Travelling the country for 25 years in a motorhome (going through six times in all) reporting on roads, beautiful scenery and landscape, and winning a Peabody Award for his efforts, Charles Kuralt seems to be a trusted and reliable source for this US bike climb category. (According to John Summerson, "The Complete Guide to Climbing By Bike", Mt Lemmon is 33rd on the list of 100 toughest road bike climbs in the US, with a rating of either "hors category" or "category 1" on the scale used to rank the climbs in European stage racing.) Mauna Loa is one of the great bike climbs in the United States and the world. Plotting a route. Taiwan's shrimp fishing restaurants are a unique experience. Evans (bottom right). This page contains the top bike climbs in the United States, including those in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Tennessee, etc. We will start with the obvious one, ‘The Giant of Provence’. The most popular bike climb in the US, in our experience, is, Tucson, Arizona. Below is a list of some of the top cycling climb bike rides that are listed in the bookBest Cycling Climbs In The US. PJAMM cycling Yellowstone’s Grand Loop (2016). It is host to, (aka Race to the Clouds), every year since 1916, the. View PJAMM Cycling's collection of the highest ranked climbs in United States. Haleakala, 3. As with so many of the Top 10 US Bike Climbs, this is a must do if you are on any of the Hawaiian Islands (either as tourist or resident). This greatest unknown bike climb in the US. It is host to The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (aka Race to the Clouds), every year since 1916, the Pikes Peak Peak Ascent and Marathon (since 1956), and the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb. We have also documented 99 of the. Mt Washington, NH; Haleakala, HI; Onion Valley, CA; Horseshoe Meadows, CA; Mt. We have also documented 99 of the Top 100 US Bike Climbs (we just discovered Go Road Summit in remote Northern California and expect to document that soon). We have ridden this magnificent climb twice from Hilo (the southern and steeper route), and twice from Waikoloa (northern and longer route). This one climbs the backside of Haleakala Volcano on a paved road which ends at Skyline Trail (this trail is manageable on a gravel bike with thick tires, but we end at our Top 10 climb at the pavement). . Here’s how PJAMM looked at the end (luckily we had a pacer for the final stretch! Find rides & events, training articles and participate in our forums Our vote here goes to the anonymous yet spectacular Whitaker Forest bike climb in California’s Sequoia National Forest. 30 miles (sixth longest US), gaining 5,745’ to elevation 10,905’ at 3.3% average grade. Sweat and numb legs are exchanged for jumps, turns, and speed. Well, the US has its own Alpe d’Huez in. The wind is almost always blowing along the big hairpins, causing you to ride into the wind suffering for one leg, then turn and are loving life for the next mile and a quarter with the wind at your back. Nice cafe and stunning views. On this one, you could ask a group of adventurous cyclists what US bicycle climb has the most breathtaking views along the way and you’d probably not get any duplicate answers. Between 2011 and 2017 we have had the, (?) Using a formula at least takes the subjectivity out of the ranking process, although we do acknowledge that there is always debate about the actual merit and accuracy of the formula one selects to rank bike climbs. That is the reason most of our website is based on the FIETS formula to rank climbs. Great for: Retracing the 2012 Olympic road race. Mauna Kea (#1) as seen from Mauna Loa (#8) Hawaii hails as by far THE “Top 10 State” with a whopping five out of ten most difficult bike climbs in the US (#1 Mauna Kea, #2 Haleakala, #5 Kaloko Drive, #8 Mauna Loa, and #9 Waipoli Road). The full climb is 12.7 miles at 7.8%, but the most fun (well, if you like this kind of stuff) is on the 20 hairpins over the last 4.7 miles which average 10%. The bonus round after knocking off the longest climb in the world, is the hardest climb in the world -- Mauna Kea. worth the flight to Maui just to ride this spectacular volcano. TOP RANKED CLIMB IN THE UNITED STATES AND WORLD. This is mountain is well known, if not famous. