Switzerland Trail
Boulder County, Colorado
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Nearby Towns: Nederland
Nearby Trails: Sugarloaf Mountain, Pennsylvania Gulch, Peewink Mountain, Gordon Gulch
Trail Length: 8.48 miles
Elevation: 7,700 to 9,000 feet

Recommended by Joey

This trail can be run in either direction, and it's a great trail for doing some sightseeing. It is suitable for all SUVs and 4x4 vehicles.

If you start at the south end, you will run the first part of the Sugarloaf Mountain trail until you get to the trailhead and turn for Switzerland Trail. It is a fairly well-defined right turn off of the Sugarloaf Mountain trail at a parking area. The trail starts going north, then quickly turns west. The trailhead for hiking up to Sugarloaf Mountain is also here.

Follow the main road, forest service road 327. There are a few rocky sections, but nothing technical. If you stay on the widest trail you are on the correct trail. Other spurs can get difficult, and they will always continue up or downhill off of Switzerland Trail.

When you get to the tiny town of Sunset, continue through to the other side to turn right on Road 89. The trail is flat and easy, following an old railroad bed.

Soon you arrive at the Mount Alto picnic area, marked with a sign. You can see the remnants of a pavilion that once stood here and functioned as a stop along the railway. It is a great place for lunch.

Continue north to County Road 52. Turn right here to go to Gold Hill, or left to Highway 72.

Information last updated on June 28th, 2010.

Member Reports

• June 26, 2010: ran by Bill S., Bob S., Chuck, Gary, Ladd, Marcus, Mark U., Mark F., Matt K., Mike S., Monica, Ray, Roger, Ryan S. and Walt
• July 7, 2007: ran by Bill S., Don, Gary, Mike S., Monica, Steve B., Todd and Walt
• May 13, 2006: ran by Bob R., Ladd and Sean G.
• October 15, 2005: ran by Mark F.
• June 3, 2000: ran by Monica

Driving Directions

Take Canyon Boulevard west from Boulder which turns into Canyon Road 119. Turn right on Sugarloaf Road, then follow this road for a few miles to turn right on Sugarloaf Mountain Road. The parking area is at the top of the hill just past the residential area.

Meeting Places

The Starbucks at 3033 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, CO. This is also immediately next to a gas station, Moe's Bagels and King Soopers.

Additional Information

• Boulder Ranger District Forest Roads Status