To find a lake in Colorado’s mountains, you might expect a long venture. And so the scene between the state’s two biggest cities is a surprise: emerald waters between forested slopes that feel remote but are indeed not far from home. This is the experience of the reservoirs of Palmer Lake.

The hamlet north of Colorado Springs is named for the lake at its center. The reservoirs are tucked back in the hills bordering the town, reached from a trailhead below a neighborhood. Right in the neighborhood — so the wild-feeling trek begins.

The wide path — also functioning as a utility road — gradually rises above the creek so that the rushing water is sometimes out of sight but near enough to serenade all along the way. The first, smaller reservoir emerges in about a half-mile.

It’s a fine spot to take a break. There are several spots like that along the way lined with flowers that pop in the summer and intermittent aspen leaves that glow in the fall. Large boulders and hillside outcrops add to the eye candy.

The real treat is the second, larger reservoir. From the hillside, people carefully step down for spots to fish and enjoy a picnic. People in-the-know explore beyond to off-trail destinations called Ice Cave and Cap Rock.

The trail wraps around to a meadow at the reservoir’s edge, where we turned around. The way back down comes with different views of the town and mesas of the Palmer Divide.

Trip log: 3.3 miles out and back, 657 feet elevation gain, 7,285 feet max

Getting there: From Interstate 25, take exit 161 for Monument and follow Colorado 105 west to Palmer Lake. Just before town, turn left on South Valley Road. In the neighborhood, turn left on Old Carriage Road, which leads down to the parking lot.

FYI: $5 fee to park; use card at the parking lot kiosk. No dogs allowed. No standing in the water or swimming. Fishing only allowed at the upper, second reservoir.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE