Family-Friendly Hiking Near Monument, Colorado

Dated: October 21 2025

Views: 204

If you’re new to the Monument or Palmer Lake area — or just looking for a way to spend a Colorado Saturday that doesn’t involve packing up half the house — the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail should be at the top of your list.

đŸŒ² Why Locals Love It

The Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail is one of those hikes that checks every box:

  • Easy to get to (just minutes from downtown Monument)

  • Great for kids, dogs, and visiting family

  • Scenic without being strenuous

The trail begins right behind downtown Palmer Lake, winding gently through forested hills before opening up to two sparkling reservoirs framed by canyon walls. You’ll get all the mountain views without the long drive or the crowds you’ll find farther north.


đŸ‘Ÿ Quick Trail Facts

  • Distance: About 5 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~800 feet — enough to feel accomplished, not exhausted

  • Difficulty: Moderate (short steeper sections, but family-doable)

  • Parking: At the end of Old Carriage Road in Palmer Lake

  • Bonus: Leashed dogs are welcome, and there’s usually an ice cream stop waiting downtown afterward đŸ¦


đŸŒ„ The Perfect Weekend Reset

This is the kind of hike that makes you fall in love with life in Monument and Northern Colorado Springs — fresh mountain air, lake views, and the sound of kids skipping rocks while parents take in the quiet. Whether you’re new to the area or relocating from out of state, it’s these small-town moments that remind you why people move here.


đŸ¡ Living the Monument Lifestyle

If you’re relocating to Monument (especially for a PCS to USAFA) or simply want a slower pace with access to outdoor adventure, you’ll find that communities like Forest Lakes, Woodmoor, and Palmer Lake offer it all — luxury homes, space to breathe, and easy access to nature.

I help clients find not just a house, but a lifestyle — the kind that includes spontaneous hikes like this one after work or school.


đŸ“ Ready to Explore Monument?

Reach out for your Relocation Cheat Sheet — a curated guide to neighborhoods, dining, and the best local trails!

Karie McLain Homes | eXp Realty
đŸŒ www.KarieMcLainHomes.com

đŸ“ 719.213.7474

Palmer Lake Reservoir Hike | Instagram Video

â–¶ Watch this short on Instagram: Palmer Lake Reservoir Hike

Blog author image

Karie McLain

Karie McLain is more than just a real estate broker; she's your advocate in achieving your lifestyle dreams. With a deep-rooted history in mortgage and real estate sectors in Colorado Springs and Monu....

Latest Blog Posts

Haunted Houses in Colorado Springs and Historic Homes in Monument Colorado

Haunted houses in Colorado Springs and historic homes in Monument, Colorado, a local realtor's guide for fall 2026.Every September, searches for haunted houses in Colorado Springs climb straight up,

Read More

Woodmoor Neighborhood Guide: Luxury Living in Monument, Colorado

Woodmoor in Monument, Colorado, one of the largest established neighborhoods in the 80132 area.Woodmoor is the largest and most established neighborhood in Monument, Colorado, sitting about a mile

Read More

Monument, Colorado New Construction vs Resale Homes: How to Choose in 2026

Buying a home in Monument, Colorado in 2026 usually comes down to one fork in the road: build something new in a community like Jackson Creek or Sanctuary Pointe, or buy an existing home that is

Read More

Life in Monument, Colorado: A Local's Guide to Food, Trails, and Weekends

A local's guide to life in Monument, Colorado, food, trails, and weekends across the Pikes Peak region.Life in Monument, Colorado moves at the pace of a small mountain town that happens to sit

Read More