Top 9 Lakes around Monument

Monument Lake is excellent for fishing, with rainbow, cutbow, cutthroat trout, bluegill, perch, and pike. You can also enjoy non-motorized boating like paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. There are easy walking paths around the shoreline, and group picnic areas are available. It's also a great spot for birdwatching.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area offers a playground, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a frisbee disc golf course, in addition to fishing and paddling on Palmer Lake. Aspen Lake and Gazebo in Fox Run Regional Park is also family-friendly, with fish and turtles to observe and a gazebo for relaxing. Mary Kyer Park features a serene pond with ducks and geese, a playground, and a walking trail.

You'll find a variety of trails. Monument Lake has a short, easy walking path around its shoreline. Palmer Lake is the starting point for the 16-mile New Santa Fe Regional Trail, suitable for hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding, and also has an easy 0.8-mile loop around the lake itself. For more options, you can explore hiking routes around Monument, including easy loops in Fox Run Regional Park.

Swimming is generally prohibited in the main lakes. For instance, swimming is not allowed in Monument Lake, and it's also prohibited in Lower Palmer Reservoir as it serves as a water source.

While dogs are not allowed at Lower Palmer Reservoir, many other trails in the region are dog-friendly. Always check specific park regulations, but generally, trails in areas like Fox Run Regional Park offer good options for walks with your dog. Ensure your dog is leashed.

Monument Lake is regularly stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, offering rainbow, cutbow, cutthroat trout, bluegill, perch, and pike. Palmer Lake is also stocked with rainbow trout and has northern pike and channel catfish. Fishing is easily done from the sandy shore at Palmer Lake.

Monument Lake features a short, easy walking path that circles part of its shoreline. Palmer Lake has an easy 0.8-mile trail loop around the lake. Additionally, Mary Kyer Park and Water's Edge Park Pond and Fountain both offer paved trails that loop around their respective ponds, perfect for easy strolls.

The lakes offer activities year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for paddling, hiking, and picnicking. Fall brings beautiful foliage. In winter, when Palmer Lake freezes over, it hosts events like Winterfest with ice skating and broomball, and ice fishing is permitted at Monument Lake.

Yes, the charming downtown Palmer Lake area, adjacent to Palmer Lake, offers local restaurants and shops where you can find places to eat or grab a coffee.

On Monument Lake, non-motorized watercraft such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are allowed, and all must be hand-launched. Palmer Lake also welcomes paddleboarding and kayaking on its calm waters.

Lake Woodmoor is primarily a private lake, owned by the water district, and public access for activities like fishing or boating is generally restricted. Its main appeal is enhancing the natural beauty and outdoor living experience for the surrounding Woodmoor community, known for its mature Ponderosa pines and peaceful, wooded feel.

Absolutely! The 16-mile New Santa Fe Regional Trail starts at Palmer Lake, offering excellent opportunities for biking. You can find various cycling routes around Monument, including moderate trails like the New Santa Fe Regional Trail loops from Gleneagle or Monument.

The Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area is well-equipped with a playground, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a 19-hole frisbee disc golf course. There are abundant picnic areas with tables, and a large picnic pavilion can be reserved. It also serves as the trailhead for the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.