Palmer Park, Colorado Springs, CO

The Oasis in the Middle of Colorado Springs, CO

Location:  Palmer Park sits right in the middle of Colorado Springs.  There are two entrances to the park.

To the WEST entrance: take Fillmore east, just past the major intersection at Union Blvd; you will see some medical office buildings, and then the golf course on the left.  Turn LEFT onto Paseo Rd, just at the end of the golf course.  It is a small street, but the sign is clearly visible.  Paseo winds past the golf course, through a residential area, and right into the park.  The actual park entrance is gated and marked by signs.

To the EAST entrance:  From Academy Blvd, turn WEST onto Maizeland.  There is a large park right there at that intersection, that’s the east end of Palmer Park.  The entrance is about 250 yards up on Maizeland, also gated and marked with signs.

What you need to know:

The only restrooms are at the west entrance.  There are picnic tables in several areas, but there is no water available, so make sure to bring your own.  Pets are welcome, in fact there is a dog park near the east entrance.  Wear good sneakers, and bring your mountain bike if you have one.
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North Cheyenne Canon Park, Colorado Springs, CO

I’ll leave the more serious, camping/backpacking locales for my father to write up.My hikes are of the day variety, nearby places where I can escape into nature for an afternoon or so.So, I’ve decided I’ll write up some of those places, for those out there who just want a place to get some fresh air, stretch their legs, maybe enjoy a picnic or do some nature photography.First up: North Cheyenne Canyon Park.

Directions: From I-25, take the Nevada/Tejon exit and turn south. Go just a few blocks to Cheyenne Blvd, and turn Right.Stay on, wind through the pretty residential areas, until the road ends at a three-way fork – You’re here! Just ahead on the right is the Nature Center.You can park there — there’s a trail running up from behind the center that leads to a wide picnic area — or turn diagonal right, between the yellow-striped posts, and head on up the road further into the park.

Equipment: Wear sturdy sneakers and bring a daypack with water and snack.You can fill bottles at the Nature Center.Dogs are welcome, just clean up after them.Mountain biking is also popular.Do watch out for poison ivy; it is common in the lower part of the park, near the stream.

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Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Calhan, CO

What it is: A badlands-type area in the Colorado prairie. Gullies, spires, hoodoos, and sculpted walls carved out of brightly colored clay deposits.

Location: About a 5 minute drive from Calhan, Colorado, approx. 30 miles east of Colorado Springs. Take Hwy 24 to Calhan, turn right on Yoder Rd., and follow the signs.

Gear: Nothing special. Wear sneakers or trail shoes and bring a water bottle and a snack.

Distance: Four miles of easy trails.

Details: This place is a well-kept secret. The sites listing “places to see in the Colorado Springs area” don’t mention it. When you arrive at the parking area (there’s a big stone sign declaring the park’s entrance), you won’t see anything spectacular — just prairie in every direction. Pick a trail — doesn’t matter which one, they all intersect and take you to the same spots — and go. The park is rich in plant and animal life and is a beautiful example of native prairie.
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