If you’re new to the Monument or Palmer Lake area, or just looking for a way to spend a Colorado Saturday that doesn’t involve packing up half the house, the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail should be at the top of your list.
🌲 Why Locals Love It
The Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail is one of those hikes that checks every box:
Easy to get to (just minutes from downtown Monument)
Easy terrain, dog friendly, and great for visiting guests
Scenic without being strenuous
The trail begins right behind downtown Palmer Lake, winding gently through forested hills before opening up to two sparkling reservoirs framed by canyon walls. You’ll get all the mountain views without the long drive or the crowds you’ll find farther north.
👟 Quick Trail Facts
Distance: About 5 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~800 feet, enough to feel accomplished, not exhausted
Difficulty: Moderate (short steeper sections, but very doable at an easy pace)
Parking: At the end of Old Carriage Road in Palmer Lake
Bonus: Leashed dogs are welcome, and there’s usually an ice cream stop waiting downtown afterward 🍦
🌄 The Perfect Weekend Reset
This is the kind of hike that makes you fall in love with life in Monument and Northern Colorado Springs, fresh mountain air, lake views, and the sound of rocks skipping across the water while you take in the quiet. Whether you’re new to the area or relocating from out of state, it’s these small-town moments that remind you why people move here.
🏡 Living the Monument Lifestyle
If you’re relocating to Monument (especially for a PCS to USAFA) or simply want a slower pace with access to outdoor adventure, you’ll find that communities like Forest Lakes, Woodmoor, and Palmer Lake offer it all, luxury homes, space to breathe, and easy access to nature.
I help clients find not just a house, but a lifestyle, the kind that includes spontaneous hikes like this one after work or school.
📍 Ready to Explore Monument?
Reach out for your Relocation Cheat Sheet, a curated guide to neighborhoods, dining, and the best local trails!
Karie McLain Homes | eXp Realty
🌐 www.KarieMcLainHomes.com
📞 719.213.7474
▶ Watch this short on Instagram: Palmer Lake Reservoir Hike
Karie McLain
Monument and Colorado Springs REALTOR® with eXp Luxury, former mortgage fraud investigator and underwriter, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and Military Relocation Professional. Luxury is an experience, not a price point.
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