Monkey Mountain Hike

Monkey Mountain is by far the most strenuous hike in Riviera Nayarit, mostly because at the top, you are climbing over boulders to get to the spectacular view.

The mountain is located in the town of Higuera Blanca, which is part way between Sayulita and Punta Mita on the west coast.

Mind you, some people run this trail every day. Strenuous for some, challenging for others. The trail has become popular, and it is not recommended to hike it on a Saturday, as there are many visitors at the top of the mountain possibly blocking the view from you.

The trail up to and back down Monkey Mountain is a little over 4.5 miles (7k) with a gain of approximately 1, 000 feet (300m).

We start the Monkey Mountain hike at the Higuera Blanca Plaza, walking through town, heading Northwest.

It is the road that travels through town and then becomes a dirt road. Newly cleared for the housing that will come in the near future. There are markers along the way, some white, some green, some red, but just keep hiking.  If there's a split in the road, it's okay because both sides end up at the same place. Part of it through a dry riverbed. 

Be sure to watch as you get further up the hill for a big white rock on the right. Hopefully, it's still white, and the paint  hasn't been washed away with the rain.

There, you will turn right and begin the actual trail up to the mountain.

The trail twists and turns as it heads up. Be careful at the section where it is slippery. This is the place where a hiking stick can be useful.

Along the way near the top, you will see a small trail off to the right. This is a way to get back to Sayulita, if you wish. However, it is long, treacherous, and there are dogs.

Finally, you will get near the top, and we'll need to ascend some large boulders. The best path is to the left around the back to the top.

There are buses that travel from Sayulita in the north, or La Cruz de Huancaxtle to the South.




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