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb. New Hampshire (#3 Mt. The book lists the 100 toughest USA road bike climbs from 1 to 100. . Getting around Yellowstone via the Grand Loop (, page) via bicycle is a great adventure. Mauna Loa, 9. If we use the traditional and common definition of “epic” to equate to “legendary” or “monumental”, you would be hard pressed to ignore, . The road is closed to cars so after you lift your bike over a gate you should have the climb to yourself. Set of six giant hairpins at miles 19-20 (12,180’-12,700’) at 9.5%. (we just discovered Go Road Summit in remote Northern California and expect to document that soon). Nearly all serious cyclists have heard of Alpe d’Huez (although not all know how to pronounce it ) and its famous 21 hairpins. We made the mistake of riding this one alone in sketchy weather, and it was a bit spooky. We have ridden this magnificent climb twice from Hilo (the southern and steeper route), and twice from Waikoloa (northern and longer route). All of the Grand Tours (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España) are in Europe. Ascents to test your skills, your legs and your lungs. You can see our, The hardest bike climb in the United States is, , Big Island, Hawaii, which is by far the most difficult bike climb in the world. Blue route guide (including Koppenberg) 2. Yellowstone National Park is also an extraordinary park to cycle up, around, and through. Nonetheless, it must be included on all US Bike Climb Bucket Lists, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention it here. Our first experience with Horseshoe Meadows was when we hopped the gate in May 2011 and road into a desolate area through snow flurries -- not the brightest move! The 20 Toughest Cycling Ascents in America. The top bike climbing states are California (45 Top US 100 / 3 Top World 100 Bike Climbs), Colorado (10 Top US 100  / 1 Top World 100), Utah (10 Top US 100 / 1 Top World 100), and Hawaii (7 Top 100 US / 5 Top World 100). Cycling, riding and climbing the top, most difficult, hardest, challenging, extreme, best, scenic, inspiring, bucket list climbs in the US. Last but not least on the US Hardest Bike Climbs list is White Mountain. This climb begins at. Other excellent and popular bike races involving Top 10 US climbs are the, Mt. Well, the US has its own Alpe d’Huez in Palomar Mountain, located in San Diego, California. Onion Valley Rd, 7. Additionally, here is the list of the 10 toughest climbs in the US. Noteworthy former champions:  Tyler Hamilton, Tom Danielson, Phil Gaimon. Yes, it. We have mapped the most difficult bike climbs in the world and personally documented most of them. Cycling Climbs BOX SET Comprising a total of 545 ascents from the tip of Cornwall all the way up to the highlands of Scotland, the eight region-specific volumes of Britain’s Greatest Cycling Climbs contain the most comprehensive documentation of Britain’s hills ever compiled for road cyclists. What we enjoy most about these two National Parks are the Giant Sequoia Redwoods that appear around 6,000’ on most of the climbs we have documented there. This was a tough one. Did you ever wonder what it would be like to ride on Mars? Scroll down to the summary at the bottom of this page for more details. For many of us, climbing on a mountain bike is a necessary evil. Kaloko Dr, 6. Here’s how PJAMM looked at the end (luckily we had a pacer for the final stretch! Pikes Peak leaves nothing off the Most Epic Bike Climb Checklist: difficulty (#4 US/#23 world), elevation (#2 US), distance (#19 US) and varied scenery -- forests, lakes, hairpins, and unobstructed views of surrounding mountains and the Colorado Plains 8,000’ below. Mauna Kea has it all: length (42.5 miles), altitude (sea level to nearly 14,000’), and gradient (the last 10 miles are from 8,120’ to 13,779’ at 10.7% average grade). THE US BIKE CLIMB MOST SIMILAR TO A TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE FINISH. Hamilton, Santa Clara County, California, has been featured most often (six times from 2006 to 2019) in the Tour of California, the United States only Elite Professional Stage Race. Review all details regarding the best, most scenic and hardest bike climbs in the United States. It was very hard to choose between Zion and Yosemite because we absolutely love cycling it both of these parks, in addition to many others in the US. How often can you say you have ridden the “#1” of. However, Zion has four great bike climbs within its borders, and on top of that, the hiking is extraordinary. Expert road bike reviews and the latest road bike news, features and advice. Box Hill, England (224m) Location: Dorking, Surrey, England. Cyclist on country road Johner Images/Getty. most challenging, and one of the most  scenic and epic climb areas in the US and one of the best in the entire world. This is the greatest cycling challenge in the world. The stunningly scenic Beartooth Pass is only 88 miles from Yellowstone NP Northeast Entrance. If you’re looking for the toughest on the continent, look no further than this compendium of Europe’s most difficult road cycling climbs. Washington, NH (center). Kaloko Drive, Kona, Maui, is a beast of a climb, not surprising for #5 on the list. This road is not for amateurs. The hardest, most difficult and challenging cycling climbs in the United States are, in order of difficulty, 1. Very few cyclists have ever heard of. However, the US did boast one Elite Stage Race in the Tour of California (held every year from 2006 through 2019, though on hiatus as of 2020) which attracted top tier cyclists and cycling teams. US cycling climbs are much more spread out than in Europe, although there are several climbing areas in the US which offer a high concentration of HC and world class climbs by bike that are in close enough proximity to ride from a central hub. While not as famous as the great European bike climbs such as Alpe d’Huez, Tourmalet, Ventoux or Stelvio, as we know from experience, it is legendary amongst cycling extremists; we have been contacted countless times by athletes seeking the hardest bicycle climb on the planet. The Bob Cook Memorial Bicycle Race (Mt. Between 2011 and 2017 we have had the pleasure(?) bike climb in southwestern Oregon is “out there.”  