switchback trail



deets:
  • 4.2 miles (+0.4 if you hike the spur)
  • at 7,700 to 8,200 feet of elevation with 500-feet of elevation change
  • moderate difficulty
  • vistas, valleys, a bridge, a tunnel, a railroad switchback
  • interpretive signs
 
The Switchback Trail is close to close, just a few miles down the hill to Alamogordo, and follows the hillside, the old Alamgordo and Sacramento Railway railbed, and a meadowed valley along with a pedestrian bridge over US 82 and a tunnel under US 82. The tunnel can be a concern during downpours since it doubles as a drainage tunnel and, due to constant seepage, can be an ice rink during the winter months. Caution is advised.
 
The trail loops, which is handy, with the trailheads located at the intersection of 206 and 206C on the map. There's a small turnout off of 206 where you can park. I was there Sunday during a busy Memorial Day three-day weekend and only met three people on the trail (technically Trail 5002).
 
I recommend starting on the upper reach (north of US 82, counterclockwise on the loop). This allows you to enjoy the vistas as you head downhill and saves the low-slope valley for the return trip. 
 
Because this trail hugs US 82, you'll hear highway noise the whole way.  If you don't want that, you'll need to chose a trail deeper in the woods.
 


The first part of the trail is somewhat rough and hilly and is what I would consider a conventional trail: single pass.




There are some amenities along the way, primarily sitting areas, some of which are covered.

Once you are at the top of the hill, you'll start to enjoy some vistas. You'll be riding the top of the roadcut for US 82 below, so stay on the trail!

The mountain trail will then converge with the railbed, which is wide and low-sloped, making for pleasant strolling. The railbed between you at the trailhead was destroyed with the widening of US 82. The photo below shows the railbed below the trail (and US 82 below the railbed). 

 
 

You'll start to see remnants of the old railroad.
 





 The railbed ends abruptly from time to time where the railroad spanned across small valleys. Sadly, the structures are long gone, and the trail goes rough and narrow in these spots. 
 











As you approach the switchback, you'll be able to see the other railbed below you as they converge.


Interpretive signs at the apex of the switchback explain how it all worked.




There's also a short spur to the switchback you can hike.


Following the switchback down the mountain, you'll approach the pedestrian bridge.


There used to be a trestle bridge here:


Once across US 82, you'll be in a valley that you'll follow back to your car.

When you reach the tunnel, you are almost back!

A short stroll up the hill, and that's a wrap!

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