The Monks Hollow Trail is an ATV trail that's also popular with mountain bikers. The trail isn't at all technically difficult, but the sustained climb may be tough for beginning bikers. Vertical rise is 1900 feet over 7 miles, to the ridgeline at 7000 feet. Out-and-back is 14 miles. For a good intermediate rider, riding time will be about 2-1/2 hours.
The straight-ahead route (up the road, then across the wash to the left at 0.5 miles) is a steady but mild incline that winds around the hillsides. Most riders will prefer this path.
The trail rises to rolling grass meadows with clusters of oak trees. You'll see plenty of squirrels, chipmonks, and lizards. And maybe deer or elk -- at the right time of day.
The downhill run is fast and not-too-tricky. Unless you meet a teenager-driven ATV coming fast around a corner. So stay in control.
Note: I haven't been to Monk's Hollow since the road and water project construction was finished in July 2004. The trailhead, and trail layout, may have changed.
The trail begins just across the bridge. The left branch turns immediately left, going past the side of the wooden barn: after dipping through the wash, keep right and climb the hill. The right branch heads up the dirt road, where you'll see a small section of wooden fence with an ATV-sized hole in it on your left. Drop through the deep wash and up the other side, turning right on the trail.High-res topo for printing: View
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