Templeton Trail

Many say Colorado Springs’ best trails are across the city’s western, mountainous backdrop. But here to the east in the heart of the city is Palmer Park, this mosaic of bluffs and forests providing the kind of natural oasis city founder Gen. William Jackson Palmer envisioned.

Surely he’d be proud of Templeton Trail. What makes it one of the city’s best trails in our book? Indeed its wildness ー right in the city but seemingly far removed. 

It’s not recommended for casual mountain bikers ー old trail signs display black diamonds ー and it might not be recommended for beginner hikers, at least not those needing a straightforward, dirt trail. Rock often takes over, requiring some brief route-finding and up-and-down stepping. Rest assured: Many more trail markers have been posted in recent years.

From the park’s top Yucca Flats parking lot, we like to do the loop counterclockwise. On the lot’s east side, the wide path meets Templeton to the right, down through grass.

In about a quarter-mile, we veered left at a split and continued Templeton around tall pines and taller, colorful hoodoos and outcrops, where the trail stays mostly well defined. The trail swings west around the bluffs as Pikes Peak booms into view. Then it swings south to more views of the city, Cheyenne Mountain and the distant Spanish Peaks on a clear day. More ancient formations join the trail before more stepping up and down along rocky rims.

Close to 2 1/2 miles, we opted to stay straight for North Canon Trail. This drops down to Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail, which climbs back through a quaint forest to meet Templeton. The trail wraps back up to the parking lot. 

Trip log: 3.8 miles round trip (loop), 681 feet elevation

Getting there: From Palmer Park’s entrance off Maizeland Road (3650 Maizeland Road), follow the road up past the Grandview turn on the left. Ahead on the right, turn on the dirt stretch toward Lazy Land and continue to Yucca Flats parking lot. 

FYI: Park open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Dogs on leash. Trails can be icy in winter; wear traction. 

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE