Monument, CO: A guide to Rails to Trails, Hiking, Brews and Cocktails
July 2023: Monument, Colorado (population 10,399*) offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and laid-back relaxation that caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. With the Regional Santa Fe trail winding through its historic downtown and back drop of front range Rocky Mountains, Monument has a wide variety diverse hiking, biking and running opportunities, and a vibrant craft beer and cocktail scene creating a perfect fusion of adventure and relaxation.
Monument is part of the regional Tri-Lakes community. Although a historic small town, it is conveniently located (in fact straddling) I25, between the urban centers of Colorado Springs (10 miles to the south) and Denver (50 miles to the north). As such, it serves as a bedroom community for some of its residents and has seen a significant population growth in the recent decades.
Monument – a Brief history
The area where Monument is situated has a long history of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Native American tribes such as the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho were known to have inhabited the region before European settlement.
The town of Monument was founded in 1872 as a result of the construction of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The railroad played a vital role in the growth and development of the area, facilitating transportation and trade. Initially, Monument served as a supply point for the nearby mining towns of Palmer Lake and Cripple Creek. The railroad eventually brought tourists and businesses began to spring up.
In addition to its historical landmarks, Monument offers a range of recreational opportunities due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and the Pike National Forest. Outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are popular among residents and visitors alike.
In the mid-1950s, the US Air Force Academy was established with large parcels of land directly to the south of Monument.
Rails to Trails: Experience the Scenic Beauty of the Regional Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Regional Trail is a rails-to-trails conversion that has transformed former railroad tracks into picturesque pathways from Palmer Lake Recreation Area to the north, down through historic Monument downtown – where we stopped for a snack! When we recently walked on the trail, we encountered many people enjoying the wide flat trail for biking, dog walking and running – including a local high school team training for the upcoming cross-country season.
South of Monument, the Santa Fe trail continues through the Air Force Academy and eventually links into a larger system of trails once it reaches Colorado Springs to the South.
Hiking: Enjoy the views from Mount Herman and nearby Monument Rock
Directly behind the town of Monument is Mount Herman. The Mount Herman Hiking trail head offers a 2.1 mile hike to the top for an amazing view of the town and the valley below
A less strenuous but also scenic option is to the local Monument Rock, which offers a 2.7 mile loop hike to the Rock formation that the town of Monument is named after.
Brews and Cocktails: Local Craft Beer and Moonshine options
What better way to relax after an active day of hiking, running or biking than to hang out at one of the local craft drink establishments! We live relatively close and have visited the businesses below numerous times and can attest that each is a fantastic way to relax, unwind and visit with friends and family.
3 Hundred Days Distilling – Google Maps – we LOVE this place! the owner and staff make particularly tasty, distilled moonshine and uses them in a variety of equally tasty mixed drinks. My personal favorite is their seasonal slushy. It continues to impress us that its industrial garage location can contain such a fun vibe!
Pikes Peak Brewing Company – Google Maps – A very popular local micro brewery, with seating inside, inside-open air and a nice big patio outside. The brews are super tasty! It is located on the east side of I25, so most would want to drive from downtown Monument to this location. They have light food and often have food trucks on site.
Trails End Taproom Monument – Google Maps – This tap room enables us to pour our own brew, wine or other mixed drink and pay by the ounce. They are located in a renovated old historic cabin with a lovely patio out back with over-flow seating to the side. There is also a bike rental shop out back, to enable one to take advantage of its proximity to the Santa Fe Trail.
Downtown Vibe / walkability
While the town boundary of Monument is spread out over both sides of I25 interstate, the historic business district is on the west side. The downtown business area has quaint yet energetic vibe, where one can park and walk to a variety of businesses. While It does not have many elegant brick buildings associated with other historic downtowns, it does have a variety of well-maintained historic and new buildings.
Here is a shout out to a few local businesses:
- The Bistro on 2nd – Google Maps – which is located in a renovated old home and has a beautiful patio
- Papa Bear Pizza – Google Maps – home made pizza with nice indoor and outdoor seating
- La Casa Fiesta Restaurant – Google Maps (Mexican) – has open air inside seating and vibrant outdoor patio
- Black Forest Foods Cafe & Deli – Google Maps – local deli with good food and nice outdoor seating
- Lolley’s Ice Cream – Google Maps – local shop, with fun flavors and outdoor areas front and back.
- Covered Treasures Bookstore – Google Maps – lovely local book store
- The Love Shop – Google Maps – fun gift shop
- Monumental Miniatures – Google Maps – unique toy store with a large selection of doll house miniatures
Note that there are also many businesses along Hwy 105 and across Interstate I25 (including the Pikes Peak micro brewery and Westley Owens local coffee shop), but only marginally walkable from downtown Monument.
More to Explore!
The town of Monument sponsors a variety of community events, including
- Concert in the Park series – free on most Wednesday’s during the summer
- Tri-Lakes 4th of July – a popular annual event
- Monument annual Tree lighting ceremony
