Switzerland Trail – Gold Hill General Store loop from Wallstreet
Switzerland Trail – Gold Hill General Store loop from Wallstreet
4.7
(2777)
16,785
riders
Switzerland Trail – Gold Hill General Store loop from Wallstreet
02:12
27.4km
670m
Gravel riding
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
182 m
Wallstreet Gold Extraction Company Mill
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
7.14 km
Switzerland Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
18.5 km
Gold Hill General Store
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
27.3 km
James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum
Highlight • Historical Site
bouldercounty.gov/open-space/education/museums/assay-office
Tip by
27.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
19.8 km
7.54 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
16.1 km
7.54 km
3.70 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,650 m)
Lowest point (2,020 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 7 July
29°C
15°C
50 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a gravel biking route that truly earns its "difficult" rating, the Switzerland Trail – Gold Hill General Store loop from Wallstreet is a fantastic choice. This challenging 17.0-mile (27.4 km) ride packs in 2193 feet (668 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 2 hours and 12 minutes, offering a rewarding experience for riders with good fitness and solid bike handling skills.
What to expect on Switzerland Trail – Gold Hill General Store loop from Wallstreet
This loop takes you on a journey through diverse terrain and stunning scenery. You'll start on good pavement, transitioning to hard-packed dirt roads before hitting the significantly rockier and more rugged sections of the Switzerland Trail itself. This historic narrow-gauge rail grade, now a jeep road, features moderate grades but embedded rocks that demand careful line picking. As you climb towards Gold Hill, the landscape unfolds with panoramic views of the Continental Divide and Fourmile Canyon, which has a unique atmosphere described as a "funky and fabulous combination of Europe, the Wild West and Yosemite." Expect sustained climbs and some gnarly descents on loose gravel, with some segments potentially requiring you to push your bike.
Planning your visit
Given the challenging terrain, it's highly recommended to use a gravel bike equipped with at least 35-40mm tires; thinner road bike tires are not suitable for the rockier parts. While many dirt sections offer limited car traffic, enhancing the peacefulness of the route, be aware that some parts of the Switzerland Trail have seen increased Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. The historic Gold Hill General Store makes for an iconic mid-ride refueling spot, perfect for homemade treats, coffee, or pie.
Trail details
- Distance: 17.0 miles (27.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 2193 feet (668 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 12 minutes
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