Switchback
4.9 mi · ▲ 778 ft · 2 hr 1 min
Switchback is a 4.9-mile out-and-back near Soda Springs, CA. It climbs 778 ft, with sections as steep as 24% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 30/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Switchback
4.9 mi · ▲ 778 ft · 2 hr 1 min
Elevation 6,766–7,332 ft
Out & Back
Trailhead: 39.32299, -120.38542
Weather Sep 4: Rain, high 48°F / low 39° · precip 60% · wind 6 mph · sunrise 6:34 AM · sunset 7:29 PM
- Start at the trailhead, heading S.
- 0.3 miTurn right, heading S.
- 0.5 miSharp right onto Summit Connection, heading W.
- 0.3 miBear left, heading S.
- 350 ftTurn right onto Switchback, heading SE.
- 0.2 miTurn left, heading S.
- 1.1 miSharp right, heading E.
- 450 ftReach Switchback, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 450 ftSharp left, heading SW.
- 1.3 miTurn left, heading N.
- 300 ftBear right onto Summit Connection, heading N.
- 0.3 miSharp left, heading E.
- 0.5 miTurn left, heading N.
- 0.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.4 mi in (~43 min). Leave by 6:27 PM for the 7:29 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:19 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Other ways to reach this destination
More from this trailhead
- Summit Connection 2.2 mi · ▲ 146 ft
- Bill Patterson 4.3 mi · ▲ 89 ft
Get outside more
A wild hike near Soda Springs, emailed to you once a week.
Hikes near Soda Springs, California