Fact check – hiking is hard, but not for control freaks who prefer pre-planning and familiarizing with routes through GPS. If you’re such a hiker, following the route with a switchback is a pro tip. Now you must wonder, ‘What is a switchback in hiking?’.
Well, switchbacks are horizontal zig-zag trails along steep mountainsides. They can make your hike a hundred times easier than vertical trails. Read along to find out how switchbacks can be a lifesaver.
Quick Answer: What Is a Switchback In Hiking?
What is a switchback in hiking? Well, a switchback is simply a zigzagging path on a steep mountain trail.
So, exactly what are switchbacks? A mountain switchback is a smooth path starting from a sharp turn and leading to another turn in the opposite direction. It is pretty much like a railway switchback, which is an asset for the rail lines located in mountainous regions.
Unlike railway switchbacks, the turns of hiking switchbacks are razor sharp, and you can easily turn your head and look through the sharp turns.
Generally, you cannot find switchbacks on plains or plateaus as they are meant for steep ground levels. Trail builders nowadays are investing more in designing better switchbacks than regular hiking tracks.
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What Is a Switchback Trail?
A switchback trail is a horizontally placed hiking trail with swift turns on a mountain or hill. The turns are constructed at more or less 180° angles to facilitate an easier trek. These switchback hiking trails repeat this straight-cut-perpendicular motion to the top of the mountain.
What Is The Purpose of Mountain Switchback?
A well-built mountain switchback will enhance the friction. Mountains are always a centre of danger, with the risk of landslides and soil corrosion. The main purpose of constructing more hiking switchbacks is to prevent hikers from disbalancing due to corrosion.
A well-built mountain switchback will enhance the friction, enabling you to maintain your pace at steep slopes. Another purpose of mountain switchback is its ease to hikers when covering high altitudes.
Instead of going straight up to the mountain at a constant motion with low oxygen levels, it breaks your pace. This way, you can cover the same distance without facing shortness of breath.
Are There Any Cons To Switchbacks In Hiking?
Even though switchback hiking is easier than regular trail hiking, it has a couple of disadvantages. First of all, reaching the top can feel like forever because of the long path. Moreover, most people find switchback hiking more exhausting, and rightfully so because of the continuous turning paths.
Can You Cut Switchbacks?
It is against federal agency rules to cut switchbacks for ethical and safety reasons. The ultimate reason for creating hiking switchbacks is to prevent accidents from soil erosion, which becomes twofold by cutting them.
Cutting switchbacks also adds to the chances of injuries and loss of navigation. Lastly, cutting switchbacks makes hiking more intense and wastes government resources.
What Are Switchbacks In Hiking Vs Climbing Turns- The Difference
| Features | What Are Switchbacks | What Are Climbing Turns |
|---|---|---|
| Turn Shape | Sharp, abrupt turns with intense pivots | Wider, gentler turns often subtle at eye level |
| Slope Gradient | Constructed on ground levels steeper than 15% | Designed for mountain slopes 7% or less |
| Trail Pattern | Continuously reversing trails | Progresses smoothly in a snake-like pattern |
| Difficulty | Often a hurdle for hikers due to frequent direction changes | Generally easier to navigate and progress |
| Preference | Some hikers prefer for steep slopes, forces focus and gear changes | Preferred for its smooth, less demanding ascent |
| Speed of Ascent | Slower due to frequent direction changes | Faster ascent towards the slope |
| Suitability | Ideal for steep slopes | Not suitable for steep mountain slides |
| Safety Measure | Intended for safety on steep terrain | Designed for safety on gradual slopes |
As you know by now, hiking switchbacks are hiking trails with sharp turns. The inner wing of the turns can strongly impact your stride by stopping you with an intense pivot. This is unlikely to be the case with a climbing turn.
Even though climbing turns are confused with switchback hiking, they are more subtle. Climbing turns have wider and gentler turns that barely come into notice at eye level most of the time.
Moreover, switchbacks are constructed on ground levels steeper than 15 percent; climbing turns are for mountain slopes that are 7 percent or less. The continuously reversing trails of switchbacks are often a hurdle for most hikers.
For this reason, most people prefer climbing turns which smoothly progress to the top in a snake-like pattern. This makes switchback hiking ideal for steep slopes, forcing the hiker to focus and hold the gears.
The biggest difference between a switchback and a climbing turn is the rate of speed to reach the top. When hiking on a switchback, it’ll take longer to reach the top, while a climbing turn goes toward a slope and takes less time.
Even though both switchbacks and climbing turns are for safety purposes, a switchback would be unnecessary for gradual slopes. Similarly, climbing turns will not fulfil the safety measures for steep mountain slides.
