Switchback Trail (T5004)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

A pretty simple and straight forward trail. Marked well and connects to the Cloudcroft-Trestle Area trails.

This moderate trail at 8,000 ft elevation is one of the more popular trails in the area. Running 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.

Deer and elk are popular in this area.