Spook to Monument Hill Loop
Total Miles
5.9
Elevation
1,869.06 ft
Duration
1 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Overview
Cutting around Spook Hill to the south and close to the base of Monument Hill to the north, this trail is very unsuspecting in its difficulty. The trail is primarily single-vehicle-wide with plenty of room to pass if necessary. The surface is primarily dirt and rock with grass being dense enough in some sections to cover the trail. Drivers will need to take extra time to spot the tracks hidden in the grassy sections as several areas are heavily overgrown and only a single rock track can be seen. While there are no large top-side obstacles, the trail has several areas of deeper washes and erosion. One of these washes has been poorly repaired with a concrete culvert, but the culvert appears to be heavily damaged and is not pleasing to cross over. This section should be taken with extreme caution as the wash and erosion around the culvert is over 4 feet in depth and approximately 4 feet in width and will become worse with rain or snow. Many of the other washes are over 30 inches in depth with short, steep shoulders and should only be attempted by 4x4 vehicles with a lift and tires larger than 34 inches. There are several areas where the trail is off-camber on loose rocks that bank towards the valley below the hills. Views in the area are spectacular and show off the surrounding grasslands and the full extent of the surrounding mountain ranges. Cell service is in and out as the trail begins to wind through the hills and is primarily weak at higher elevations.
Photos of Spook to Monument Hill Loop
Difficulty
Drivers can expect steep grades, off-camber sections, and loose, rocky surfaces. Thick grass has overgrown several sections of the trail and only show a single rocky track in some sections. There are several sections of deep rutting and washes that must be passed over, several being over 30 inches in depth with steep shoulders. There is one large area that is heavily eroded and washed out with a damaged culvert that must be traversed. Rains will make this section worse or possibly impassable. Drivers should take extreme caution if the decision is made to cross the culvert.