Located along just over 5 miles of San Isabel National Forest, is the Snowslide Trail. This lightly used ATV trail certainly has it's ups and downs, and for an experienced 4-wheeler rider, you'll have a blast on this trail.
Snowslide Trail begins with a fairly steep ascent up a gravel road. But don't relax yet, because as soon as it mellows out it begins to go steep again. About 4 miles from the highway the 4-wheeler trail begins some more steep switchbacks through timberland. Eventually you and your 4-wheeler will come out to a patch of snow that is almost always there. You may actually be able to see it from I-25 when you drive in. There are no creeks or water areas on this trail,the closest spring is about 3.5 miles from the trail's head.
The park system rates this 4-wheeler trail as moderate to difficult and the season runs from mid-June through October. The quickest way to get to the Snowslide 4-Wheeler Trail from the Lake Isabel Recreation Area is to head 1 mile south of Lake Isabel on Highway 165. Watch for the sign next to the road. Or 4-wheeler enthusiasts can drive a total of 24 miles from Lake Isabel. Go north on Highway 165 to the Ophir Creek Road. Be sure to follow the better road to the left which is Greenhorn Mountain Road. The Snowslide trailhead is just past where Cisneros Trail crosses the road and Pole Creek Trail ends.
As always, the parks system requires 4-wheeler riders to follow some basic rules. You'll need your 4-wheeler permit to ride, and you'll need to make sure the muffler and spark arrestor on your 4-wheeler are in working order. Be sure to keep your 4-wheeler on the trails, no off roading. If you have all that in order, enjoy your ride at Snowslide!
