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Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail
Wilson, Kansas
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:  |
7 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 12/26/10 by rickbreth |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 13 miles | Global Rank: #82 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 12 | Wishlist: 8 |
| Avg. Speed: 5 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 0min |
Directions
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Description: The mountain bike trail is a clockwise stacked loop system. It begins at the trailhead (go left at kiosk) in Switchgrass Campground with the Golden Belt Loop (aka, gold), then the Marina Loop (aka, purple), and finally the Hell Creek Loop (aka, red). If you wanted to ride all the loops in order, you’d ride Gold – Purple – Red – Purple – Gold. Begin at the trailhead on the Gold, then intersect with the Purple, then ride the Red. After completing the Red, you get back on the Purple. Completing that, you are back on the Gold. That’s about 22 miles all of which is great singletrack. If needed, the trail is never far from a bailout to a paved road back to the trailhead. Plan on 2-4 hrs depending on biking skill and how much sightseeing you might want to do. The loop record for racing is 1:40.
The novice level (EZ) loop is a 2-mi clockwise loop or 5-mi if you add the optional Bird Loop. EZ also starts and ends at the Switchgrass trailhead (go right at kiosk). It is non-technical with no climbs, no deep sand, and very few rocks. It is about a 20-40 minute ride suitable for beginners. But, EZ is a genuine mountain bike trail, so don’t expect a paved path!
Runners and hikers, if you want to try an awesome 3-mile section, start under the west end of the Hell Creek bridge, and do the Hell Creek loop. Any of the remainder of the trail system is also great for running or hiking. Just remember that bikes go clockwise and foot traffic goes counterclockwise. Watch out for trail user traffic, and be very cautious making the 4 pavement crossings within the park.
This trail has some technically difficult sections in all the loops (except EZ). Most of the trail is moderate to easy, but there are several rocky sections, deep sand, arduous climbs, highly exposed ledges, and steep drops. On average, the trail is rated blue (intermediate riders), but there are black (expert only) sections interspersed, and an ample amount of green (any rider).
The trail is open year-around, spring and fall are best, but there are many great days for riding in the winter and early mornings are spectacular for riding in the summer months. Many sections of the trail are very close to the lake shore, which can make for a refreshing stop during the summer. There is no drinking water or restroom on the trail, except at the Trailhead. All park restrooms have showers, but are closed October-March. Cell phone coverage is about 75%.
Short cutting the trail will almost certainly result in exposure to poison ivy, which can cause an allergic reaction even in winter. If you stay on the trail, you need not worry about poison ivy. Pets are allowed on the trail but must be under control at all times. If you encounter a maintenance issue on the trail that needs attention, please call the trail coordinator.
If you want to observe natural beauty amongst the rust-colored Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone cliffs and outcrops, this trail is the place. The park was created from former grazing land and on this trail you’ll see many limestone fence posts that are historical remnants of the early ranching era of this land. Furthermore, private land just outside the park is still actively used for cattle ranching. Southshore Drive meanders through spectacularly scenic native rangeland and a favorite of local motorcycle tourists.
Watch out for wildlife in the summer, particularly herptiles on the trail – the ornate box turtle, horned lizard, racerunner, skink, legless lizard, collared lizard, and several species of snakes are all common during warm weather. Rattlesnakes are present in the park, most are a petite species known as the massasauga or pigmy rattler. It is unlawful to harass, kill, or injure wildlife in the park. Take care not to run over any critters on the trail.
You might also see wild turkey, deer, bobwhite quail, pheasant, red-tailed hawk, and many species of grassland songbirds such as larks and sparrows. The wildflowers and grasses are a spectacular part of the park’s natural landscape. Every season is different. Wildflowers show a constant progression of colors from early spring to late fall. Winter colors are vibrant rusts, browns, and golds set against the blue water of the lake. The Switchgrass Trail is named after a native prairie grass that is common throughout the central and eastern plains. Switchgrass grows abundantly in the park and has gained national attention as a prospective source of cellulosic ethanol.
The best source of info on the trail is http://www.facebook.com/switchgrasstrail
To view directions to Switchgrass mountain bike trail, please login. If you don't have an account, sign up for a free account - it only takes a minute.
