Palmer Red Rock Loop (Section 16) Hiking Guide
Section 16 is one of the closest real climbs to town, a loop popular with both hikers and mountain bikers. From a trailhead on Gold Camp Road it winds up through red rock and scrub oak, swings into pine forest and small stream canyons, and returns along the Palmer Trail with views over Garden of the Gods. City documents call it the Section 16/Palmer Trail Loop or the Palmer Red Rock Loop.
Distance and Direction
AllTrails lists the loop at 6 miles with about 1,290 feet of gain, while Hiking Project calls it a 5.5-mile loop; mapping sources simply measure it differently. Hiking Project notes that the first mile is very exposed, so it is the part to get done before the sun is high. Expect steep climbs and drops on uneven ground, with roots and dirt mixed with loose rock; AllTrails recommends hiking boots and poles.
What You See
The route winds through pine forest with red rock outcroppings, meadows and stream canyons with tiny waterfalls, and along the way it opens to views of Garden of the Gods and the Rampart Range. The Palmer Trail side of the loop connects into Red Rock Canyon Open Space, where the city realigned several Palmer Trail segments in 2023 for better drainage.
Trailhead and Recent Work
The Section 16 Trailhead is on Gold Camp Road in Bear Creek Cañon Park, with a crosswalk and signs added in 2024. In 2025 the city built a 400-foot reroute near the trailhead to replace a set of deteriorating steps on the Palmer Red Rock Loop; the work was done off the existing trail, so no closure was needed. Parking is at the trailhead itself; on a busy weekend, arrive early.
Bikes, Dogs and Winter
Mountain bikers share the loop, and AllTrails notes that the Section 16 side is rated single or double black diamond for riders while the Palmer Trail is blue, so expect fast riders on the descents and step aside on blind corners. Leashed dogs are allowed. For winter hikes AllTrails advises hiking spikes, and snowshoes after a real storm.
Hiking tips for Palmer Red Rock Loop (Section 16)
- Do the exposed first mile early on summer days.
- Bring poles for the steep, rocky drops.
- Watch for downhill mountain bikers, especially on the Section 16 side.
- Pack microspikes from late fall into spring.
- Arrive early on weekends to park at the Gold Camp Road trailhead.
Nearby trails to explore
- Red Rock Canyon Mesa Trail Loop (Colorado Springs)
- Manitou Incline
- Seven Bridges Trail (Colorado Springs)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Section 16 is the close-to-town climb that's more fun with someone setting the pace. Use TrailMates to find Colorado Springs hikers heading to Section 16. Download the TrailMates app to connect.