Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead — Attraction in Palmer Lake

Some here have complained about pay parking and no dogs. As a town resident, but not an employee or official, perhaps I can add some clarity. We had literally hundreds of cars lining and blocking our small town's roads, preventing residents from parking near or in some cases, even getting near their homes - we also had many leaving trash behind. Limiting parking was our only option to address these issues. The trailhead is not part of the National Forest.

As for no dogs, I would ask those complaining if they would want domestic animal waste impacting their drinking water? I think not - or maybe they like to drink pee water run through a mixed media filter and chlorinated. Additionally, I'm sure most of the complainers bring doggy poo bags to pack out their pet's solid waste, so they might be surprised just how many do not. As a very small community, we can't afford to hire the staff to pick up after those irresponsible dog owners.

The town made what it thought were good compromises for these issues. Many communities in Colorado and throughout the whole country limit access to their water supplies. We did not do that. Please enjoy and appreciate our trail, and try to...

This is my number one favorite hike to do during the summer. It is an intermediate hike because of how steep some of the trail is but during the summer, when everything is green and I make it to the lakes, it's absolutely stunning. The trail is also well maintained so now worries there. Now, if you plan on bringing a dog, this isn't the right place. They do not allow for camping, swimming, or dogs. Now, if you do want to camp, if you follow the trail for about an hour or so, you will eventually make it over to Rampart's side of the trail and they do allow for camping. Other than that, definitely come here for beautiful scenery and the smell of nature! Another great thing about this trail is how secluded it is from anywhere else since you're basically hiking through a valley into the Rocky Mountains away from any...

This is one of the more beautiful hikes around. The lake is breathtaking, especially in the early morning. It's all up hill for a little over an hour, bring plenty of water and feel free to take a break when necessary.

Dogs aren't permitted on the trail, so leave your furry friends at home.

Also, don't miss the ice caves! Just after you pass the lower reservoir, the path hooks left. At the hook there is a small trail to the left of all the large boulders. Follow that trail 200 yards or so along the boulders to the first cave. The second cave is only 30 yards or so further. This one you can squeeze through a small opening in the back to a large cavern with a stream running through it. It's...