10 Famous Switchback Hiking Trails in the Hiking World
- Besseggen Ridge – Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
- El Caminito del Rey (The King’s Pathway) – El Chorro, Spain
- Tour du Mont Blanc – Switzerland, Italy, France
- Leukerbad Via Ferrata – Leukerbad, Switzerland
- Aonach Eagach Ridge – Glencoe, Scotland
- Sentiero Azzuro – Cinque Terre, Italy
- Lycian Way – Ölüdeniz to Geyikbayiri,Turkey
- Haute Route – Chamonix, France; Zermatt, Switzerland
- GR20 Trek – Corsica, France
- Kungsleden (The King’s Trail) – Abisko to Hemavan, Sweden
10 Tips For Switchbacks In Hiking
Tip#1 – Maintain Proper Hydration and Fuel Levels
The basic rule while hiking is to gear up on your fluid levels. Ensure to eat something before the hike and drink less water to avoid bloating. Then, while you’re on the hike, drink enough water, juice, or, best, an electrolyte sports drink between half-hour intervals.
Tip#2 – Adhere To Trail Etiquette
If you’ve never been hiking before, make sure to go through the basic hiking etiquette. The trail etiquette guidelines require you to be responsible towards the environment and considerate of other hikers. They also contribute to creating a peaceful and friendly atmosphere up the trail.
Tip#3 – Strengthen Your Muscles and Stamina
Switchback hiking is no piece of cake. If you don’t want to return to ground level after reaching halfway, it is important to build muscle endurance. We recommend you do more leg days and lift weights at least a week before the hike. Step-ups and cardio are also game-changers post-hike.
Tip#4 – Equip Yourself With The Necessary Tools
You never know what comes at you in the mountains, so it’s necessary to equip yourself with the necessary tools. Always carry a flashlight, binoculars, a map, a multi-tool, a daypack or backpack, a navigation device, a tiny first-aid kit, and protein bars in your backpack. Also, bring a trekking pole, a sleeping pad, and a blanket.
Tip#5 – Focus On One Step At a Time
Steep terrains often have uneven trails with rocky cuttings. The best you can do to maintain balance is to focus on each step. This doesn’t mean that you should look down while hiking. Keep your focus straight on the path while taking careful steps. Moreover make sure to wear well-fit hiking boots for better grip.
Tip#6 – Consider Using Trekking Poles For Enhanced Control and Balance
Trekking poles are beneficial not only for descending but also for ascending steep hills. They aid balance and provide extra stability that reduces knee tension. Trekking poles also help in maintaining posture.
Tip#7 – Fine-tune Your Stride To Match the Incline or Decline
While hiking on steep terrains, it is important to adjust your pace. Since climbing up takes more effort, you are less likely to lose control. But when descending on a steep slope, you might lose footing, which can lead to an accident.
Tip#8 – Be Prepared for the Weather
Always check the weather forecast before you go hiking. Not only does it help you put together weather-appropriate hiking gear, but it warns you about trail erosion. You can also cancel the hike in case of bad weather predictions.
Tip#9 – Look For Switchback Markers
Switchback marker lights are for vehicles like hiking bikes. They change colors when you take a turn and have a sharp brightness compared to regular LED lights. These markers can come in handy when hiking in the dark.
Tip#10 – Don’t Cut Corners
The biggest tip is not to be stingy while buying hiking gear. Remember, hiking gear is an investment when you’re out in the wild mountain terrains. Cutting corners can get you low-quality gear that will be useless, maybe during an emergency. Even if you’re looking for the best budget hiking shoes, make sure they are of top quality.
People Also Ask For
Are switchbacks easier for hiking?
Switchbacks are easier for hiking because they prevent exhaustion more than regular trails. They don’t suddenly expose you to low air pressure at high altitudes, which can harm heart health.
What is the purpose of a switchback?
The primary purpose of switchbacks is the reduction of soil corrosion. They can also help in supporting a better grip and momentum while hiking. Switchbacks make hiking a tad bit easier through the gradual exposure to high altitude.
What is a switchback mountain?
A mountain switchback or switchback peak is a switchback trail constructed on a mountain slope. Switchbacks are also common in hill slopes, but mountain switchbacks are more extreme and repetitive.
What is an uphill switchback?
Uphill switchbacks are switchbacks located on an inclined slope. Steep slopes can also have inclined ramps, so the switchbacks are a bit diagonal rather than straight horizontal.
How do you ride an uphill switchback?
Riding an uphill switchback is a bit tougher than riding an ordinary one. The trick is to stand up, lean the biker over, and keep pedaling. Slowing down the pedals would result in backward rolling, so ensure you’re riding tight.
What Is a Switchback In Hiking? – 2 Cents
So there you have the comprehensive answer to the question, ‘What is a switchback?’ If you ask us, a switchback in hiking is a great alternative for regular trails. It is best for people of age who have a passion for hiking. If you’re looking for a slow hike to take in all that nature, we say you take the switchback.