Balanced Rock Loop Hike in Palmer Lake & Lunch in Monument - Fee Parking

Since this hike is a bit of a drive…let’s enjoy lunch after the hike before heading back home. The hike is out of Palmer Lake. The lunch is at Black Forest Foods Cafe & Deli which is in Monument but only an 8 minute drive from the trailhead. Lunch of course is optional.

I have the hike ending at 12:30…but that includes lunch. I expect the hike to end by 11:30…assuming all goes smooth.

FEE: Palmer Lake has a parking kiosk at the trailhead. The fee is $5 + processing fee and it accepts credit cards only…at least as of last time I was there.

DIFFICULTY: about 6+ miles with about 1600 feet elevation gain. Note that the beginning is very steep (about 1,000 ft climb in first mile) with loose rock and there is a creek crossing at the start that is sometimes a bit challenging, but I’m guessing it won’t be bad this year due to the low snow/dry conditions.

**HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is a loop hike that starts out very steep with loose rock on the way to the top of Chautauqua Mountain, where there are beautiful views to the East and Pikes Peak and interesting rocks…eventually reaching Balanced Rock - a rock monument above Palmer Lake. After Balanced Rock, the route then continues through aspens and pines following an infrequently used forest road and passing 2 reservoirs. We will do the following hike in alltrails, except we will add on the side trail that goes to Balanced Rock: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chautauqua-mountain-and-balanced-rock-loop**

DOGS: 🚫 Not allowed on this trail.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Palmer Lake Reservoir Road/Trail” for directions. Some have had difficulty finding the trailhead so please plan ahead.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

**RESTAURANT: Optional lunch at Black Forest Foods Cafe & Deli. We ate here one other time after the hike and lunch was pretty good. Here is a link to their website: https://bffdeli.com/wp/**

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

**WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-104.93334683009162&lat=39.10935381784151**

**REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0**
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.