This is a very remote and isolated climb. Though it’s not the steepest (at 5.8%), nor the longest (at 20 miles), it is definitely still a challenge, particularly during the summer months when the temperatures at the start of the climb are commonly in triple digits. . For others, it’s their livelihood. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROAD TO CLIMB IN THE US. From the Stelvio Pass to Sa Calobra, these are the climbs to fear On this one, you could ask a group of adventurous cyclists what US bicycle climb has the most breathtaking views along the way and you’d probably not get any duplicate answers. There are no Top 100 US Climbs in the area, but the Tioga Pass, Glacier Point, and Hetch Hetchy Dam road bike climbs are a tough threesome to beat in terms of breathtaking views surrounding us during the ride. Mauna Kea, HI;; Pikes Peak, CO; Mauna Loa, HI; Haleakala, HI; Mt. elevation gain: 129 metres. This climb is so difficult because it just wears you out: 36 miles of straight climbing and generally between 5-7% average grade (the steepest mile averages only 7.8%). A long climb justifies a beer and a towering plate of nachos afterward. There are also two Top World Climb Areas in the US:  Owens Valley (11 HC in a 50 mile radius) and Hawaii (Big Island + Maui; #1 Hardest World Bike Climb + #1 Longest World Bike Climb). Our vote here goes to the anonymous yet spectacular, bike climb in California’s Sequoia National Forest. Mt. The “event” is as much an experience as the magnificent climb itself, containing within it an awards ceremony, carved turkey dinner, and much more! 0 shares. Start at sea level and finish above 10,000’!! California is the second toughest cycle climbing state with three Top 10’s (#6 Onion Valley, #7 Horseshoe Meadow, and #10 White Mountain). There are three ways up to the summit by road bike, with the ascent from Bedoin being most people’s favourite as it has over the years been the route up the mountain chosen by the Tour de France. Discover the most difficult climbs in France. Evans, CO), Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb (Colorado Springs, CO), and the Cycle to the Sun (Haleakala, Maui, HI) are not far behind Mt. We have ridden Pikes Peak three times and consider it one of the most epic climbs in the world. Horseshoe Meadows Road, home to the greatest set of switchbacks visible from a state highway in the US (maybe the world!). Ultimate guide to cycling Flanders. Mauna Kea (top photos); Mauna Loa bottom right/middle; Haleakala bottom left. by Will Gordon. . Friends Dominic Millar, Graham Salisbury and James Findlater were looking for a UK-based ride that would take them to places they’d not visited before. If we use the traditional and common definition of epic to equate to “legendary” or “monumental,” you would be hard pressed to ignore, . Climbing hills and mountains in the United States is certainly different from cycling in places like France and Italy where there is such a long history of cycling. 100 greatest cycling climbs is a list of some of the hardest climbs in the UK from Constitution Hill to Kirkstone Pass and Ditchling Beacon. We have ridden Pikes Peak three times and consider it one of the most epic climbs in the world. It has been host to, (aka Race to the Clouds) every year since 1916, the. Or, long climbs could just be part of a training plan. other amazing and diverse options in these vast United States we call home. Center photo:  Lick Observatory at the summit of Mt. Yosemite Valley: El Capitan left center, Half Dome center background. At just over 62 miles, Mauna Loa is the longest bike climb in the world and it will just flat out wear you down, but it is well worth the effort you’ll put into it. If we use the traditional and common definition of “epic” to equate to “legendary” or “monumental”, you would be hard pressed to ignore Pikes Peak. Half Dome and Nevada Falls from Glacier Point. In our (subjective) opinion, the greatest US bike climbing race is the annual Mt. Starting at sea level and climbing to nearly 14,000’ in 42 miles, this volcano is the ultimate test of cycling strength and endurance. Even without the same cycling history that Europe boasts, there are still many unbelievably challenging as well as scenic bike climbs in the United States. This is the first of the Top 10 that does not