Limbaugh Canyon Loop

This Monument-area classic winds through a hidden clutch of meadows where Monument Creek gets its start. This can be done as a long mountain bike loop with some technical sections or a there-and-back hike.

To get there: From I-25, take exit 161 at Monument. Drive west through the town of Monument about 0.7 miles to Mitchell Avenue. Turn left and drive about 0.7 miles to Mount Herman Road. Turn right and drive about five miles. The road will turn to gravel and become slightly rough. Low-clearance cars may not make it.

Drive less than a quarter mile past the Mount Herman trailhead to a pull-off on the right that is the start of Forest Trail 715.

The hike/ride: Walk north up a broad, steep trail to a saddle in less than a quarter-mile. Drop north off the saddle on an obvious singletrack trail that winds down into a lush valley. In about 1.5 miles, the trail enters a long meadow along Monument Creek. For hikers, the meadow, with its many natural picnic spots, is the destination. Find a nice place to relax, then return the way you came.

For bikers, follow a clear trail northeast, down the canyon, to the end of the clearing. About 2.5 miles from the trailhead, pass a clear trail on the left. Continue northeast down the valley bottom on a clear trail. As the valley narrows, the trail will begin to contour higher and higher on the south side. As the trail swings around to the east side of Mount Herman, hikers and bikers will get a great view of the plains below.

About a mile from the last trail junction, look for a clear but unmarked trail on the right. It generally contours along the east side of Mount Herman, first climbing in several switchbacks to skirt private land, then diving into a fast descent. The trail eventually meets Red Rocks Drive. Turn right and follow the road to Mount Herman Road. The trail gains a ridge and dead-ends on a Jeep track called Balanced Rock Road. Go north down the road as it drops, sometimes steeply, for 2.3 miles past two small reservoirs. Climb 2.8 miles to the trailhead.

Details: Camping allowed, dogs on leash. Pike National Forest, 636-1602.

RATING

• 2 to 3 boots

• 4 miles, 700 feet elevation gain, or 11 miles, 1,500 feet elevation gain