• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transportation
  • Brands
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transportation
  • Brands
  • Search
Monument Lake Monument CO
Monument Lake, Monument, CO. Photo by: Jonathan Atkins

Monument Lake – Monument

FacebookTwitter

Just west of the town center in Monument, Colorado, Monument Lake is a 30 acre reservoir with beautiful mountain views. Although it is quite small, Monument Lake is very easy to access and can therefore be crowded during peak recreational seasons.

The lake is located in El Paso County, roughly 50 miles south of Denver and 20 miles north of Colorado Springs.

Monument Lake History

Monument Lake and the nearby Palmer Lake have a rich history providing water for the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Mountain Ute, and Sioux Cheyenne Native American Tribes. In 1865, the town of Monument was established, which soon became a commercial center for people piling in from the railroad. The lake itself was used to harvest ice for sale in the winter months.

In 1872, a ditch was dug to divert Monument Creek. A small dam (known as the Monument Lake Dam), was then built to retain a larger amount of water to appease the growing area demand. Today, the town of Monument, Colorado controls the lake and dam.

Activities at Monument Lake

Boating: Electric trolling motors are the only type of motor permitted for use on Monument Lake (gas and diesel prohibited). Beyond this, visitors can use non-motorized watercraft such as stand up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks. There are no boat ramps and everything must be hand launched.

Fishing: Most anglers, no matter their experience level, tend to get lucky at Monument Lake. The small water feature is generally well stocked by the Department of Wildlife, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout, bass), catfish, blue gill, pike, and perch. Monument Lake freezes over in the winter, but ice fishing is still permitted.

Anyone over the age of 16 fishing on Monument Lake is required to have a Colorado Parks fishing license.

Hiking: From Monument Lake, visitors can continue westward to explore the Colorado’s rolling hills into the Pike National Forest. There is a nice system of trails to explore around Mount Herman and Monument Rock with alpine vistas, seasonal wildflowers, and the chance to view the wildlife of the Rampart Range.

Picnicking: Group picnic areas are available around the shores on Monument Lake. There are tables and bathroom facilities.

Swimming: Swimming is prohibited in Monument Lake.

Details

Address: Monument Lake, Monument, CO 80132, USA

Phone: 719-481-2954

Season: Year Round, lake freezes in winter.

Hours: Daily, 5am to 11pm

Fees: None

Maps: Interactive Topo Map (link)

Website: townofmonument.org/407/Monument-Lake

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Recent Posts

  • Top things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado
  • Famous Companies Based in Colorado
  • 7 Public Swimming Pools by Denver
  • 7 Public Pools by Colorado Springs
  • 2 Wineries near Salida & Buena Vista

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Spring Activities

  • Camping
  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Scenic Drives
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • State Parks
  • Waterfalls

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2022 · Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise