Hotels in Monument: Trails, Art and Local History

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Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Monument brings together regional trails, art and local history. For planning your trip, you can choose among several highlights: the 15-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail, a self-guided tour of Historic Downtown Monument, and public art. Monument Lake has specific rules for fishing and motors. Before your trip, you can weigh whether trails, historic sites or the lake will play a bigger role in your stay.

The Santa Fe Regional Trail

The 15-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail begins in Palmer Lake, runs through Monument to the southern boundary of the Air Force Academy, and partly follows the former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad line. The gravel route is one of the longest continuous trails in El Paso County; cycling, hiking and horseback riding are among the activities along the route. Specific starting points are helpful for finding your way around Monument. The Santa Fe Trailhead is on 3rd Street in the center and has parking, picnic tables and pollinator gardens. Access points to the New Santa Fe Regional Trail in Monument include 3rd Street and Highway 105. 3rd Street is therefore both the location of the Santa Fe Trailhead and an access point to the New Santa Fe Regional Trail; another access point is on Highway 105.

Historic Center and Art

You can take a self-guided tour of Historic Downtown Monument. Tour guides are available from the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center at 166 Second Street, as well as from many shops. The public art installation “Ice Harvest” offers a different perspective: Tim Upham and Lisa Cameron designed it as a collection of rear-painted acrylic blocks, installed at the water treatment building on the corner of Beacon Lite Road and Second Street. The work depicts historical events related to harvesting ice from lakes in this region, linking a specific location in Monument with a regional theme. ArtSites manages a small collection of permanent sculptures spread throughout Monument. Each year, the program also assembles a new collection of sculptures through a jury selection process. Local history also has a railroad connection, though to a different company: Monument flourished as a commercial center for the surrounding area after the D&RG Railroad arrived in January 1872.

Monument Lake and Limbach Park

Fishing at Monument Lake is permitted with a valid Colorado fishing license; electric trolling motors are allowed, but other types of motors are not. Check the current rules before your trip so that your license and choice of motor are settled before your visit. Limbach Park is named after the town's founder, Henry Limbach, who was also Monument's first mayor. Together, these historical connections point to two aspects of the town's history: its founding and early local government, and its later commercial development after the railroad arrived.

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