Switchback Trail (T5004)
Trail
3.1 mile
5.0 kilometer
point to point
Intermediate
Elevation
Ascent:
248'
76 m
Descent: -468' -143 m
High: 8,213' 2,503 m
Low: 7,744' 2,360 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 4% (3°)
Max Grade: 8% (4°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
Minor Issues
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“A great looped trail on old railroad grades and rolling singletrack.”
— Eric Borer
Features
River/Creek · Views · Wildlife
Description
This moderate trail at 8,000 ft elevation is one of the more popular trails in the area. Hiking Switchback can be done both directions depending on the type of outing you are looking for. Mapped out, you'll begin in the middle of the trail if you're starting at the TH off of Bailey Canyon Rd. Continuing south from the north trailhead will give you a few early hills to climb that continue down hill on the old Cloud-Climbing Railway grade. About halfway through, you'll hit the pedestrian bridge, cross Hwy 82, and push on uphill back to the TH on mixed trail, combining this route with the Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail (T5002). Just before returning to the TH, you'll pass under Hwy 82 in a drainage tunnel.
Flora & Fauna
Deer and elk are popular in this area.
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We need help with the following missing trail information:
Family Friendly, ADA Accessible, Need to Know
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Check-Ins
Feb 1, 2020
Stan Hendrix
This hike over historic ground was excellent. Walking the old railroad bed was cool. You can hear the road noise from Hwy 82. We saw wild turkey.
3.8mi
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