Campbell Scout Ranch
Campground
Campground · 5.3 mi from the trail
New Mexico · Hiking · Near Santo Domingo Pueblo
Switchback
Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)- 3.2 mi
- round trip
- 261 ft
- climb
- 10,576 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Caution today
Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 9 h ago
Is Switchback open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Sandia Ranger District. It doesn't name Switchback, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).
Area Closure for Recreation Residence Structures and Property at 91 Casa Loma Road
Agency closure covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-05-26-14 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District
Area Closure for Recreation Residence Structures and Property at 69 Casa Loma Road
Agency closure covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-05-26-13 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District
Area Closure for Sandia Crest “Switchback” Hazard Tree and Fuel Reduction Project
Agency closure covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-05-26-02 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District
Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts Stage 1 Fire Restriction Lifted
Agency alert covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-00-26-20 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District
Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order 03-03-00-26-05
Agency alert covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-00-26-05 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District
As of · Source: USFS · Sandia Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Switchback is a 3.2-mile out-and-back hike in the Sandia Ranger District of Cibola National Forest in New Mexico, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises about 260 feet from a low point of 10,289 feet to a high of 10,576 feet, and it is rated moderate. The route is natural-surfaced and allows bikes, so it works for hikers and riders alike. The climb is gentle, with the most gain spread across the full length of the trail. Several other routes and climbing areas sit within a short distance. Kiwanis Meadow Road and the Crest House Spur Trail are both about 0.1 mile away, and the Buried Cable Trail is a cross-country ski route at the same distance. Climbers can head to My Secret Garden, about 0.2 mile off.
Around this trail
Add any of these when you start a tripSleep close Eat after 
If it rainsJim Legans, Jr from Albuquerque, New Mexico, CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsFolk art museum in Sandia Park, New Mexico
Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Jim Legans, Jr from Albuquerque, New Mexico, CC BY 2.0 (commons)
More in Santo Domingo PuebloLocal outfitters
- Turquoise Trail Campground6 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
Photo: _jmeeter — CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)Kiwanis Cabin Trail
Next door
0.51-mile out-and-back hike to Kiwanis Cabin with 392 ft gain in New Mexico.
Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)North Crest Trail
Next door
10.50-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 4,148 ft elevation gain.
Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)Challenge
Next door
12.69-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 761 ft elevation gain.
Photo: Ktr101, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)10K Trail North
~1 min drive
2.57-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 836 ft elevation gain.
Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)Crest Spur Trail
Next door
0.23-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 345 ft elevation gain.
HIKE
King of the Mountain
~3 min drive
15.78-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 2,591 ft elevation gain.
Photo: Ktr101, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)Domingo Baca
~3 min drive
Steep 2.67-mile climb with 3,129 ft elevation gain near Domingo Baca.
Photo: Ktr101, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)Double Eagle Trail (23)
~1 min drive
1.22-mile out-and-back hike in New Mexico with 292 ft elevation gain.
Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)Rocky Point
Next door
1.55-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 408 ft of elevation gain.
HIKE
La Luz
~3 min drive
14.12-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 4,216 ft elevation gain.
