Intemann Trail

Construction Update:
The 30th St. construction project will begin fall of 2021, and will likely take around 18 months to complete. For more info and closure updates, visit the project landing page.

Use of Trail: Hiking/Bicycles/Horses

Length: Total length of both segments is 5 miles

Duration: 2 hour hike

Trail Difficulty: Easy to medium trail, easy to hike but the total distance does increase the difficulty if the whole trail is done in one day.

Elevation: 900 feet gain

Scenery: Gamble oak, juniper trees, spruce trees, wild onions and a variety of wildflowers. There is also red rock canyon with “Garden of Gods” style rock formations.

Recommended for: Hikers, no climbing skills required

The Paul Intemann Memorial Nature Trail has become a popular hiking destination over the years since being started in 1987. The trail is dedicated to Paul Intemann, known for his years serving as city planner for Manitou Springs and his love of hiking. The trail located 5 miles above Manitou Springs, has seen many changes over the years.

With all the work performed over the years there are now several established trail links for hikers to explore, along with some stunning views that surround the foothills of Manitou Springs. There are two distinct trailheads to start the Intemann hike with both having access to public roads for parking needs and a good starting point. The Section 16 (Palmer) Trail starts on the eastern portion of Intemann trail which is roughly 1.7 miles east of Crystal Park Road. This portion will take hikers through the Palmer-Red Rock Loop Trail that eventually ends at High Drive.

Crystal Park Road Trailhead segments into the Section 16 Trail that starts from the west, just before the Crystal Park residential community. There, hikers can head east to reach the intersection of Section 16 or head west for about half a mile to reach the Manitou Mesa Overlook. From either direction hikers can see a large rock formation called Finger Rock, which resembles that of a fist with an index finger raised.

Of all the construction performed these two starting points have been the main line for the many reroutes and new trails that have formed since 1987. Throughout these paths hikers will see a variety of vegetation ranging from juniper trees, gambel oak and wildflowers to wild onions, meadows and an intermittent waterfall. In 1995 the Intemann Trail Committee (ITC) discovered an intermittent creek that allowed them to continue trail construction alongside the creek. They later found out that the creek led to an intermittent waterfall thus starting the construction of Waterfall Spur in 2001.

Iron Spring Trailhead signifies the western end of Intemann Trail putting hikers a mile west of the upper Pawne Avenue access point. The Barr Trail is accessible from Hydro Street, which will lead to Pikes Peak. Hikers can also take on the trail from a north to south perspective starting at Ruxton Avenue close to Iron Spring. The trail goes through Spring Street and after a half mile will turn into a spur that will lead to Red Mountain. Hike another half mile and the trail will continue toward Pawnee Avenue, hikers will then have to make a right on Southside Avenue before the trail hits the Tot lot.

Helpful Tips:

•Bring plenty of water as the trail can be rigorous in the summer days

•Make sure proper attire is worn (hiking shoes, athletic wear, sunblock, backpack, etc.)

•Follow all designated signs as a portion of the trail is privately owned, so don’t steer away from the marked trails.

•Also, steer clear of the Red Rock Canyon open space. This is the vast meadow that used to be home to a landfill however, it is not cleared for any public access.

Trailhead Directions:
Turn west on Highway 24 for 2.2 miles to 26th Street. Turn south (left) on 26th Street for 1.5 miles to the intersection of Lower Gold Camp Road and Bear Creek Road. Turn right onto Lower Gold Camp Road and travel 0.75 miles to the trailhead on the right side of the road. Park in the parking area adjacent to the Section 16 Trailhead sign. The Intemann Trail starts at 0.72 miles from trailhead along Red Rock Loop Trail.


Very detailed trail information for the Intemann Trail can be found on POCKET PALS Trail Map #4, which is available for sale at the Colorado Springs Visitor’s Center at 515 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO (800) 888-4748.