Reviewed by: Rockey Jackson , from Palmer Lake

Summary:
Beginning at the Greenland trailhead, the trail goes South on a moderate uphill grade for 0.9 miles where it meets the loop trail. Continuing South and clockwise on the loop, the trail continues uphill for another two miles to reach the shoulder of the ridge. It rolls up and down for the next mile near the top of the ridge. Then it turns West and plunges down for 0.8 miles where it meets the access trail from Palmer Lake. (It is one mile of moderate uphill to the Palmer Lake trailhead.) Here the trail turns north and continues predominantly downhill for 2.7 miles where it meets the trail to the Greenland trailhead. 0.9 miles downhill returns the rider to the trailhead. The trail pobably has an overall elevation gain of about 300 feet. This is a developed recreational trail with no technical sections. I recommend it to beginning riders with the stamina for the 8.5 miles and 300 feet of elevation gain at an altitude around 7200 ft. The Greenland Open Space is part of the historic Greenland Ranch. It is rather triangular in shape and bounded generally by I-25 on the East, private land North of County Line road on the South and the Burlington Northern Sante Fe and Union Pacific railroads on the West. The scenery is excellent with the Rampart Range to the west and buttes circling around the other sides. Pikes Peak may be viewed to the Southwest. The trail runs primarily through grasslands with Larkspur, Bluebells, Indian Paint Brush, and other wild flowers. There are also some patches of Ponderosa Pine and Scrub Oak. There is a parking lot, port-a-potties, and picknick tables at the Greenland trailhead. The Palmer Lake trailhead has no ammenities at this time. The Greenland Open Space Trail is part of the Front Range Trail system and connects with the New Santa Fe Trail at the Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area by taking County Line Road 0.5 miles West from the Palmer Lake trailhead.

Recommended Route:
If you prefer to ride uphill first, then begin at the Greenland trailhead. The loop may be riden in either direction.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
New Santa Fe Trail.