, but expect varied terrain depending on your route. Some sections are smooth and flat, others get rocky.

• Crowds: I visited on a weekday evening and only crossed paths with two other hikers. It felt genuinely peaceful out there.
• Dogs: Dogs must be on-leash on the trails, but the park has two designated off-leash areas if your pup needs to run.
• Difficulty: Approachable for most fitness levels. Some sections have noticeable elevation gain and rocky footing, so sturdy shoes are a good idea.

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My Overall Take on Palmer Park

The combination of great weather, great views, and solitude while hiking around Palmer Park made me incredibly happy. I love solo-hiking where I can just take in the sounds of nature, go at my own pace, and stay in one place staring out at the view for as long as I’d like.

Palmer Park wasn’t initially part of my Colorado Springs itinerary, but I’m incredibly thankful I had the extra time to make it happen. If you’re building out a Colorado Springs itinerary and want to mix in something that feels a little quieter and less crowded, without actually going far, Palmer Park is worth a few hours of your time.

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Pin this for later so you have it ready when you’re planning your trip.

Read more about my trip to Colorado Springs in the posts below!

• Garden of the Gods Hiking Trails: Popular Routes
• First Time Climbing the Manitou Incline: What It’s Really Like
• Coming Soon –>Red Rocks Canyon Open Space Hiking Trails