Easy
Missouri · United States
- Distance
- 4.5 km / 2.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 54 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 1 min
- Mountain
- Forest
- Wildlife watching
Monkey Mountain Nature Reserve Southwest
ModerateMissouri · United States
- Distance
- 5.3 km (3.3 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 113 m (371 ft)
- Typical time
- 1 hr 17 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 282 m (925 ft)
About Monkey Mountain Nature Reserve Southwest
Monkey Mountain Nature Reserve Southwest is a 5.3 km hiking route in Missouri, United States. It climbs roughly 113 m (371 ft) along the way, topping out at 282 m (925 ft). Most people take around 1 hr 17 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Expect a steady effort with a few sustained climbs, well within reach if you walk regularly.
The woodland changes character with the seasons, at its best when the canopy turns. Wildlife is a genuine reason to walk this one, particularly at dawn and dusk. This is mountain terrain, and the scale of the surroundings is the reason to come.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Blue Springs, about 8.7 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Jackson County Parks + Rec.
In short, Monkey Mountain Nature Reserve Southwest suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate5.3 km113 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +113 m
- Descent
- −130 m
- High
- 282 m (925 ft)
- Low
- 243 m (797 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 29 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Mountain
- Forest
- Wildlife watching
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 67/100
- Adventure
- 39/100
- Difficulty
- 15/100
- Accessibility
- 72/100
- Family
- 46/100
- Dogs
- 70/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Some sections are steep enough to be awkward in the wet, particularly on the way down.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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Trails near Monkey Mountain Nature Reserve Southwest
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