What is a switchback in hiking? And why shouldn't you bypass them?

what are switchbacks: hikers on TMB switchback
What is a switchback in hiking? We explain why the long and winding road is better for you and your environment (Image credit: Getty Images)

What is a switchback in hiking? If you've been hitting the trails for a while, you'll have undoubtedly ascended or descended switchbacks at some point in order to overcome a particularly steep section. And, if you've ever driven or cycled in the mountains or along vertiginous sections of coast, you'll be used to guiding your car – or relentlessly pedalling your bike – back and forwards to gain height. There's no doubt James Bond has attacked his fair share of switchback roads in his Aston Martin, usually while being pursued by individuals intent on his demise.

So, what is a switchback in hiking? Are switchbacks something to be feared or eagerly anticipated? We've asked one of our hiking experts to explain what a switchback is, why they’re probably better than hiking in a straight line, and the reasons behind why you should never bypass them. 

What is a switchback on a trail?

  • A switchback is a zigzagging trail, usually used to ascend a steep slope
  • By heading across the flanks of the slope, the gradient becomes more gradual
  • This reduces the intensity of the ascent or descent

The South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

The North American usage of the term switchback means a 180 degree bend in a road or path (Image credit: photo75)

The North American usage of the term switchback means a 180-degree bend in a road or path, and in hiking it refers to the zigzag-like route a hiking trail often takes. Ancient humans recognized that the best way up a steep slope is to wind up it, as evidenced in routes like the Inca Trail. 

When hiking trails are being constructed these days, switchbacks are often planned for areas where the grade of the hill is quite steep. Instead of going straight up the steep section, you turn and cut along the side of the mountain for a while, then turn back in the opposite direction, ascending more gradually and reducing the intensity of the climb. 

If you’re looking at a hiking trail on a map and see lots of switchbacks, it tells you that this particular section is probably quite steep, so you might plan to stop for a break beforehand and drink some water in preparation.

Meet the expert

Julia Clarke wearing the Helly Hansen Odin 1 World Infinity Shell Jacket
Julia Clarke

Julia is an expert hiker, with vast experience of adventures in the US, the UK and mainland Europe. She's always happy on the trails and in the mountains, where she frequently encounters switchbacks, whether on the slopes of Ben Nevis in Scotland or on alpine hiking trails around Chamonix.

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Are switchbacks hard?

  • Switchbacks are designed to make the ascent or descent less intense
  • However, the fact they're needed in the first place means plenty of steep terrain 
  • They also add more distance to a route

Switchbacks on a trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

Switchbacks are designed to make climbing less intense, but that doesn’t necessarily make them easy. (Image credit: Gerald Heinisch)

Good question. As we’ve just explained, switchbacks are designed to make climbing less intense, but that doesn’t necessarily make them easy. In terms of climbing, they’ll be easier than charging straight up the hill, and same goes for the descent, but you’re still hiking a steep piece of slope. 

Plus, they add more distance to your route, so you’ll be walking for longer. Some hikes, like Colorado’s Notch Mountain, seem like they are unnecessarily long because they have so many switchbacks, whereas one of the toughest sections of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire could probably do with a few more switchbacks. 

Can you cut switchbacks?

  • Sticking to the trails preserves the natural environment and its ecology
  • Leaving the switchback will lead to erosion or disturb resident wildlife

Hiking shoes

If you cut switchbacks, you end up trampling on vegetation and disrupting the ecology beneath your feet (Image credit: Westend61)

In America, you’ve probably seen signs on the trail that request you do not cut switchbacks and even if you feel like you’re fit enough to just go straight up and save yourself some time, you should always obey this rule and follow good etiquette

The beauty of established hiking trails is that they limit the damage caused by your hiking boots to a smaller area than if every hiker just picked their own way up the hill. If you cut switchbacks, you end up trampling on vegetation and disrupting the ecology beneath your feet. Over time, this leads to soil erosion too. 

Oftentimes, these signs have been placed in areas where conservation efforts are actively in place to restore ecosystems. If hikers habitually cut switchbacks, the trail may eventually be rerouted or even closed to restore an area. So, if you want to keep enjoying the outdoors, please take the long and winding road.

Julia Clarke

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book Restorative Yoga for Beginners. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.