fit the subjective “epic” criteria: the first 4.5 miles are along an uninspiring busy road, and the last seven miles, while trafficless and in a rainforest, setting are not in the “extraordinary” category that Mauna Kea, Haleakala, Mt. bike climb from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point offers the most stunning views of any we have experienced in the US, and thus warrants discussion for greatest views on a bike climb in the world, for that matter. The average grade percentage thus is 14.4 percent. Over this distance, you climb more than 6,800 feet. The following are the top challenging bike climb areas in the United States. So, when I was asked by Rapha to create and take on the toughest 100km in the UK, as part of their Women’s 100 event – I jumped at the chance. Popular because of the fantastic winter (not summer, although it is always cooler 7,000’ up the mountain than at the bottom of the climb), saguaro cactus at the start, and amazing hoodoos at the midway point. of riding from Independence, California to the Keasarge Pass Trailhead (end of the road) five times. These two volcanoes are just across the road from each other and each are clearly visible from the flanks of the other. Nonetheless, it must be included on all US Bike Climb Bucket Lists, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention it here. Washington) and Colorado (Pikes Peak #4) round out the Top 10. These parks abut each other and a couple climbs travel through each of them. Hawaii hails as by far THE “Top 10 State” with a whopping five out of ten most difficult bike climbs in the US (#1 Mauna Kea, #2 Haleakala, #5 Kaloko Drive, #8 Mauna Loa, and #9 Waipoli Road). Mt. Pine Creek, Onion Valley, Rock Creek, Horseshoe Meadows, and Whitney Portal (middle). The bonus round after knocking off the longest climb in the world, is the hardest climb in the world -- Mauna Kea. Pikes Peak leaves nothing off the Most Epic Bike Climb Checklist: difficulty (#4 US/#23 world), elevation (#2 US), distance (#19 US) and varied scenery -- forests, lakes, hairpins and unobstructed views of surrounding mountains and the Colorado Plains 8,000’ below. If you are already on Zwiftpower, we would like to invite you to join our Climbbybike Zwiftpower team. El Capitan; Western Entrance; Tioga Pass; Hetch Hetchy Dam; Glacier Point (middle). “It’s one of those walls where people are like, ‘There’s no holds, there’s no holds, there’s no holds!’” Kinder said in an This was the finish of our Four Owens Valley HC Climbs in a Day trip in 2015 (22,000’ of climbing, 100+ ℉. Hamilton, If someone put a gun to our head and demanded we choose just one favorite out of all the exceptional bike rides in the United States, we would probably have to choose. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is held yearly on the third Saturday in August. in the world? Benjamin Haworth; October 2, 2019. We have also documented 99 of the Top 100 US Bike Climbs (we just discovered Go Road Summit in remote Northern California and expect to document that soon). US cycling climbs are much more spread out than in Europe, although there are several climbing areas in the US which offer a high concentration of HC and world class climbs by bike that are in close enough proximity to ride from a central hub. Scroll down the page to access the full Top 10 US Bike Climbs on the Map below (or switch to "Table" for a detailed list). Mauna Kea, 2. If we use the traditional and common definition of epic to equate to “legendary” or “monumental,” you would be hard pressed to ignore Pikes Peak, Colorado. One of our favourite parts of bike racing is watching the pros battle it out up really brutal climbs. Washington is the highest peak in New England and the climb is 7.4 miles at an average grade of 12.1% (with a quarter mile at 16%). Waipoli Rd, and 10. Ascended by just four climbers—Matty Hong, Jonathan Siegrist, Joe Kinder and, most recently, Jon Cardwell—the 100-foot Bad Girls Club is the toughest climb in Rifle, Colorado’s premier climbing destination. These two volcanoes are just across the road from each other and each are clearly visible from the flanks of the other. We have personally documented the US Top 10 Hardest Climbs. Glacier National Park in Montana (and specifically Logan Pass) is an extraordinary place to climb by bike, but there is but one epic pass, thus we excluded it from our Top 3 National Park Climb Areas. