Are dogs allowed on Switchback Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Switchback Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Switchback Trail?

No, Switchback Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Switchback Trail?

Switchback Trail is rated easy. It is 3.0 miles long with 472 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See New Mexico trail conditions

EasyOut and Back

Cibola National Forest/New Mexico

Switchback Trail

Cedar Crest, New Mexico

3.0 mi

Distance

472 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 9m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Klahhane Ridge is located just to the south of Port Angeles, Washington, USA near Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park. The ridge is accessible by a variety of hiking trails and offers views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:3,142 ft

Max:3,227 ft

144 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

Verify by phone or mail

Address:NM

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

NM Unit 8

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the New Mexico hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Switchback Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Kiwanis Cabin via South Crest Trail

North Sandia Peak Trail

Ellis Trail

Switchback, Survey, North Crest, Spur Route and South Crest Loop

La Luz and Crest Spur Loop

10K and North Crest Loop

Other trails in Cibola National Forest

Pino Trail

South Piedra Lisa Trail

Tree Spring Trail

Three Guns Spring Trail Loop

Armijo Trail and Faulty Trail Loop

Tramway Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Turquoise Trail Campground

Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA

Leisure Mountain RV Park

Hidden Valley Resort

4th Street Perspectives RV Hideaway

Manzanita Mountains Recreation Zone

Similar trails in New Mexico

Williams Lake Trail

Pine Tree Trail

Osha Trail

The Volcanoes Trail

Dripping Springs Trail

Embudito Canyon Loop