Mount Herman

Mount Herman is a beautiful hiking trail not far from the town of Monument. Trailhead parking is limited on the narrow dirt road that winds around steep drop-offs, but the views are worth it. Not far into the hike the trail takes a sharp right turn up the side of the mountain. A secondary trail leads straight ahead into a small clearing. The trail that continues straight leads through a number of campsites at the base of the mountain. Taking the right-hand path, the trail leads steeply up the slope. At just over 1 mile each way, the hike is steep, but it is full of wildflowers and birds during the summer months. The trail leads along a steep slope and through a clearing of tall grasses beside a small ditch through which a water trickles.

There is a quick scramble over some red rocks to reach the summit. The path leads past a windsock flaps in the breeze. At 9,100 feet, the views from the top of the cliff faces are extraordinary. Edging down the far side of the mountain, the views stretch out as far as the eye can see. Chipmunks scamper about, and they are not shy about wanting to share some lunch. The town of Monument lies below, while to the south is Colorado Springs and the U.S. Air Force Academy. There isn’t a better place to have a picnic, walk your dog, or go for a nice hike with the family.