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is held the third Saturday in August. This climb begins at Death Valley Road, after all! We have personally ridden the Top 10 US Hardest Bike Climbs, some several times each. Onion Valley Rd, 7. Roads are a close second, having each been featured five times. We have ridden Haleakala four times from Paia, and once up Highway 37 from near the airport in Kahului. Ride through pristine redwood groves on a remote and seemingly private dirt National Forest Road (easily done on a road bike), through a ride-through giant sequoia, then onto General’s Highway, and a short distance past the finish is the largest tree by volume in the world, known as the General Sherman. We go up, so that we can go back down. is an extraordinary place to climb by bike, but there is but one epic pass, thus we excluded it from our Top 3 National Park Climb Areas. Photos clockwise from top left: Whitaker Forest (Kings Canyon/Sequoia NP); Onion Valley (Owens Valley); Nate Harrison Grade (San Diego); Mt. Bear Creek; Mineral King; Highway 198; Whitaker Forest. The bike climbs we have documented are in the slideshow above. Horseshoe Meadows Rd, 8. The most popular bike climb in the US, in our experience, is Mt. Washington and Pikes Peak are. Washington in challenge. And, if that’s not enough, try the trifecta:  #1 Hardest (, As with so many of the Top 10 US Bike Climbs, this is a must do if you are on any of the Hawaiian Islands (either as tourist or resident). on the US Hardest Bike Climbs list is White Mountain. In all, we have climbed Mauna Kea four times (2011, 2013, 2014, 2018). From this page you may navigate to the top 10 most difficult bicycling climbs in the USA. The road, especially the last mile to Dante’s, is very steep. Popular because of the fantastic. Leg and lung killers. #10) which involves 22,000’ of climbing from dawn to dusk. The view of Horseshoe Meadows’ famed switchbacks from Highway 395 is stunning; these monsters range in length from 1.7 miles for the lower segment to half a mile for the fifth and upper segment. The “event” is as much an experience as the magnificent climb itself, containing within it an awards ceremony, carved turkey dinner, and much more! Mauna Loa is one of the great bike climbs in the United States and the world. Noteworthy former champions: Tyler Hamilton, Tom Danielson, Phil Gaimon. And then someone mentioned Simon Warren’s climbing bible – the 100 Greatest Climbs – and the challenge was set. Mont Ventoux Mont Ventoux is an iconic climb in cycling. Baldy (Los Angeles) and Whitney Portal (center; Owens Valley). . Length: 2.5 kilometres. Washington in challenge. About Us; Editor’s Choice 2020. Cycling and climbing by bike the top climbs in the United States including the Top 10 which we have thoroughly documented 1. 11 of Europe’s toughest road cycling climbs. Owens Valley is the most challenging, and one of the most  scenic and epic climb areas in the US and one of the best in the entire world. Horseshoe Meadows Rd, 8. In our opinion, the Glacier Point bike climb from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point offers the most stunning views of any we have experienced in the US, and thus warrants discussion for greatest views on a bike climb in the world, for that matter. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb. To qualify for our top three, the National Park must have more than just one excellent bike climb in or very near it. We have personally ridden the Top 10 US Hardest Bike Climbs, some several times each. Kuralt referred to Montana’s, (and pass) near Yellowstone National Park as. Only two are objective: hardest (using the FIETS formula), and longest. Washington, NH; Mauna Kea, HI; Kings Canyon NP, CA; Whitney Portal, CA (center). Denver has by far the highest number of bike climbs in the United States. EDIT: OK, after adding a few climbs I have reached more than 100 climbs better than Alpe d’Huez. Very few cyclists have ever heard of Waipoli Road. Mt. Mauna Loa Observatory Road (the last 17 miles at 5% to 10,989’). Average gradient: 5%. Onion Valley Road is located in the heart of the Owens Valley which has the highest concentration of HC and Top 100 US climbs of any area in the United States. 20. Twice Onion Valley Road has been the centerpiece of our one day climbing challenge (Horseshoe Meadow #7 US, Whitney Portal #14, Onion Valley #6 and White Mountain #10) which involves 22,000’ of climbing from dawn to dusk. But, it IS and adventure, that’s for sure. This one climbs the backside of Haleakala Volcano on a paved road which ends at Skyline Trail (this trail is manageable on a gravel bike with thick tires, but we end at our Top 10 climb at the pavement). These are some of the best/worst climbs in Britain. 