Photo: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0
- County
- El Paso
- Elevation
- 6,982 ft
- Population
- About 12,100
- Downtown Denver
- 50 mi · about 1 hr
- Colorado Springs
- 20 mi · about 25 min
- Schools
- Lewis-Palmer School District 38
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Monument
What it's like to live in Monument
Monument sits on I-25 at the north end of El Paso County, with Pike National Forest on its west side and the Air Force Academy along its south edge. It began as a railroad stop in 1872 and took its name from Monument Creek and Monument Rock. With Palmer Lake and Woodmoor, it makes up the Tri-Lakes area.
The town is small but growing, from about 10,400 people in 2020 to an estimated 12,100 in 2023. Downtown has shops, restaurants, and galleries, and a Fourth of July parade runs through it every year. Planned neighborhoods spread east of the interstate, and trails lead into the national forest just west of town.
Monument suits households working in Colorado Springs or at the Academy who want a quieter town and Lewis-Palmer schools. Denver is about an hour north, so it works best for people who make that trip sometimes rather than every day.
Where it is
Where Monument sits on the Front Range
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Monument
Downtown Monument
The historic core around Second and Washington streets, with older homes and shops and restaurants within walking distance of Limbach Park.
Jackson Creek
A master-planned community with tree-lined streets, parks, and walking trails, and a mix of townhomes and single-family homes.
Woodmoor
An unincorporated community east of Monument at about 7,300 feet, built around Lake Woodmoor, with larger lots and mature trees.
Sanctuary Pointe
One of Monument's newer communities, built near open space and trails.
Get outside
Things to do in Monument
- 01
Mount Herman Trail
A moderate hike of about a mile to the summit of Mount Herman, northwest of town.
- 02
New Santa Fe Regional Trail
A gravel trail on the old Santa Fe railroad line with trailheads at Palmer Lake, Third Street in Monument, and Baptist Road.
- 03
Monument Rock Trail
A loop of nearly 3 miles past the rock formation the town is named for, at the edge of Pike National Forest.
- 04
Fox Run Regional Park
A 417-acre county park in ponderosa pine forest with two lakes, about 4 miles of trails, and two fenced dog parks.
- 05
Fourth of July downtown
A parade, a street fair on Second and Washington, and live music in Limbach Park.
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FAQ
Monument questions, answered
How far is Monument from downtown Denver?
About 50 miles north on I-25, roughly an hour without heavy traffic.
What county is Monument in?
El Paso County, the same county as Colorado Springs.
What is the elevation of Monument?
About 6,982 feet in town. Woodmoor, just east, is about 7,300 feet.
What school district serves Monument?
Lewis-Palmer School District 38 serves almost all of the area. Academy District 20 covers a small part, so check the address.
Is Monument growing?
Yes. The population went from about 10,400 in 2020 to an estimated 12,100 in 2023.
How far is Colorado Springs?
About 20 miles south on I-25, roughly 25 minutes.
Nearby