Nevada · Mountain biking · Robber's Roost Trailhead

Equestrian Switchback

Equestrian SwitchbackPhoto: bahniuk, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
1.3 mi
distance
568 ft
climb
May–Oct
best months

Is Equestrian Switchback open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It doesn't name Equestrian Switchback, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Equestrian Switchback is a mountain biking route in Nevada's Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The Forest Service manages the land, and the switchback sits about 1.3 miles long, rising from roughly 7,500 feet to about 8,070 feet, a total gain of 568 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.97 miles in, where the grade reaches 23%. Summer is the most comfortable time to ride. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mt Charleston show July highs around 79°F with lows near 52°F, while winter highs sit in the mid-40s. That station sits about 600 feet lower than the route's high point, so temperatures on the switchback run a little cooler. The Equestrian Switchback Trail hike starts just 0.1 mile away, and the Trough Trail and Tin Can mountain biking route are each about 0.3 mile off. Climbers can find Robber's Roost about 0.8 mile away.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Equestrian Switchback

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      44° / 22°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      44° / 22°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      49° / 26°

      6 wet

    4. Apr

      55° / 30°

      4 wet

    5. May

      63° / 37°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      74° / 46°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      79° / 52°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 52°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 44°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      62° / 35°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      51° / 27°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      44° / 21°

      5 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mt Charleston Fire Stn, NV, 3.8 mi away at 7,460 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors