Boulder E-Bike Tour: Switzerland Trail Dirt Roads

An old narrow-gauge railway bed is now a 4×4 dirt road you ride on an electric bike.

Ride Pedego's award-winning Elevate electric mountain bike along Boulder's Switzerland Trail and Sugarloaf Mountain on dirt roads in the Rockies. You pick one of three electric assistance modes to match the terrain, climb alongside Boulder Creek, and stop at a mountain viewpoint before returning to the shop near Pearl Street Mall. A professional local guide leads the 3.5-hour ride. Water and snacks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Pearl Street Mall15m
2. Boulder Creek Path20m

Boulder Backroads E-Bike Tour

• Start at shop near Pearl Street Mall
• Optional coffee or beer on Pearl Street
• Transport vehicle ride along Boulder Creek
• Ride along Sugarloaf Mountain dirt roads
• Ride section of Switzerland Trail
• Stop for panoramic mountain viewpoint
• Return ride on Switzerland Trail
• End at starting trailhead shop

The experience

The tour starts and ends at the shop five blocks north of Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder. You'll ride in a transport vehicle up Boulder Creek Path to the trailhead, then spend the main part of the afternoon on dirt roads that wind through the foothills. The Switzerland Trail itself is the centerpiece (an old narrow-gauge train railway converted into a modern 4×4 road), and you'll cover a section of it alongside Sugarloaf Mountain. The Elevate bike's wide trail tires and full suspension handle the challenging terrain, and you control how much electric assist you use at each moment.

The ride includes a stop at a mountain viewpoint for photos before you head back down to the starting point. A professional guide who knows the local trails leads the whole route and can suggest where to grab coffee or a beer on Pearl Street afterward if you want to extend the day. Water and snacks are provided during the ride.

What’s included

• Professional local guide leading the route.
• use of a Pedego Elevate full-suspension electric mountain bike with three assistance modes.
• bike helmet.
• bottled water and snacks during the ride.

Before you book

Days and timesSunday

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Pedego Boulder

Is this one for you?The 3.5-hour commitment leaves room for Pearl Street shopping or dining before or after, but the terrain and fitness requirement mean this suits riders who are already comfortable on mountain bikes and looking for a morning or afternoon adventure in the Rockies.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Switzerland Trail and why is it part of this tour?

The Switzerland Trail is a historic narrow-gauge railway bed that's now a 4×4 dirt road winding through Boulder's foothills. It's one of the best backroad biking routes in the area and forms the main section of this tour, letting you ride terrain that most visitors never reach.

Can I control how much electric power the bike uses?

Yes. The Elevate bike has three electric assistance modes you select yourself, so you can dial the power up or down depending on the terrain and how much effort you want to put in.

What happens if I've never ridden a mountain bike before?

This tour requires riders to be comfortable and adequate to good on mountain bikes. The dirt roads have challenging terrain, so prior mountain biking experience is necessary to enjoy the ride safely.

How long is the actual riding time, and what else is included?

The full tour is 3.5 hours, which includes the transport ride up to the trailhead, the dirt road riding, a stop at a mountain viewpoint, and the return. Your guide provides water and snacks throughout.