Hike into the New year with Debby

Where: Spruce Mountain Trail

Hike Leaders: Debby Burkart

Description: Discover this 5.6-mile loop trail near Palmer Lake, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route with approximately 700 ft in elevation gain. You will find spectacular views and beautiful rock formations in Larkspur, CO. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding.

Directions: From Colorado Springs, take the County Line Rd Exit off I-25. Drive west toward Palmer Park, past the Greenland Open Space parking area, across the railroad track. Turn right (north) on Spruce Mtn. Rd, and drive north about 3 miles to the trailhead (on the left).

From Denver: take the Greenland Exit (167) to the west and travel ¼ mile west and ½ mile south. Bypass the Greenland Trailhead and continue right on the main gravel road (Noe Road) over two sets of railroad tracks and continue another mile to Spruce Mountain Road. Take a left and head south for about one mile to the parking area on your right.

From I-25 S to Larkspur Exit. Go south on Spruce Mountain Road 6 miles (one mile past the intersection with Noe Road). Trailhead for cars is on right.

Park at the large dirt lot at the trailhead. There are port-a-potties at the parking lot.

Dogs are welcome; must be on leash.