0 shares. Mauna Kea (#1 World & US), Haleakala (#2 US/#15 World), and Mauna Loa (#8 US/#71 World) are the most epic climbs in Hawaii and some of the best in the US and world. Top 100 U.S. Climbs by Road Bike - Need your input and contributions We appreciate your review of the Top 100 U.S. Climbs and comments on rides you have done, climbs you think should be on the list that aren't and any other input or comment you may have regarding the list. The allure of the world’s toughest bike climbs is that they require unmatched physical and mental fortitude. It’s a tough cycling climb: 21 kilometres at an average gradient of 7.5%, especially when the mistral wind is against you. , Santa Clara County, California, has been featured most often (six times from 2006 to 2019) in the Tour of California, the United States only Elite Professional Stage Race. The full climb is 12.7 miles at 7.8%, but the most fun (well, if you like this kind of stuff) is on the 20 hairpins over the last 4.7 miles which average 10%. If someone put a gun to our head and demanded we choose just one favorite out of all the exceptional bike rides in the United States, we would probably have to choose The Road to Hana. #101 Finally! At just over 62 miles, Mauna Loa is the longest bike climb in the world and it will just flat out wear you down, but it is well worth the effort you’ll put into it. Ride through pristine redwood groves on a remote and seemingly private dirt National Forest Road (easily done on a road bike), through a ride-through giant sequoia, then onto General’s Highway, and a short distance past the finish is the largest tree by volume in the world, known as the, Nearly all serious cyclists have heard of Alpe d’Huez (although not all know how to pronounce it ) and its famous 21 hairpins. Photo Credit: Stilfehler, Wikimedia Washington is the highest peak in New England and the climb is 7.4 miles at an. Details, photos, video, summaries, statistics for the toughest, most difficult, challenging and best climbs by bike in the United States. The stunningly scenic, is only 88 miles from Yellowstone NP Northeast Entrance. Haleakala, 3. Like many of the best ideas, the inspiration for the 100 Climbs Ultimate Challenge formed over a pint in the pub. Its entire length is just about 9 miles. Starting at sea level and climbing to nearly 14,000’ in 42 miles, this volcano is the ultimate test of cycling strength and endurance. Fifteen of the top sixteen highest road bike climbs are in Colorado, and only Mauna Kea (#3, 13,842’) prevents a clean sweep of the Top 15. We have cycled in and around Yosemite five times in the past four years and consider it one of the most scenic places to ride by bike in the US. Professional cyclists (and amateurs) are always on the lookout for legendary roads and mountains around the world, most known for their challenge, difficulty, and the sheer exhilarating experience. Getting around Yellowstone via the Grand Loop (PJAMM Grand Loop page) via bicycle is a great adventure. Just across “the saddle” from Mauna Kea is the great shield volcano Mauna Loa. And, if that’s not enough, try the trifecta:  #1 Hardest (Mauna Kea), #2 US Hardest (Haleakala) and #1 World Longest (Mauna Loa) on your Hawaiian cycling adventure. THE MOST SPECTACULAR VIEWS ON A US BIKE CLIMB. Even without the same cycling history that Europe boasts, there are still many unbelievably challenging as well as scenic bike climbs in the United States. Other excellent and popular bike races involving Top 10 US climbs are the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb (Colorado Springs, CO) and the Cycle to the Sun (Haleakala, Maui, HI). This mountain is well known, if not famous. In our opinion, the. White Mountain. Pikes Peak, 5. Yes, it is worth the flight to Maui just to ride this spectacular volcano. . Owens Valley is such an exceptional cycling hub that we also rank it as a Top World Climbing Area. ): Mt. HORSESHOE MEADOWS ROAD, OWENS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA. Read our guide to discover all you need to know about them. Below is a list of some of the top cycling climb bike rides that are listed in the book Best Cycling Climbs In The US.The book lists the 100 toughest USA road bike climbs from 1 to 100. Beginning from the opposite side of the island from the start of Mauna Kea (coming from Hilo is shorter, but steeper) in Waikoloa we climb 62.2 miles at 3.4% average grade gaining 11,848’ from near sea level to 11,848’. Though it’s not the steepest (at 5.8%), nor the longest (at 20 miles), it is definitely still a challenge, particularly during the summer months when the temperatures at the start of the climb are commonly in triple digits. source. We made the mistake of riding this one alone in sketchy weather, and it was a bit spooky. Mauna Kea (#1) as seen from Mauna Loa (#8). In our opinion, the greatest bike climbing race is the annual Mt. Twice Onion Valley Road has been the centerpiece of our one day climbing challenge (. Along with Whitney Portal #14, Onion Valley #6, and White Mountain #10, Horseshoe Meadows is one of the four must-do climbs along a 40 mile stretch of Hwy 395 in the Owens Valley. . The average gradient is a staggering 12 percent, with max grades topping 22 percent. . Mauna Loa, 9. BIKE CLIMB MOST FEATURED IN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA. Yellowstone National Park is also an extraordinary park to cycle up, around, and through. (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more). grade of 12.1% (with a quarter mile at 16%). #10, Horseshoe Meadows is one of the four must-do climbs along a 40 mile stretch of Hwy 395 in the Owens Valley. 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