If you haven’t been to one of Colorado Springs’ great trails in a couple of years, Palmer Red Rock Loop, popularly known as Section 16, then you’ll notice some changes when you return.

The changes were part of a 2023 project that, in the city Parks Department’s words, were meant to “address damage to existing trail, re-route unsustainable trail ... and improve safety and user experience while maintaining the overall character.”

Starting from the trailhead off Lower Gold Camp Road, you might notice rerouted segments in the first mile. Old, vertical alignments have been replaced by longer, swooping stretches of trail. The early views remain the same: the walls of the enveloping Bear Creek Canon and neighboring hogbacks.

If you haven’t been in recent years, you’ll also notice more signs ma

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