Palmer Divide Ranch Trail

The Palmer Divide Ranch Trail is rated as moderate for touring cyclists. It's considered suitable for beginner-to-intermediate mountain bikers, offering a mix of easy dirt trails and more engaging singletrack with minor obstacles and some climbing. The climb to Dewey Hill is described as a gradual, vaguely technical, but fairly aerobic ascent.

The trail has two distinct sections. The eastern half features easy dirt trails and wide, undulating gravel paths along West Cherry Creek. The western half offers more engaging, twisty singletrack with simple obstacles like rock features, switchbacks, and steps ranging from 6 to 12 inches. The overall route is undulating and flowy.

You'll find picturesque views, especially from Dewey Hill (a mesa), which offers expansive vistas of the surrounding ranch lands. Further along in the valley, you can enjoy panoramic views of Pikes Peak to the southwest. The trail winds through scrub oaks and pines, set within the diverse vegetation of the Palmer Divide region, including ponderosa pines and prairie grasses.

The Palmer Divide Ranch Trail is located within the Lincoln Mountain Open Space. Parking is available at the designated trailheads within the open space.

As the trail is located within the Lincoln Mountain Open Space, it's advisable to check the official Douglas County Open Space website for the most current information regarding any required permits or entrance fees before your visit. Generally, many open spaces in Colorado are free for day use, but regulations can change.

Regulations for dogs in the Lincoln Mountain Open Space typically require dogs to be on a leash. Always check the specific rules posted at the trailhead or on the official open space website to ensure compliance.

The trail can be enjoyed during many seasons, but it's particularly pleasant in spring and fall when temperatures are milder. However, be aware that the trail can become very muddy after any moisture, so dry periods are ideal for cycling.

The trail is known to become very muddy after rain or snowmelt. It's best to avoid cycling immediately after precipitation to prevent trail damage and ensure a more enjoyable ride. Check local weather and trail reports before heading out.

The Palmer Divide Ranch Trail itself is not a complete loop, but it offers the flexibility to be combined with the adjacent Lincoln Mountain Loop for a longer cycling adventure, creating a larger loop experience within the Lincoln Mountain Open Space.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Lincoln Mountain Trail, Lincoln Mountain Loop, Lower Rim Cut Off, Lincoln Mountain Trail Head, Deweys Hill, and Willow Tree / Water Hole Spur, allowing for varied route options and extensions.

While rated moderate overall, the eastern half of the trail with its easy dirt and gravel paths can be suitable for families or beginners looking for a less technical ride. The western half, with its singletrack and obstacles, is better suited for beginner-to-intermediate mountain bikers looking to build skills.