If you’re looking to do one of the best hikes in Colorado, then you’ll love the Switzerland Trail! This rail trail is long but because it’s built on old railroad tracks, it’s pretty easy all the way. So if you’re looking for kid-friendly hikes in Colorado and scenic hikes in Colorado, this trail fits the bill for both and more! You’ll never forget your hike on the Switzerland Trail – read on to learn more about it.
Located near Boulder is the Switzerland Trail; a 9.3-mile point-to-point trail that runs through the always-green Roosevelt National Forest.
Flickr/Don O’Brien
Best used from May until October, Switzerland Trail is a hotspot for not just hikers, but bikers and off-roaders as well. It features wide paths and trails…
TripAdvisor/Wyldecamp
…lots of lush trees, shrubs, and rocky cliffs…
All Trails/Kristopher Vincent
…and even a lovely meadow setting.
All Trails/Kristopher Vincent
While everything I just mentioned may seem somewhat standard for a Colorado trail, Switzerland is extremely unique, thanks to its history as a former railroad line for the Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific Railway…
Switzerland Trail of America Foundation Facebook If you have never heard of the Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific, you are not alone, as the line was wiped out and never rebuilt after a devastating flood in 1894.
…Colorado & Northwestern Railroad…
Harry H. Buckwalter / HistoryColorado, ID: 90.156.390 Started in 1897, the Colorado & Northwestern was the answer to the destruction of the Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific, in turn rebuilding the line and assisting in the local mining and tourism industries.
…and Denver, Boulder & Western Railroad.
Steam Engines 2 Go Facebook After the financial Panic of 1907, the Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific was sold off and soon began operating as the Denver, Boulder & Western, which continually declined until another flood came through in 1919 and again washed away the tracks and trail.
After it was decided that rebuilding the line was not feasible, the area was converted into the trail that we know and love today.
All Trails/Aaron James
If you like what you see, you will love the Switzerland Trail even more in person, as these photos do not do it justice!
All Trails/Jes Strickler
Here’s a handy map to help you find it:
Flickr/Don O’Brien
TripAdvisor/Wyldecamp
All Trails/Kristopher Vincent
Switzerland Trail of America Foundation Facebook
If you have never heard of the Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific, you are not alone, as the line was wiped out and never rebuilt after a devastating flood in 1894.
Harry H. Buckwalter / HistoryColorado, ID: 90.156.390
Started in 1897, the Colorado & Northwestern was the answer to the destruction of the Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific, in turn rebuilding the line and assisting in the local mining and tourism industries.
Steam Engines 2 Go Facebook
After the financial Panic of 1907, the Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific was sold off and soon began operating as the Denver, Boulder & Western, which continually declined until another flood came through in 1919 and again washed away the tracks and trail.
All Trails/Aaron James
All Trails/Jes Strickler
Discover even more of the best Colorado railroads by clicking 9 Epic Train Rides In Colorado That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience.
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Address: Switzerland Trail, Colorado, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Colorado March 11, 2022 Christy A Are there a lot of other rail trails in Colorado? According to the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy, there are 2,100 rail trails in the United States. 42 of them are in Colorado! What are the benefits of rail trails in Colorado? Rail trails are great because they are on land that has already been cleared and leveled for trains, but once the trains are discontinued, they can be used for hiking trails. These trails are generally quite easy because trains need to operate on flat ground. You’ll never encounter a grade of much more than 5% at any point. Is this a dog-friendly Colorado trail? They sure are! However, you’ll have to keep your dog leashed. Is this Colorado trail busy? Fortunately, no. The Switzerland Trail is amazing but it doesn’t get a lot of use. You won’t see many people out there when you hike this trail. However, as mentioned above, you may encounter some trucks and off-road vehicles driving along this trail. Because of this, it’s wise to wear bright colors so you will be visible to drivers. When is the best time of year to hike the Switzerland Trail? This hike is best attempted from May to December. From January to May, you will likely encounter a lot of snow. It can even block the trail entirely during the snowiest periods. What elevations can I expect on this trail? This trail is between 7700 and 9000 feet. Be sure you bring water and if you are not accustomed to hiking at high elevations, be sure to take your time and take lots of breaks as needed. Have fun and be careful and look out for yourself and your companions. Have fun!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Colorado
March 11, 2022
Christy A
Are there a lot of other rail trails in Colorado? According to the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy, there are 2,100 rail trails in the United States. 42 of them are in Colorado! What are the benefits of rail trails in Colorado? Rail trails are great because they are on land that has already been cleared and leveled for trains, but once the trains are discontinued, they can be used for hiking trails. These trails are generally quite easy because trains need to operate on flat ground. You’ll never encounter a grade of much more than 5% at any point. Is this a dog-friendly Colorado trail? They sure are! However, you’ll have to keep your dog leashed. Is this Colorado trail busy? Fortunately, no. The Switzerland Trail is amazing but it doesn’t get a lot of use. You won’t see many people out there when you hike this trail. However, as mentioned above, you may encounter some trucks and off-road vehicles driving along this trail. Because of this, it’s wise to wear bright colors so you will be visible to drivers. When is the best time of year to hike the Switzerland Trail? This hike is best attempted from May to December. From January to May, you will likely encounter a lot of snow. It can even block the trail entirely during the snowiest periods. What elevations can I expect on this trail? This trail is between 7700 and 9000 feet. Be sure you bring water and if you are not accustomed to hiking at high elevations, be sure to take your time and take lots of breaks as needed. Have fun and be careful and look out for yourself and your companions. Have fun!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
According to the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy, there are 2,100 rail trails in the United States. 42 of them are in Colorado!
What are the benefits of rail trails in Colorado?
Rail trails are great because they are on land that has already been cleared and leveled for trains, but once the trains are discontinued, they can be used for hiking trails. These trails are generally quite easy because trains need to operate on flat ground. You’ll never encounter a grade of much more than 5% at any point.
Is this a dog-friendly Colorado trail?
They sure are! However, you’ll have to keep your dog leashed.
Is this Colorado trail busy?
Fortunately, no. The Switzerland Trail is amazing but it doesn’t get a lot of use. You won’t see many people out there when you hike this trail. However, as mentioned above, you may encounter some trucks and off-road vehicles driving along this trail. Because of this, it’s wise to wear bright colors so you will be visible to drivers.
When is the best time of year to hike the Switzerland Trail?
This hike is best attempted from May to December. From January to May, you will likely encounter a lot of snow. It can even block the trail entirely during the snowiest periods.
What elevations can I expect on this trail?
This trail is between 7700 and 9000 feet. Be sure you bring water and if you are not accustomed to hiking at high elevations, be sure to take your time and take lots of breaks as needed. Have fun and be careful and look out for yourself and your companions. Have fun!
