Near Red Queen
The Caterpillar Trail is buffered by a wide mix of grasses and flowers.
Near Red Queen
An example of the bike features along the trail.
Near Red Queen
Enjoy smooth singletrack along the Caterpillar Trail.
Near Red Queen
Smooth singletrack.
Near Red Queen
Enter the deep, forested recesses of the Snark Trail.

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Hike Trail

Red Queen

4.3 (3 Ratings)
A popular pedestrian-equestrian trail paralleling Alice in Wonderland and connecting upper Bandersnatch to Caterpillar.
1.8
mi
Distance
241
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
This is a multi-jurisdictional trail--on Ashland city lands for the first 6/10ths of a mile on the lower end and then on Forest Service lands from there on up. On city lands, dog owners are encouraged to keep their dogs on leash and equestrians are encouraged to clean up horse droppings. The Ashland Forest Resiliency (AFR) effort occasionally conducts burns in the area and sometimes uses the Red Queen trail as a firebreak.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.75mi
Distance
241ft
Elevation Gain
821ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
3,339ft
High Point
2,711ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Red Queen is a popular hiking and running trail in the lower eastern side of the Ashland watershed. At the low end, this trail starts on the Bandersnatch trail just above the Snark Trail. It rolls at an essentially flat grade for the first 6/10ths of a mile and then climbs steadily at an average grade of 9% up to Caterpillar Crossing (where Caterpillar crosses 2060 and where Lizard ends and Jabberwocky starts). Mature Ponderosas are adjacent to the trail in several locations. Vistas of Mt Ashland and other peaks are frequently admired here. The Jabberwocky downhill mountain bike trail is just below, which can either be a distraction or welcome entertainment.The Gryphon Trail (pedestrian-only) intersects with the Red Queen Trail at about 0.4 miles and makes for a good loop with Red Queen and Bandersnatch. One can also hike up Red Queen and then at the top, turn right up the Caterpillar Trail to the Lewis Loops: Gyre and Lewis Loops: Gimble for various combinations. Alternatively, turn left onto the Caterpillar Trail and continue down to the White Rabbit Trailhead to Alice in Wonderland and then take Bandersnatch west or east. There are many loop opportunities. Poison oak is visible on the sides of the trail and occasionally leans into the trail, so keep an eye out.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Torsten Heycke