Monument Lake CO

Monument Plant

June 26, 2019:  Toward the end of our tour of Highway of Legends in southeastern CO, we came upon the high altitude Monument Lake.  It's a beautiful recreational lake with campsites, cabins, & water sports.  And, of course we found some wildflowers.

In 1937, the WPA built the resort and today it's owned by the City of Trinidad. Tho the WPA structures are no longer in use, charming examples can be seen around the lake.  There used to be a hatchery and zoo there.  Today the lake is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and splake. 

The lake's name came from a rock formation that once stood at its center, 15 feet above water. The formation was said to represent 2 Indian chiefs, who were searching for water for their thirsty tribes.  They met there and embraced in peace.  Crying for the lack of water, a lake formed at their feet and a volcano erupted enclosing the 2 chiefs in the rock at the center of the lake.  Today only a small portion of the rock can be seen in the center of the lake.

I haven't found how the Monument Plant got its common name.  But it's found in the Rockies and is a tall plant, so perhaps that's why.  It isn't restricted to the Monument Lake area by any means.

I was kinda excited to see these Red Columbines planted outside the office along with the
Blue Columbines.  Both native to CO. 

Lush examples of Red Clover

 Probably my favorite find at this location was the Leatherflower, which is a Clematis.  One of the common names is Bluebill.

Eventually, I'll post some of David's photos of the actual lake.  It was pristine!

Cya down the road,

Chief and Flower Child