Intemann Trail to Crystal Lake Road

Moderate for novice hikers and easier for more seasoned hikers. This hike will take about 2-2.5 hours and it is part of the same area as the Section 16 trail. From Hwy 24 west of Colorado Springs, in Old Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs area, go 2.5 miles west on 26th Street. 226th actually turns into Bear Creek Road but either way, it will come to it's end at Gold Camp Road. Make a very sharp (almost 180 degrees) to the right and go a 1/4 mile to the parking area on the right where you will see the trailhead. This is the same place to start the Section 16 hike, as well as others.

Park here and start your Intemann Memorial Nature Trail hike to where it ends at Crystal Park Road. This trail will actually continue on all the way to Historic Manitou Springs later this year when the easement through the private property off Crystal Park Road will be finished and access is legal.

 It is true to say that starting at the parking area, you are on both the Intemann Trail and the Section 16 Trail. However, Section 16 is also Palmer Red Rock Trail and you'll see a trail marker identifying this fact about 3/4 mile into your hike. At this point you will see the Palmer Red Rock Trail sign that is what you would take to do the Section 16 Loop that is so common.

You aill see the Intemann Trail to your right. Go this direction. The beginning of this hike, especially in colder months affords distant and big views as it is mainly scrub brush that one can see though and over. A great way to start a cool morning as it gets good sun. Beautiful rock formations are to be had. You now have about 45 minutes to the end of the trail and then of course, the return walk.

The trail winds through the trees and back and forth into the AM sunshine as it also wraps around the mountains. Views of Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs and the Red Rocks Canyon Recreation Area are plentiful.

The trail is well defined but, always be aware of where it goes as sometimes you may inadvertantly wind up in a spot where you wonder "which way should I go" If so, back up and make sure you followed the main path. It would be hard to actually get lost on this trail but if you don't pay attention you could find yourself working hard to get back to the trail and ultimately your destination.

In the final 10 minutes of your hike you will see a campground and more and more homes. At the trails end; Crystal Park Road, you will see a collection of million dollar homes in the private gated community of Crystal Park. In August of this year and easement will allow you to continue hiking accross this area and onto the rest of the Paul Intemann Trail all the way to Manitou Springs.

This foot bridge is just feet from the road in the following photo. Time for Barney here to lay n the water and get a drink.

Turn around and follow your steps back. Enjoy the views you missed on the way in!