I see switchbacks as engineered trails these days. By that, I mean it is even more challenging to hike where there isn’t a lot of interest in hiking and there aren’t many curated trails. When I see switchbacks now, I understand someone more knowledgeable than me has put in some serious effort to help guide me along on a more reasonable grade than just bushwhackin straight up the hill. On my bike, switchbacks can be a godsend.