Snark Loop

The Snark and old Red Queen Loop Trail is a 4 mile loop off the beaten path – but starting to catch on – above the swimming hole. A nice alternative to Bandersnatch.

Driving

– From Ashland Plaza head along Lithia Park on Windburn Way, that hits Granite which you will continue on along the park until you reach the swimming hole. Stay to your left circling around the top of the swimming hole where you will see some parking to your right and much more parking to your left.

Parking

– Park nose-in at either location.

The Adventure

– From the parking area look back at the way you came in and then look at the fire road/driveway that forks slightly uphill. There are a few Snark Trail signs right there so head on up and pass the yellow pipe gate.

In 50 yards you will see an art sculpture of 3 blue birds and a pile of city rubble that I hope to god they’ve figured out how to clean up by the time you get there (don’t hold your breath, it’s been 10 years). Just past that, Snark splits off of this trail to the right.  That separates you from the heavy downhill mountain bike traffic.

This section is maybe 1/4 mile and then you emerge onto an intersection where you can watch mountain bikers fly by but, can continue on the Snark Trail to your right. This continues as a fantastic, level trail for a few hundred yards and then begins some elevation gain.

*Important Note!* – This upper section of Snark is mountain bike legal. Only a small amount of the real weirdoes take it so don’t worry too much but… keep your middle fingers in your pockets.

Soon, there is a hairpin turn to your left (an old deer trail tempts you down to the creek  straight ahead but don’t take it! It dead ends) Now there is some significant elevation gain. And you will cross the Jabberwocky Mountain Bike downhill only trail. Some bikes may come off here and head down Snark.

You will then meet up with The Bandersnatch Trail and officially… The Snark Trail ends(starts) here. But to finish the loop you continue along Bandersnatch for 2 minutes, then leave it heading uphill towards the Lower Red Queen Trail. The intersections get tricky here.

You cross the BTI mountain bike only downhill trail, ignore the Jub Jub trail to the right and take the Upper Red Queen Trail downhill to the left.  That takes you to the paved Ashland Loop Road where you will turn left where it continues to the left as the dirt road version of Ashland Loop Road. Take that downhill back toward Lithia Park.

Look for the Witzend Trail to your left as that shaves 1/2 mile off your route down to your parked car. There are no mountain bikes allowed on Witzend however…. there are always mountain bikes on Witzend. Stay awake!