Visit

Visit Monument, Colorado

The high point between Denver and the Springs.

Hike to sandstone formations on Monument Rock, bike the Santa Fe Regional Trail with Pikes Peak views, browse a walkable downtown of local shops and discover the Tri-Lakes town at 7,100 feet that quietly became one of the Front Range's best-kept secrets.

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A Perfect Day

One Day in Monument

Morning

Coffee at Forge Coffee Lab, then loop Monument Lake at Limbach Park — an easy stroll with Pikes Peak views right in town.

Afternoon

Bike the Santa Fe Regional Trail south toward the Air Force Academy, or hike west to the sandstone spires on the Monument Rock and Mount Herman trails.

Evening

Dinner at The Bistro on 2nd in the heart of downtown, then a cider flight at a local taproom as the sun drops behind the Divide.

Things To Do

Trails, lakes and the Palmer Divide

A 17-mile rails-to-trails path with Pikes Peak views, sandstone hiking, three community lakes and a walkable downtown — Monument sits at the high point of the Front Range with Colorado Springs 20 minutes south and Denver an hour north.

New Santa Fe Regional Trail

17 miles of paved trail from Palmer Lake through Monument to the Air Force Academy — Pikes Peak views the whole way.

Monument Rock & Mount Herman Trails

Moderate hiking to sandstone formations and Pikes Peak panoramas — the best local hike west of town.

Palmer Lake

Fishing, paddleboarding and picnicking at the neighboring Tri-Lakes town — a short drive or bike ride north on the Santa Fe Trail.

Monument Lake & Limbach Park

A peaceful lake loop right in downtown Monument — an easy walk with mountain views and a playground.

U.S. Air Force Academy

The iconic Cadet Chapel and the new Hosmer Visitor Center — free admission, just south of Monument on I-25.

Where To Stay

Sleep on the Divide

Monument's lodging is limited — a few chain hotels along I-25 and vacation rentals in the Tri-Lakes neighborhoods. Colorado Springs' full hotel scene is 20 minutes south.

Rates shown include Booking.com Genius and partner discounts where available.

Plan

Not sure where to stay?

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Cabins & Camps

Sleep in the Tri-Lakes

Vacation rentals in the Tri-Lakes neighborhoods and Pike National Forest campgrounds to the west.

Rentals

Vacation rentals on Vrbo

Whole homes & mountain retreats in the Tri-Lakes area

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Plan

Dispersed & forest camping

Pike NF & free sites west of town — ask Abbi.

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Browse Every Stay

The full Monument map

Every bookable hotel, cabin and rental around Monument — live prices, one map.

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Where To Eat

A walkable downtown that eats local

A bistro in the heart of downtown, a classic diner, craft coffee and a deli for the trail — Monument's food scene is small, honest and locally owned.

Eat

The Bistro on 2nd

Upscale casual · weekend brunch & dinner · downtown Monument

Directions →
Eat

Rosie's Diner

Classic breakfast & family-friendly plates · near Highway 105

Directions →
Eat

Forge Coffee Lab

Craft coffee & pastries · downtown Monument

Directions →
Eat

Black Forest Foods Cafe & Deli

Sandwiches & deli · grab-and-go for the trail · downtown

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Plan

Can't decide?

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Explore Colorado

More Colorado Adventures

Explore scenic drives, historic places, protected landscapes and iconic peaks throughout Colorado.

Events

Coming up in Monument

What's on in Monument over the weeks ahead.

JulAnnual

Tri-Lakes 4th of July

Pancake breakfast, parade, street fair & fireworks

Details →
Aug2026

Pickin' on the Divide Bluegrass Festival

Summer bluegrass performances in Limbach Park

Details →
YearRound

Santa Fe Regional Trail

17 miles of hiking & biking with Pikes Peak views · open daily

Details →

Shop Local

Take Monument home

A walkable downtown of locally owned shops — a beloved bookstore, boutiques and specialty stores along 2nd and Front Streets.

Shop

Covered Treasures Bookstore

Independent bookshop · downtown Monument landmark

Directions →
Shop

Downtown Monument Shops

Boutiques, gifts & home goods · 2nd & Front Streets

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Plan

Find something specific

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Move Here

Could Monument become home?

Learn about housing, winter, work and daily life, then connect with a local broker through the Monument relocation page.

Make the move

Housing, seasons, jobs and what daily life really costs — then a broker introduction when you're ready.

Broker introductions are subject to Explore Colorado's referral disclosure.

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Business Opportunities

Buy a business. Sell a business.

Buying an established business can be one path to making Colorado home. Owners considering a sale can begin a separate, confidential conversation.

Nearby Towns

The Palmer Divide

Monument sits at the high point of I-25 — Colorado Springs 20 minutes south, Denver an hour north, Manitou Springs just beyond the Springs.