Near Balanced Rock Rd.
North side of the first reservoir covered in snow.
Near Balanced Rock Rd.
On the Ice Creek Cave trail looking over the lower reservoir.
Near Balanced Rock Rd.
Lower Reservoir looking east.
Near Balanced Rock Rd.
Palmer Lake Reservoir #2
Near Balanced Rock Rd.
Balanced Rock

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Balanced Rock Rd.

3.4 (8 Ratings)
A steep, challenging climb past the two picturesque reservoirs above Palmer Lake.
2.8
mi
Distance
1,058
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
LakeViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.75mi
Distance
1,058ft
Elevation Gain
58ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
8,221ft
High Point
7,222ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail starts in the back side of Palmer Lake, CO and immediately lurches upwards into a fairly grueling dirt road climb to the first of two lakes above Palmer Lake. I've rated this segment of the climb as an intermediate one due to its steepness, aerobic demands, and fairly loose surface. Once at the first reservoir, the grade lessens a bit. The route then continues through aspens and pines following an infrequently used forest road, eventually reaching Balanced Rock - a rock monument above Palmer Lake.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Brian Smith