About Switch Back
Switch Back is a easy hiking trail near Caledonia in Houston County, Minnesota.. The surface is grass. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyGrass
Switch Back
Caledonia, Minnesota · Houston County
Switch Back is a easy hiking trail near Caledonia in Houston County, Minnesota.. The surface is grass. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
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43.64240, -91.58503
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Switch Back
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Light Rain
78°/57°
💧 8%🌬 12mph
↑ 5:28 AM ↓ 8:40 PM
Mon
Light Drizzle
83°/57°
💧 11%🌬 11mph
↑ 5:27 AM ↓ 8:40 PM
Tue
Overcast
73°/52°
💧 1%🌬 11mph
↑ 5:27 AM ↓ 8:41 PM
Wed
Overcast
74°/49°
💧 1%🌬 13mph
↑ 5:26 AM ↓ 8:42 PM
Thu
Rain Showers
66°/58°
💧 18%🌬 10mph
↑ 5:26 AM ↓ 8:43 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Easy” Means
Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- Moisture-wicking T-shirtLight color, breathable.
- Lightweight shorts or pantsQuick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- Brimmed sun hatBetter than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- Trail runnersBreathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protection (UV 6)SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in Minnesota
Trail conditions in Minnesota change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
References & Maps
Nearby
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