switchback trail
Serpentine mountain route
A switchback trail is a path that ascends or descends a steep slope through a series of sharp zigzag turns rather than going straight up.
The back-and-forth pattern reduces the grade, making the climb more manageable for hikers, horses, or vehicles: The switchback trail wound up the mountain in tight curves.
Common in mountain terrain where direct routes would be too steep.
- zigzagAngled back-and-forth path
- hairpinU-shaped fastener for tresses
- steepRising at sharp angle
- steep gradeSeverely angled slope
- mountainTall natural landmass
mountain path · hiking · climb · descent · winding · serpentine · path · dirt path · elevation · grade · slope · high altitude · ascent · rocky · loose gravel · dusty · boots · scramble
- trailshiking paths, path, footpath, walking path, forest path
- mountain trailsmountain path
- trail featurestrailhead, blazes, blaze, cairn, cairns
- trekstrek, mountain trek, wilderness trek, jungle trek, desert trek
- pack animal travelcamel caravan, mule train, muleteer, camel driver, wrangler
switchback traildirect route
Straightest path available
straight shot · fall line · beeline · vertical climb · direct path
switchback trailboardwalk
Planked waterfront pathway
promenade · towpath · rail trail · canal path · coastal walk
switch, back, trail, switches, switched, switching, switchback, switchbacks, backs