Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake is one of three communities in the Tri-Lakes region between Denver and Colorado Springs. Conveniently located off I-25 near two major metropolitan centers, Palmer Lake is a growing Front Range community.

On the north edge of El Paso County, situated at the high point between Denver and Colorado Springs known as the Palmer Divide (7,200 feet), Palmer Lake affords sweeping views of the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Downtown Palmer Lake features shops, cozy restaurants and a museum run by the Palmer Lake Historical Society. Here visitors will find everything from antiques to homemade jewelry. From fine dining to a make-your-own-steak joint, Palmer Lake is also home to a number of popular eateries.

While much of the area is dedicated to residential development, the Tri-Lakes region is known for its watering holes — Lake Woodmoor, Monument Lake and Palmer Lake — and extensive trail system. Palmer Lake is adjacent to the 14-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail, which runs south through the town of Monument to the southern boundary of the U.S. Air Force Academy and follows part of the old Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. One of the largest continuous trails in El Paso County, the graveled route supports a wide variety of activities such as biking, hiking and horseback riding. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers enjoy the pathway in the winter, while everyone enjoys the town's annual Winterfest, where you'll find ice skating, broomball and ample hot cocoa on the frozen lake.