A switchback in hiking terms is a trail that zig-zags up a hill or mountain. Instead of climbing steeply up a straight trail, the trail cuts back & forth across the slope at a lesser incline.
- Originally built for pack animals
- Safer for climbing icy trails
- Controls soil erosion
- Some switchbacks occurred naturally
- Makes trails more accessible
- Start early to avoid being benighted or caught out by afternoon thunderstorms on a hot day.
- Climb at your own pace and rest when you need to. It’s not a race.