The Punch Bowls (Colorado Springs, CO)

Hansel looking into the first of three "punch bowls."

     Not a lot of people know about the Glen Eyrie punch bowls, even though Glen Eyrie Castle, and the land it sits on, used to be the home of one of the state's most prominent pioneers.
Colorado Springs founder, Gen. William Palmer, built Glen Eyrie Castle in the mid-1800s as a lavish home for his family. Most people who have visited Garden of the Gods, a neighboring attraction, are familiar with the area's unique, crimson rock formations, but few are aware of how close they are to a sometimes-gushing waterfall and extraordinary natural reservoirs.
     Since Palmer's death in the early 1900s, Glen Eyrie has changed hands several times, but much of the castle's original design and construction remain today.
In the 1950s, the property again become available for purchase, and this time, was bought by The Navigators. The Christian organization, which is associated with the late Rev. Billy Graham, still owns the castle and hosts religious retreats, conferences and tours on its grounds.
     Hikers can, with reservations made well in advance, hike inside the canyon, to a photogenic waterfall and lounging area, or up to the "punch bowls"- the property's natural, raised water wells.
Maybe because the organization recently started to drastically restrict foot traffic in the trail, the population of brook trout along the hike has exploded. In late fall, even though the water was low, it was teeming with tiny, quick-finned fish. Bring your camera on the punch bowls hike because there is a lot to see.

     The majority of your hike will be along, through, and sometimes over, water. If you have amphibious shoes, great! If not, just wear comfortable walking shoes with good treads that you don't mind getting wet. The best time to visit the punch bowls is when it's hot, because there is a lot of water to to keep you cool, and the hike has a pleasing amount of cover. Visiting the punch bowls in the fall, or even winter, is also great fun, but be aware that if you accidentally fall into the water in November, you might be significantly more miserable during the 2 mile hike back to your car than you would be in May.
     This hike is a great place to spend the whole day. The walk itself isn't rigorous, and the grounds and trail are well-maintained. Besides the natural seating at the waterfall, you can sit down and relax throughout your hike while staying close to the trail. If you're lucky enough to get a reservation on a hot day, pack a picnic, stake out a spot on the flat rocks around the punch bowls, and spend the afternoon swimming in any of the three 15-foot and deeper reservoirs.


Hike Location: Colorado Springs, CO
                          Glen Eyrie Castle
                          3820 N. 30th St.
                          Colorado Springs, CO- 80904

Approximate Length: 3.5 miles, roundtrip

Difficulty: Mild to moderate                         

Good to Know: Since The Navigators are a private organization, they don't have to let you hike on their property. Be nice, or risk being turned away. Also, if you visited Glen Eyrie more than two years ago, you might not know that now, you have to make reservations well in advance. We made our reservations in July, and got in September 13. You'll have to fill out a page of personal information, including emergency contact info, and show valid, government-issued ID. Like all forays into the mountains, there is some risk associated with this hike, so be aware that you'll be signing a safety waiver once you enter the grounds. Glen Eyrie also reserves the right to use your image for promotional materials.