Wonderland Trails Guide: Bella Vista's Rocky Playground
The Wonderland trails are a compact, Alice in Wonderland–themed system in Bella Vista, set in the limestone bluffs above Lake Bella Vista, with about 6 to 8 miles of trail. You climb from the parking lot to a central hub called Eddie's RV, then pick a descent: a paved flow trail, a fast jump line, or a technical drop-and-step-up. Laps are short, so it's built for riding the same trails again and again. It's best for intermediate riders, with a 1-mile green loop for families.
Wonderland trails at a glance
Location: Bella Vista, in the bluffs above Lake Bella Vista, near Blowing Springs
Trail miles: About 6 to 8 miles, depending on the source
Difficulty: Mix green to black; mostly blue
Best start: The large lot next to the veterans memorial
Hub: Eddie's RV, at the top of the climb
Typical ride: 1 to 2 hours of laps; Trailforks' Wonderland Loop is 5.2 miles with about 660 feet of climbing
Connects to: Blowing Springs, the Back 40, and the Razorback Greenway
Wet-weather list: Yes
Where to start
Park in the large lot next to the veterans memorial Wall of Honor in Bella Vista. It's the best starting point for a first visit, and both climbs to the hub leave from here.
From the lot you have two ways up:
All American (green): the easy way. It's a smooth climb that builds confidence and connects to Smuggler's Run. From this point take Sally’s Trail to get to the spot where the RV use to be located. This route avoids the more rocky and technical sections of Sally’s Trail.
Sally's Trail (blue): the engaging way. It's more technical and runs beneath the limestone bluffs, past stacked stonework, straight to Eddie's RV. Sally's is also the quickest way back to the lot.
Note: while you start following All American or Sally’s Trail, you will encounter a split in the trail where can also take the Through the Looking Glass trail which runs by Mad Hatter before ending up at the Eddy’s RV spot.
Riding in instead: Wonderland is a short ride from Blowing Springs if you follow the sidewalk or you can take the Cooper Elementary Connector if school is not in session. You can also ride from Slaughter Pen and downtown Bentonville on the Greenway by following the Razorback Greenway. There are two bridges currently being constructed which will shorten the ride considerably when done. Until then you will need to follow the Razorback Greenway along the Highway 71.
The climb: All American, Smuggler's Run, and Sally's
Most first laps go All American, then Smuggler's Run, then Sally's or Through the Looking Glass to the top.
Smuggler's Run (blue) is a short, punchy connector between All American and Sally's. Its highlight is an elevated wooden feature that hugs the bluff. It's short, but it's the first spot where you'll want to look before you ride.
Sally's Trail (blue) is where Wonderland's rocky character shows up. Expect limestone, tight lines under the bluff, and stonework built into the trail. It's a climb that asks for line choice more than fitness.
Eddie's RV: the hub
Eddie's RV is the hub at the top of the climb, and most of Wonderland's signature descents leave from it.
Eddie's RV recently burned down, and a replacement is in the works. The area where the RV was sitting is empty.
The descents
Ace of Spades is a paved, fast-flowing trail with wide berms and a consistent grade, leaving straight from Eddie's RV. It's the lap most riders repeat. It's easy to session, and it intersects Sally's so you can climb back quickly and go again. Because it's paved, it's also the first place to ride at Wonderland after rain.
Area 51 (black)
Area 51 leaves from the back of Eddie's RV. It's fast and technical, with machine-built berms dug into the side of a ravine, drops, and optional airtime, including a gap onto a tabletop. Progressive TrailDesign built it, and OZ Trails covered it as a new trail in 2019. The airtime is optional, so ride it once at a controlled speed before you push it.
Through the Looking Glass and Mad Hatter (blue to black)
Through the Looking Glass is a directional blue loop from Eddie's RV that leads to Upper Mad Hatter. From there you can drop back to Sally's or extend your ride on Rabbit Run, a scenic route through the hills.
Mad Hatter is Wonderland's best-known trail. The upper section is blue, with flowing berms. The lower section is black, with a prominent drop and a large step-up at the bottom. [LINK NEEDED: Mad Hatter trail page or post]
Rabbit Hole Loop (green)
Rabbit Hole Loop is a 1-mile, family-friendly multi-use loop. It carries an adaptive MTB green rating and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to ride. It's the right pick for kids and newer riders while the rest of the group laps the descents.
By rider type
Beginners and families: Climb All American and ride Rabbit Hole Loop for an easier loop through the woods. That route takes you away from the Eddy’s RV area. If you opt to make your way to Eddy’s RV, Ace of Spades is blue, but its paved surface and wide berms make it a good next step for confident beginners. Skip Area 51 and Lower Mad Hatter.
Intermediate riders: This is your system. Climb Sally's, then lap Ace of Spades, Through the Looking Glass, and Upper Mad Hatter. The Lower section of Mad Hatter is an advanced trail.
Advanced riders: Area 51 and Lower Mad Hatter are the main events. Wonderland is small, so pair it with the Back 40 or Blowing Springs to fill a full day.
When it rains
Wonderland is on the official wet-weather list, along with Blowing Springs and the Back 40, so a rainy day in Bella Vista can still be a full riding day. Ace of Spades' paved surface handles wet weather best. Limestone and wooden features, like the bluff feature on Smuggler's Run, are slick when wet, so slow down on Sally's and around the wood. Check our Trail Conditions page before you head out.
E-bikes and rentals
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are welcome on Bentonville trails, and an e-bike makes it easy to stack Wonderland laps without the climb wearing you down. If you're renting, tell the shop you're riding rocky Bella Vista trails so they can set up tires and suspension for it. See our bike rentals page.
Pair it with
Start your day at Blowing Springs, ride its 4-mile loop, then ride over to Wonderland for afternoon laps on Ace of Spades and Mad Hatter. Our Blowing Springs page covers the loop and parking. For a longer day, add a section of the 22-mile Back 40 loop.
FAQ
Where are the Wonderland trails?
In Bella Vista, Arkansas, in the bluffs above Lake Bella Vista and near Blowing Springs. The trails are named for nearby Wonderland Cave.
Where do you park for Wonderland?
The large lot next to the Veterans Memorial Wall of Honor is the best start. Both climbs, All American and Sally's Trail, leave from there.
How long is the Wonderland trail system?
About 6 to 8 miles of trail. Most visitors ride 1 to 2 hours of laps, and Trailforks' Wonderland Loop covers the main descents in 5.2 miles.
Is Wonderland good for beginners?
Partly. Rabbit Hole Loop is a green, 1-mile loop and the All American climb is green. Most descents are blue, and Area 51 and Lower Mad Hatter are black.
Can you ride Wonderland after rain?
Yes. Wonderland is on the official wet-weather list. Ace of Spades is paved, but limestone and wooden features are slick when wet. Check the Trail Conditions page first.
