BNSF 5993 (ES44AC) leads a coal train around Palmer Lake. The lake is full again after completely drying up during the severe drought conditions of 2012. In the late 1800's and early 1900's the lake was critical to the railroad, permitting trains to refill their boilers after cresting the Palmer Divide summit and prior to heading down the Divide to either Denver or Colorado Springs. The lake was the only natural water supply available in the area and passenger trains stopped in town for 10 minutes to take on water. For a fee of $1.00 roundtrip from Denver, passengers could take the train to Palmer Lake for a day of picnicking, fishing, boating or hiking.
