Switzerland Trail

4.4/5 (105 reviews)
Nederland, Colorado (Boulder County)
Last Updated: 12/17/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Forest
Ghost Town
Rock
Scenic
Snow Wheeling
Nestled a few miles west of Boulder Colorado, Switzerland Trail is an easy outing for an afternoon getaway. Nearly the entire route is a shelf road offering spectacular views of the nearby foothills and the snow-capped peaks to the west. The trail has only slight grades as it follows an old railroad route from Sugarloaf Mountain to the community of Gold Hill. Because Switzerland Trail is open year-round, It can be a popular spot for those who partake in snowy driving adventures.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Switzerland Trail is a dirt and rock road that follows an old railroad bed through the foothills west of Boulder. There are no obstacles necessary to complete the route and because the trail follows the railroad route, the road grade is very gradual with no steep climbs. The route is a shelf road for nearly its entire route; However, finding a place to pass on-coming vehicles is generally easy. There are some locations where passing others would be impossible. Although the trail is bumpy in spots because of the protruding granite, the rocky conditions can be conquered by most vehicles. There is one optional vertical rocky climb at Waypoint 2 that would be a challenge for stock high-clearance vehicles. Switzerland Trail is open year-round and is often a popular destination for snow wheeling. Remember the trail is a shelf road for nearly its entire length with limited ability to turn around on the trail if snow conditions become impassable.

Trail Reviews

4.4/5 (106)
100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

This trail was my very first off-roading trail. I had a stock Toyota 4Runner Off-road Premium with stock sized tires. This was a good beginner trail but I still thought this was more of a moderate trail than an easy one. Tire placement was necessary in many spots. When I think of easy, I think of a mostly flat surface with very little crawling. Still a fun trail especially if you are just beginning.
100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/18/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We went Tuesday 5/16 not what an amazing day! I have a Tacoma on 31s and did it with zero issues. Depending on the route you take can be easy or moderate. We hit a moderate rock section that we were able to handle with ease. Mud puddles, rocks, beautiful day and views!
100
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun trail for a easy scenic route and friendly to beginners. Very busy! Some moderately challenging optional routes. The trailhead entry needs grated… the chop is ridiculous.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

No snow on road today, some puddles, and snow in the shade next to the road
400
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 04/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The trail is in pretty good shape for spring. There are a few spots where snow has accumulated near a shelf's edge. There are several shallow pools of standing water/mud, but nothing that should cause a moving vehicle to get stuck. Because of the snow, I suggest vehicles with higher clearance and four-wheel drive.

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial