Overheard a guy at the REI in Boulder say something about switchbacks that totally changed how I plan routes

I was waiting for my buddy to grab some fuel canisters and this older hiker was telling someone that switchbacks aren't just for making climbs easier on your legs, they're designed to prevent erosion and keep trails from turning into giant mud slides. Never really thought about it that way before, I always just saw them as annoying zigzags. Now I'm actually paying attention to how trails are laid out, especially on the Colorado Trail near Breckenridge. Anyone else ever notice how some switchbacks are way steeper than others and wonder if the trail builders just gave up?

3 comments

3 Comments

gavin_reed2d ago

Oh man, that's actually a really good point. I always figured they just zigzagged to make the climb easier on your lungs, never thought about it being about the trail itself. But wait, so if some switchbacks are way steeper than others, does that mean the trail builders messed up or is there a reason for that too?

clairer792d ago

Steep switchbacks just mean the terrain was too rocky to cut a longer one.

butler.abby1d ago

Huh, I see it a little differently actually. A lot of times steep switchbacks are just a sign that the original route was cut by game trails or old logging roads, so they follow the path of least resistance even if it's not the "perfect" grade for hikers. Trail crews have to work with what the land gives them, you know.