more stats
1,146 ft
Distance
-37 ft
Descent
00:02:59
Avg time
-37 ft
Altitude change
4,754 ft
Altitude min
4,791 ft
Altitude max
4,791 ft
Altitude start
4,754 ft
Altitude end
-3.252%
Grade
-8.858%
Grade max
-2.199%
Grade min
1,146 ft
Distance down
00:02:59
Avg time

Switchback Ridge Access Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Gravel Bike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
    • Snowshoe
    • Backcountry Ski
  • Riding Area
    MacDonald Pass
    Helena, Montana
  • Difficulty Rating
    Secondary Access Road/Trail Rate
  • Local Popularity
    50 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
    • 5 in Horseback
    • 5 in Snowshoeing
    • 5 in Backcountry Skiing
    • 5 in Winter Fat Biking
    • 5 in Gravel Biking
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T1 Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Doubletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM, XC, Fat, Gravel
  • Direction
    Both Directions[+]
    Popular Direction Shown
    • Both Directions for Gravel Biking
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Easy
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Land Owner
    Helena National Forest

No community description for Switchback Ridge Access trail has been added yet!

AI Generated Description

Switchback Ridge Access is a 1,146 ft moderately popular doubletrack trail located near Helena Montana. Highlights include a ridgeline. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating with a 0 ft green climb. Trail visibility is always easy to follow. On average it takes 2 minutes to complete this trail.

Tags
Ridgeline

Trail Supporters

Local Trail Association

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 3 rides
  • 12 miles avg distance
All
  • 31 rides
  • Last: Jul 11, 2026
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Switchback Ridge... Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Nov 28, 2025 @ 9:26am (America/Denver)
Nov 28, 2025
 reporter Snow on 11/27
Aug 25, 2019 @ 6:45am
Aug 25, 2019
 reporter
Aug 5, 2018 @ 8:25am
Aug 5, 2018
 reporter
Nov 1, 2017 @ 11:24am
Nov 1, 2017
 reporter First real snowfall of 2017/18
Sep 30, 2017 @ 5:50pm
Sep 30, 2017
 reporter
more »
Status:
on Nov 28, 2025
Snow Covered
no votes yet
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to switchback-ridge-access trailhead (46.534551, -112.249830)
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      Nearby Trails

      MacDonald Pass

      • By zinexoTF Pro & contributors
      • #92896 - 782 views

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Switchback Ridge Access located?
      Switchback Ridge Access is located in MacDonald Pass, Helena, Montana, United States. It is part of the MacDonald Pass trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 46.53455, -112.24983.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Switchback Ridge Access?
      The trail has 37 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 4,754 ft to 4,791 ft.
      ▼ Is Switchback Ridge Access a point to point trail?
      Switchback Ridge Access is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is doubletrack.
      ▼ How long is Switchback Ridge Access?
      Switchback Ridge Access is 1,146 ft long. The trail type is doubletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Switchback Ridge Access?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Switchback Ridge Access. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Switchback Ridge Access?
      Based on activity log data, the most popular months to ride Switchback Ridge Access are:
      • June (1 activities)
      • July (1 activities)
      • September (1 activities)
      Check the reports page for current trail conditions.
      ▼ How do I access Switchback Ridge Access? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Switchback Ridge Access are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Switchback Ridge Access?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 3 minutes to ride Switchback Ridge Access. The trail is 1,146 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Switchback Ridge Access?
      Switchback Ridge Access is a moderately popular trail. There have been 169 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 165 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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