Discovering Palmer Lake, Colorado: A Town of History and Resilience
Nestled at a high elevation in El Paso County, Palmer Lake is a charming statutory town that serves as a gateway to the beautiful landscapes of Colorado. Founded by General William Jackson Palmer in 1871 and officially incorporated in 1889, this community has evolved from a vital railroad refueling stop into a scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Whether you are exploring the historic Palmer Divide or enjoying the local trails, Palmer Lake offers a unique blend of mountain charm and a resilient community spirit that has seen the town through significant environmental challenges.
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Key Facts
- Location: El Paso County, Colorado, USA.
- Elevation: 7,139 feet (2,176 m).
- Population: 2,636 (as of the 2020 Census).
- Founded: 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer.
- Major Landmark: The Palmer Lake Star, a designated Colorado Historic site.
- Recreation: Adjacent to the 15-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail.
Geography and the Palmer Divide
Palmer Lake is situated at a geographically significant location marking the top of the Palmer Divide. This ridge runs eastward from the lake and acts as a natural boundary, separating the Arkansas River drainage to the south from the Platte River drainage to the north. This divide is a major landmark that separates the Denver metropolitan area from the Pikes Peak region.
The town's topography is characterized by high elevations, with the namesake Palmer Lake sitting at 7,250 feet. Nearby, Vollmer Hill in the Black Forest reaches approximately 7,700 feet, while Monument Hill stands at about 7,352 feet. The town covers a total area of approximately 3.1 square miles, with the vast majority consisting of land.
Town Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Incorporated | March 12, 1889 |
| Total Area | 3.09 sq mi (8.01 km²) |
| Water Area | 0.023 sq mi (0.06 km²) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| ZIP Code | 80133 |
| Area Code | 719 |
The Story of Palmer Lake: From Railroad Vitality to Restoration
The history of the town is deeply intertwined with the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. In the late 19th century, steam engines climbing the Palmer Divide required frequent water stops. Because Palmer Lake was the only natural water supply in the area, it became a critical refueling point. This utility even turned the town into a destination; for a small fee, passengers could take the train to the lake for a day of picnicking, fishing, and boating.
However, the town's relationship with its namesake water source has faced modern hardships. Due to drought and changes in water supply management, the lake dried up completely during the summer of 2012. This period caused significant distress for local businesses and resident morale. The town's leadership maintained a strict priority on protecting the water supply for the health and safety of citizens over purely aesthetic uses.
The Palmer Lake Restoration Project
In response to these challenges, local residents formed the Palmer Lake Restoration Project, Inc. (also known as Awake the Lake). This non-profit organization worked tirelessly to navigate complex water rights and legal hurdles. Their efforts, combined with a significant break in the drought cycle in 2015, allowed the lake to refill.
Today, the town can supplement the lake's natural fill with up to 67 acre-feet of water per year using old industrial water rights. The restoration efforts have also expanded to include the "Rockin' the Rails" park project. This initiative, supported by a $350,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), includes a pedestrian bridge designed as a flatbed railroad car, connecting the town to the lake and its surrounding parks.
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Recreation and Local Landmarks
Palmer Lake is a haven for outdoor activities. The town is adjacent to the Santa Fe Regional Trail, a 15-mile gravel route that follows part of the old Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. This trail is a year-round destination for:
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (in winter)
The Palmer Lake Star
One of the most iconic sights in the area is the Palmer Lake Star. Proposed in 1935 and built through community effort, this massive five-pointed Star of Bethlehem sits on the side of Sundance Mountain. Measuring 457 feet across and illuminated by 91 non-glare bulbs, it is lit during December and for special occasions. In 2013, the star was officially designated as a Colorado Historic site.
Demographics and Community
As of the 2020 census, Palmer Lake is a growing community with a population of 2,636. The demographic profile shows a median age of 44.4 years, with a significant portion of the population living in rural areas (79.4%). The community is composed of a diverse range of households, including many married-couple families and individuals living in a scenic, high-altitude environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Palmer Divide?
The Palmer Divide is a ridge that separates the drainage systems of the Arkansas River and the Platte River. It also serves as a geographic divider between the Denver metropolitan area and the Pikes Peak region.
How was the Palmer Lake water crisis resolved?
Through the grassroots efforts of the Palmer Lake Restoration Project (Awake the Lake), the town successfully changed certain water rights to allow for supplemental fill. This, combined with natural rainfall in 2015, helped restore the lake levels.
What is the "Rockin' the Rails" park?
It is a themed park project designed to celebrate the town's history as a railroad refueling stop. It includes a unique pedestrian bridge shaped like a flatbed railroad car that allows people to cross the tracks safely.
Is the Palmer Lake Star a historic landmark?
Yes. The Palmer Lake Star was designated as a Colorado Historic site by History Colorado in February 2013.
What activities can I do on the Santa Fe Regional Trail?
The trail is a multi-use gravel route suitable for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. During the winter months, it is also used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.