Near Monkey Trail
Between the ponds
Near Monkey Trail
In the field
Near Monkey Trail
Passing alongside the creek
Near Monkey Trail
Creek crossing on the horse trail
Near Monkey Trail
Trailhead

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Monkey Trail

4.4 (9 Ratings)
A heavily wooded trail that feels as though you're on the set of Planet of the Apes.
10
mi
Distance
637
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
10mi
Distance
637ft
Elevation Gain
637ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
328ft
High Point
236ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The trail immediately begins on a densely wooded singletrack, for the first three miles of twisting and turning and ups and downs if you are lucky you'll feel as though you are on the set of the filming for Planet of the Apes as the trail circles a chimpanzee rescue. They're much easier to hear at the top of the trail. Once you reach mile three the forest changes and the trees become slightly less dense for a brief section. There are many creek and small gorge crossings as you traverse the first four miles. The trail begins to intertwine with the horse trail where it jogs on and off for a little more than a mile, mostly the trail is straight and wide in this area, there is a pleasant creek crossing in this area.As the trail begins to work its way back towards the trailhead you enter singletrack and make your way into a field. In this area, there are two ponds divided by ranch road which allows you to enter back onto the trail. The trail is once again heavily wooded and occasionally permits an upper view of the ponds and field. You'll work your way towards the road that enters that park, here you can opt out and call it a day (making your trek approximately 8 miles) or you can cross the road and complete the trail. Once you re-enter the trail there's approximately 1.5-2 miles of twisting trail back to the trailhead.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

SFA Recreational Trails & Gardens

Hike Route

SFA Recreational Trails & Gardens

Wildlife
moderate
2.86 mi
+163 ft
Tyler State Park Route

Hike Route

Tyler State Park Route

Birding
moderate
9.68 mi
+1,068 ft
Jacob's Loop

Hike Route

Jacob's Loop

Birding
strenuous
8.73 mi
+162 ft
Tom's Loop

Hike Route

Tom's Loop

Less Crowded
moderate
12.11 mi
+112 ft
Contributors
Vanessa McKnight