switchbacking
Climbing via zigzags
Switchbacking describes movement that follows a zigzag pattern, typically used for paths or roads ascending steep terrain: The trail went switchbacking up the mountainside.
The term comes from switchback, a road or path that reverses direction repeatedly to reduce the gradient.
Figuratively, it can describe any course that doubles back on itself: The plot kept switchbacking through time.
Path through wilderness
- ascentUpward movement
- descentDownward slope or lineage
- pathRoute for traveling
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
backpacking · wilderness · summit · ridge · scramble · climb · elevation · traverse
Angled back-and-forth path
- serpentineCurving in repeated bends
- windingCurving repeatedly, sinuous
- twistingRotating with distortion
- curvingBending in arc
sinuous · snaking · hairpin · meander · tortuous · back-and-forth · crisscross · undulating
U-shaped fastener for tresses
- serpentineCurving in repeated bends
- steeringControlling direction of movement
- ascentUpward movement
- descentDownward slope or lineage
braking · maneuvering · navigation · curve · gradient · incline · gravel · guardrail
Curving in repeated bends
- topographyPhysical feature mapping
- gradientRate of change across space
- inclineAngled rising surface
- slopeAngled terrain or steepness
elevation · contour · ridge · traverse · mountainside · hillside · escarpment · ravine
trail
Path through wilderness
trekking · backpacking · wilderness · summit · ridge · scramble · climb · elevation · traverse · footpath
zigzag
Angled back-and-forth path
- serpentineCurving in repeated bends
- windingCurving repeatedly, sinuous
- twistingRotating with distortion
curving · sinuous · snaking · hairpin · meander · tortuous · back-and-forth · crisscross · undulating · reversing
hairpin
U-shaped fastener for tresses
- serpentineCurving in repeated bends
- steeringControlling direction of movement
- ascentUpward movement
descent · braking · maneuvering · navigation · curve · gradient · incline · gravel · guardrail · blind corner
serpentine
Curving in repeated bends
- topographyPhysical feature mapping
- gradientRate of change across space
- inclineAngled rising surface
slope · elevation · contour · ridge · traverse · mountainside · hillside · escarpment · ravine · canyon
switchbackingbeelining
Going directly toward
unswerving · unwavering · linear · direct · straightaway
switch, switching, switches, switcheroo, switcher, switchblade, switchboard, switchback, switchbacks