There was some back-and-forth over the name of a newer El Paso County open space.
For a while, Elephant Rock Open Space was the thought, for the shape of that rock seen from afar and now up close in the woods by Palmer Lake. But the name could be deceiving as the trail does not directly reach the formation.
Santa Fe Open Space was the decision, for the name of the adjacent railroad. It makes sense, too, for the access off the Santa Fe Regional Trail. And it makes sense for the overall sense of nostalgia the open space lends, beyond the whistle of the train rolling by.
It’s a sense of unspoiled nature and old ranching days. Since the open space’s 2022 ribbon-cutting, it’s been an experience for all on the county’s northern edge — a figure-eight trail system that’s easy on body, mind and spirit.
In town, park by the playground on the east side of the lake, called Palmer Lake Recreation Area. Follow the regional trail trending south. In about a half-mile, a map marks the start of Santa Fe Open Space, where we found the trails well-marked and easy to follow — and refreshingly dry for early spring, thanks to south-facing slopes.
The trail starts through a wavy meadow overlooked by the blocky Ben Lomand Mountain. We continued into the pine forest and passed the split for Far View Trail, opting to stay straight for the outermost loop along Burlington Trail.
The trail gently rises to show Elephant Rock, before turning to views of Palmer Lake’s rolling skyline over thick oak. Rather than turn left, we stayed straight as the trail becomes Far View Trail, aptly named looking out to Mount Herman and Cheyenne Mountain.
The trail descends to a rusted, vintage car and old farm equipment. It returns to the path that enters the open space; we turned right and continued back the way we came.
Trip log: 2.9 miles round trip (“lollipop” loop), 237 feet elevation gain
Getting there: Start from Palmer Lake Recreation Area, at 199 County Line Road, Palmer Lake.
FYI: Multi-use, nonmotorized trail. Open dawn to dark. Dogs on leash.
SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE
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