more stats
4,856 ft
Distance
19 ft
Climb
-471 ft
Descent
00:06:39
Avg time
-451 ft
Altitude change
881 ft
Altitude min
1,332 ft
Altitude max
1,332 ft
Altitude start
883 ft
Altitude end
-9.3%
Grade
-79.7%
Grade max
11.2%
Grade min
518 ft
Distance climb
3,829 ft
Distance down
367 ft
Distance flat
00:06:39
Avg time

Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
  • Riding Area
    Tokai Forest MTB Trails
    Tokai
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Black Diamond (1 vote)
  • Local Popularity
    30 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 35 in E-Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #112790 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #97101 in E-Biking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Downhill Only
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • TTFs on Trail
    Berm, Rock Garden
  • Land Owner
    South African National Parks

This is the second highest starting single track trail at Tokai and has great views from the trail head. A series of several tight switch backs take you down a steep loose mountain side. The trail is narrow and the sandy surface up top gives way to rocks and hard pack as you descend. A great place to practice switchback cornering skills, with care. There are a few short sections better graded black diamond but ridden with care the trail remains a blue grade affair. Beware trail side plant growth and the odd sudden section of gnar. Get that slow speed cornering tweaked

Access Info

Bridle Path (Switchbacks) access (suggested route): Take the Main Jeep Track into the Level 2 Jeep Track into the Level 3 Jeep track to Level 4 Jeep Track. Follow Level 4 Jeep Track up a steep climb to the Vlakkenberg Neck. Take the right hand fork before you get to the tar road junction to the Mast. Follow this connecting Jeep Track to the Bridle Path (Switchbacks) trailhead.

Disclaimer

SANP level 3 activity permit required for riding at Tokai. Please join TokaiMTB trail association which makes these trails happen.

Trail Supporters
  • Ciovita Cycling Apparel
    Sponsor
Local Trail Association

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 15 miles average
6 Months
  • 14 rides
  • 15 miles avg distance
All
  • 80 rides
  • Last: Sep 20, 2026
c1c2c3c4
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
update trails status or condition

Bridle Path... Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Sep 6, 2026 @ 9:09pm (Africa/Johannesburg)
Sep 6, 2026
 reporter
Aug 1, 2025 @ 3:10am
Aug 1, 2025
 reporter
Aug 1, 2025 @ 3:09am
Aug 1, 2025
 reporter
Apr 29, 2025 @ 3:20am
Apr 29, 2025
 reporter
Mar 21, 2023 @ 2:06am
Mar 21, 2023
 Track is very eroded in places. It needs some maintenance. Recent rains have not helped.
more »
Status:
on Sep 6, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 4.21 (3 votes)
Your vote: 0

view (1,027)
close
      Directions to bridle-path-switchbacks trailhead (-34.033280, 18.397720)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      5 more »
      mtb
      116 |
      Feb 17, 2022 @ 12:04am
      Feb 17, 2022
      mtb
      124 |
      Feb 17, 2022 @ 12:04am
      Feb 17, 2022
      mtb
      145 |
      Feb 17, 2022 @ 12:03am
      Feb 17, 2022
      report
      mtb
      203 |
      Oct 5, 2017 @ 2:28am
      Oct 5, 2017

      Videos

      1 more »
      youtuber Mountain Biking Tokai Switchbacks Trail
      mtb
      6:32 | 973 | Jul 30, 2018 , Tokai

      Technical Trail Features (TTF)

      Routes with this trail

      31
      Tokai Forest - to the Mast!
      40 miles • 5,988 ft • 12 •
      Start at Tokai forest and make your way up Ou Kaapse Weg. starts at the mountain bike parking lot at...

      Links

      4.7 ★★★★★
      3 Ratings
      5 ★ 67%
      4 ★ 33%
      3 ★
      2 ★
      1 ★

      2 Reviews & Comments

      ImraanElias
      Trail is currently closed...under construction!

      We hope you've been enjoying Trailforks!

      Create a FREE account to view all trail reviews and much more.

      Create a Free Account

      Nearby Trails

      Tokai Forest MTB Trails

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Bridle Path (Switchbacks) located?
      Bridle Path (Switchbacks) is located in Tokai Forest MTB Trails, Tokai, South Africa. It is part of the Tokai Forest MTB Trails trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates -34.03328, 18.39772.
      ▼ How hard is Bridle Path (Switchbacks)?
      Bridle Path (Switchbacks) is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 9.3%.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Bridle Path (Switchbacks)?
      Bridle Path (Switchbacks) has 19 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 471 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 881 ft to 1,332 ft.
      ▼ Is Bridle Path (Switchbacks) a point to point trail?
      Yes, Bridle Path (Switchbacks) is a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Only. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Bridle Path (Switchbacks)?
      Bridle Path (Switchbacks) is 4,856 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Bridle Path (Switchbacks)?
      There is no information about dogs being allowed on Bridle Path (Switchbacks). Check with local trail managers or the trail page for the latest access rules.
      ▼ How do I access Bridle Path (Switchbacks)? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Bridle Path (Switchbacks) are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Bridle Path (Switchbacks)?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 9 minutes to ride Bridle Path (Switchbacks). The trail is 4,856 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Bridle Path (Switchbacks)?
      Bridle Path (Switchbacks) is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 1,054 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 1,027 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

      Hit the Trail

      Open in App

      Get this trail on your phone instantly.
      open trail in app

      Download Trail

      Save to wishlist, Garmin & download.
      save the trail

      Find Related Routes

      Find routes and users activities that include this trail.
      find routes for this trail

      You must enter a description before submitting.