Description: The mountain bike trail is a clockwise stacked loop system. It begins at the trailhead (go left at kiosk) in Switchgrass Campground with the Golden Belt Loop (aka, gold), then the Marina Loop (aka, purple), and finally the Hell Creek Loop (aka, red). If you wanted to ride all the loops in order, you’d ride Gold – Purple – Red – Purple – Gold. Begin at the trailhead on the Gold, then intersect with the Purple, then ride the Red. After completing the Red, you get back on the Purple. Completing that, you are back on the Gold. That’s about 22 miles all of which is great singletrack. If needed, the trail is never far from a bailout to a paved road back to the trailhead. Plan on 2-4 hrs depending on biking skill and how much sightseeing you might want to do. The loop record for racing is 1:40.
The novice level (EZ) loop is a 2-mi clockwise loop or 5-mi if you add the optional Bird Loop. EZ also starts and ends at the Switchgrass trailhead (go right at kiosk). It is non-technical with no climbs, no deep sand, and very few rocks. It is about a 20-40 minute ride suitable for beginners. But, EZ is a genuine mountain bike trail, so don’t expect a paved path!
Runners and hikers, if you want to try an awesome 3-mile section, start under the west end of the Hell Creek bridge, and do the Hell Creek loop. Any of the remainder of the trail system is also great for running or hiking. Just remember that bikes go clockwise and foot traffic goes counterclockwise. Watch out for trail user traffic, and be very cautious making the 4 pavement crossings within the park.
This trail has some technically difficult sections in all the loops (except EZ). Most of the trail is moderate to easy, but there are several rocky sections, deep sand, arduous climbs, highly exposed ledges, and steep drops. On average, the trail is rated blue (intermediate riders), but there are black (expert only) sections interspersed, and an ample amount of green (any rider).
The trail is open year-around, spring and fall are best, but there are many great days for riding in the winter and early mornings are spectacular for riding in the summer months. Many sections of the trail are very close to the lake shore, which can make for a refreshing stop during the summer. There is no drinking water or restroom on the trail, except at the Trailhead. All park restrooms have showers, but are closed October-March. Cell phone coverage is about 75%.
Short cutting the trail will almost certainly result in exposure to poison ivy, which can cause an allergic reaction even in winter. If you stay on the trail, you need not worry about poison ivy. Pets are allowed on the trail but must be under control at all times. If you encounter a maintenance issue on the trail that needs attention, please call the trail coordinator.
If you want to observe natural beauty amongst the rust-colored Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone cliffs and outcrops, this trail is the place. The park was created from former grazing land and on this trail you’ll see many limestone fence posts that are historical remnants of the early ranching era of this land. Furthermore, private land just outside the park is still actively used for cattle ranching. Southshore Drive meanders through spectacularly scenic native rangeland and a favorite of local motorcycle tourists.
Watch out for wildlife in the summer, particularly herptiles on the trail – the ornate box turtle, horned lizard, racerunner, skink, legless lizard, collared lizard, and several species of snakes are all common during warm weather. Rattlesnakes are present in the park, most are a petite species known as the massasauga or pigmy rattler. It is unlawful to harass, kill, or injure wildlife in the park. Take care not to run over any critters on the trail.
You might also see wild turkey, deer, bobwhite quail, pheasant, red-tailed hawk, and many species of grassland songbirds such as larks and sparrows. The wildflowers and grasses are a spectacular part of the park’s natural landscape. Every season is different. Wildflowers show a constant progression of colors from early spring to late fall. Winter colors are vibrant rusts, browns, and golds set against the blue water of the lake. The Switchgrass Trail is named after a native prairie grass that is common throughout the central and eastern plains. Switchgrass grows abundantly in the park and has gained national attention as a prospective source of cellulosic ethanol.
