Monument, Colorado

Looking for the best running in Monument? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Monument. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Monument

  • Monument, Colorado

    Mt. Herman & 715 Loop

    4.0
    6.16 mi / 1877 ft gain
    The Basics: Mt. Herman is the most prominent peak overlooking Monument, CO and is easily spotted from I-25. The area between Monument and the mountain hosts a large network of meandering trails that are great for trail running and mountain biking. Our hike today starts at the uppermost parking lo...
    Read more
  • Palmer Lake, Colorado

    Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail

    4.11 mi / 656 ft gain
    This hike starts with a steep uphill, and if that doesn't take your breath away, the views of the lakes definitely will. After the uphill slog, you'll immediately reach the lower reservoir. On still mornings, it offers perfect reflections of its surroundings.  The trail continues along its northe...
    Read more
  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Lovell Gulch Trail

    5.22 mi / 814 ft gain
    Lovell Gulch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail

    4.0
    4.45 mi / 719 ft gain
    Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Perkins Central Garden Trail

    5.0
    1.13 mi / 138 ft gain
    Garden of the Gods has dozens of hiking trails that cover miles through the park itself. The Perkins Central Garden Trail takes you through the heart of the rock formations and really gives you perspective on the size of these red rocks. This trail also takes you past several areas where rock cl...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Bike the Garden of the Gods Loop

    5.0
    6 mi / 500 ft gain
    The Basics: Garden of the Gods is a free, public park on the Western edge of Colorado Springs. Open year round, the excellent paved roads with wide bike lanes provide road bikers with multiple loop options from 3 to 10+ miles. From casual bike riders to seasoned pros, you choose your distance and...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Garden of the Gods Loop

    4.7
    4.28 mi / 581 ft gain
    If you are new to the area a stop by the visitor center can help to get a map of the trails and roads in the area as well as obtain a climbing permit (one is needed to climb and is free). Once you have entered the area there are multiple trails and pullouts that you can explore. Many of the trai...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Scotsman Trail Loop

    5.0
    1.09 mi / 128 ft gain
    Scotsman Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Yucca Flats Loop at Palmer Park

    2.66 mi / 381 ft gain
    The Basics: It might be easy to overlook Palmer Park if you're planning an adventure outing in Colorado Springs, but definitely don't discount this inner-city oasis! It took me many years to memorize Palmer Park's confusing trail system (the trail maps don't help), but whether this will be your ...
    Read more
  • Manitou Springs, Colorado

    Hike Red Mountain

    2 mi / 750 ft gain
    The hike can be started from where the Intemann trail meets Ruxton Ave close to Iron Spring. For parking, you can park at one of the few pay-for parking along the street or park in town and take the bus up to the incline. The hike starts up what seems to be a driveway until you reach a small gate...
    Read more
  • Cascade, Colorado

    Manitou Incline

    4.7
    3.8 mi / 1949 ft gain
    If you're ready for a fitness challenge like no other, look no further than the Manitou Incline. The trail climbs the remnants of an old cog railway bed, gaining 2000 feet of elevation in less than a mile. Busy all year round, the popular trail is used by everyone from Army Rangers and Olympic ho...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike, Climb, or Bike Red Rock Open Space

    2.0
    3 mi / 300 ft gain
    Red Rock Canyon Open Space was made public in the early 00's after years of use as a quarry and landfill. Some of the stone quarried from the area have even been used in some of the downtown buildings. Getting there is straightforward, heading West on 24 there is an obvious turn off left between ...
    Read more
  • Manitou Springs, Colorado

    Palmer Trail (Section 16)

    5.0
    5.51 mi / 1352 ft gain
    Palmer Trail (Section 16) is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Castle Rock, Colorado

    Run the Challenge Hill

    5.0
    0.6 mi / 200 ft gain
    The Basics: The Challenge Hill, or as I like to call it, the Mini-Incline, is a shrunken version of its big brother to the south in Manitou. However, don't let its relatively small 200 stair count fool you - this hill is a serious workout! Located in Philip S. Miller Park, just one minute off I-2...
    Read more
  • Franktown, Colorado

    Hike the Creek Bottom Trail

    5.0
    4.1 mi
    The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!  Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...
    Read more
  • Franktown, Colorado

    Hike the Rim Rock Trail

    4.98 mi
    The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!  Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...
    Read more