Near Palmer Trail
The view from the beginning of the loop.
Near Palmer Trail
Heading south alongside some beautiful rock formations
Near Palmer Trail
Kissing Camels
Near Palmer Trail
Stormy skies cast shadows over Garden of the Gods.
Near Palmer Trail
North (left) and South (right) Gateway Rocks viewed from the Central Garden Trail.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Palmer Trail

3.7 (7 Ratings)
This is one of the more popular trails within the Garden of the Gods, and it's easy to see why!
1.7
mi
Distance
271
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Less CrowdedViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.73mi
Distance
271ft
Elevation Gain
300ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
6,596ft
High Point
6,334ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
If you're looking for a trail that will be your biggest "bang for the buck," this is the trail for you! Though this is one of the longer trails in the park, embarking on the full trail is well worth the effort. You'll be navigating along the western edge of the park, which provides incredible views of both the rock features to the east, the plains beyond them, and also the mountains to the west. You'll begin from the main parking area, and you'll work your way south, moving through the Central Garden. You'll pass the most famous formations in the park, and your vantage point will allow you to admire the features from afar. As you continue, you'll leave the crowds of the main garden area behind. While the trail has been gently rolling, from this point grades mellow out, allowing you to admire the foothills scenery. As you make your way around the Siamese Twins, you'll know that you're nearing the end of this trail. The route ends at a small parking area located off of Garden Drive.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

Hike Route

Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

Family Friendly
easy
1.34 mi
+168 ft
Central Garden, Palmer Trail, and Scottsman Trail Loop

Hike Route

Central Garden, Palmer Trail, and Scottsman Trail Loop

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.99 mi
+229 ft
Garden of the Gods Loop

Hike Route

Garden of the Gods Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.93 mi
+508 ft
Palmer Trail

Hike Route

Palmer Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
5.59 mi
+757 ft
Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop

Hike Route

Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop

Views
easy
3.2 mi
+403 ft
Grand Tour

Hike Route

Grand Tour

Less Crowded
moderate
9.76 mi
+1,156 ft
Contributors
Mikhaila Redovian