Colorado Springs: Palmer Lake to Cap Rock
Quiet rules on this mostly off-trail, 5.1-mile scramble up a boulder strewn canyon to a gnarly rocky crown with panoramic mountain views in Pike National Forest.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 5.9
Waypoints
PCR001
Location: 39.1186447143555, -104.921104431152
Head W on trail along Monument Creek
PCR002
Location: 39.1173362731934, -104.93115234375
Explore the house-sized boulders; enjoy views of lower reservoir
PCR003
Location: 39.1166915893555, -104.93318939209
Bear R at unmarked fork going NW (not N!); trail becomes less defined up valley; stay above creek bed
PCR004
Location: 39.1222763061523, -104.949668884277
Turn N; climb boulders up the canyon; keep about 50 feet from the cliff wall
PCR005
Location: 39.1246109008789, -104.950309753418
Steep climb to NW; path swings S to summit
PCR006
Location: 39.1236000061035, -104.950569152832
Spectacular views from 8,200-foot Cap Rock; backtrack down mountain
PCR007
Location: 39.1220397949219, -104.94359588623
Turn R onto old jeep trail
PCR008
Location: 39.1143074035644, -104.943450927734
Swing L down steep valley to upper Palmer Lake
PCR009
Location: 39.1128540039062, -104.941902160645
Descend on L side of river fork
PCR010
Location: 39.1159973144531, -104.933975219727
Huge rock formations on L; finish loop @ lower reservoir, then backtrack to trailhead