Palmer Technical Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Get ready for a solid intermediate ride in the heart of Colorado Springs. This loop combines the best downhill sections while avoiding most of the extremely difficult and rocky climbs at Palmer Park, all with some beautiful views over West Colorado Springs including Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.

From the west gate, begin a moderate climb up Grandview Trail. As the name suggests, you'll be rewarded with a great view of Pikes Peak about halfway through the trail. The grade flattens as the singletrack meanders along the top of Palmer Park. At the southwest corner of the park, the Grandview Trail ends and the Cheyenne Trail descent begins.

The entry drop is representative of the downhill. A rocky, technical 0.5 miles until flattening out and reaching a parking lot across the road. Stay on the Cheyenne Trail for a short but challenging climb back to Grandview Trail. Hang a right to repeat a short section of the Grandview Trail that leads to the Grandview - Kinnickinnick Shortcut. Head east on the Kinnickinnick on the other side of the road. There are two downhills sections separated by a flat ride along the mesa rim that provides an exciting and unique section of the loop.

Remain on Kinnickinnick Trail past the dirt parking lot and once you've reached the bottom take the main diagonal trail towards the road, park, and baseball fields. Ride east along a road/parking lot to pick up the Greencrest Trail. This will loop back north and after about a mile you'll reach its peak. On the other side of the road, bear left on the Palmer Point Connector which will take you nearly to the start of the Mesa Trail. Ride a few 100 feet more to reach the start of that trail.

Stay on the Mesa Trail until reaching a picnic table and the start of Yucca Flats Flow. Ride the short Yucca Flats Flow until it meets back up with Mesa Trail, instead of taking Mesa Trail take the semi-steep left turn that connects to the Templeton Trail. Turn right and hang on for a short but steep and rocky descent.

At the next fork, turn left for the Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail that serves up a spicy and fast descent down to a clearing. Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail continues on your left for a tough rocky section. Right before it begins to climb, take a right to exit towards the Canon parking lot back where you started!