The best source of info on the trail is http://www.facebook.com/switchgrasstrail
added on July 10, 2009 by 
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by tlongpine on September 20, 2011
This is the best trail in Kansas, and one of the best trails I've ridden in the country. This trail is a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. It offers fantastic lake views as the trail winds up and down rolling hills and bluffs. Rocks, roots, and some surprising slickrock stretches makes for non-stop fun an features. If you're passing by on I-70 don't skip this one. It deserves IMBA Epic status.
reviewed by stevethousand on September 6, 2011
Excellent trail with many challenging features. The soil is sandy, crunchy, and rocky, and there are small cactii just off the trail. There are three different loops you can take with multiple bail out points onto the road. There are showers and campsites near the trailhead. The scenery is gorgeous and the trail uses every inch of the Hell's Creek peninsula area at Wilson Lake, doubling back on itself over and over again. Next time I head back, I'm going to go tubeless because of thorns. If you live in Manhattan, the drive is about an hour and forty five minutes. Can't wait til I can go back.
reviewed by derekscott8130 on July 11, 2011
Best in Kansas...nothing else touches it! Very scenic and challenging.
reviewed by Sucio_Sanchez on May 19, 2011
If you are headed across Kansas on I-70 en route to your mountain bike vacation, you've GOT to put this place on your riding agenda. It's out in the middle of no where, but only a few minutes north of I-70. As of 2011, it costs less than $5 to enter the park and you're given access to over 20 miles of the flowiest, fastest and techy singletrack you could desire. The builders of this trail have done an amazing job of creating what mountain bikers crave: flow, tech, scenic beauty and speed. Hats off to them for their hard work, as it looks like they've been quite busy on this trail system. Even better, the trail is very well marked. So the first-time rider can hop on here and enjoy the ride without the worry of a matrix of intersections or the risk of getting lost. A word of caution, this area is exposed. And I don't mean shade is rare. I mean you won't find so much as a single square foot of shade on the entire stretch unless you're under a rock. So ride smart. Don't be afraid to wear some sunblock in the summer. And, obviously, bring at least 50% more fluids than you would normally drink on a 20 mile ride in the trees. I'm sure winter riding can be pretty chilly, too, as the winds out here blow pretty steady all year. Morning & evening rides are probably you're best best. Wilson Lake will entertain you. And if you don't walk away from this trail thinking it was well worth your time, then you will never be impressed with any trail. And even if you live within 4 hours of Wilson Lake, don't be afraid to make an overnight road trip out of this trail with a few buddies. There is plenty of affordable lodging in nearby Russell (about 15 miles west of Wilson) as well as a really cool and fully restored hotel in Wilson called the Midland Railroad Hotel (414 26th Street, Wilson, KS 67490 ). This place beats the run-of-the-mill Super-Econo-Mega-8 type motels by far. And right across the street from the Midland Railroad Hotel is a cozy little grocery store, a liquor store and a diner....what more could you ask for?! The town of Russell will have more of the familiar amenities us city-types are used to but even the Midland Railroad Hotel has Wi-Fi so it isn't like they're living in the dark ages or anything. As for your bike shops, the closest shop you'll find is the Golden Belt Bicycle Company, located in Great Bend about 40 minutes away (1111 Main Street, Great Bend, KS 67530-4431 tel: (620) 793-7060). Whether you're passing thru this area or making it an overnight roadtrip, you gotta check this place out. I came in from Kansas City and it was well worth the drive. Here are some pics I took during a photo-hike: http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/AdrenalineImages/Wilson%20Lake%20Kansas%20Spring%202011/?albumview=slideshow
Similar Trail: Well, there isn't much else within several hours of here so not much. ;)
reviewed by KansasMTBer on September 16, 2010
This trail has abit of everything, steep climbs, lots of switchbacks, rock decents, super fast down hills. You would never guess you were in Kansas. Several new sections have been added in the past year. Total length is just over 17 miles. It will take a very good rider 2 hours to ride the full loop. * Review edited 9/16/2010
* Review edited 9/16/2010
Similar Trail: Fancy Creek Horizon
reviewed by markgowan on May 26, 2010
I really enjoyed this trail! Great singletrack, technical climbs, rolling hills, great views, and well kept trails. The camp site is also wonderful. There is an easy loop that was great for my mountain unicycle, and the total loop was a great ride for the mountain bike. I would recommend doing this in May maybe June, but I suspect it would get pretty hot as the trail is not covered. I was the only one on the trail when I rode. The club there does a nice job keeping the trail up. Kudos!
Similar Trail: Council Bluff, Fancy Creek
