What are the most challenging climbs in Socal?
#1
Climbing...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Santa Monica
Posts: 547
Bikes: SuperSix Evo, R3, F29
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What are the most challenging climbs in Socal?
The hardest I've done are Tuna Canyon Road and Las Flores Canyon Road. They both 1-2 mile 15% sections and average around 8-10% grade for several miles. Any others that are harder?
#2
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
Lots that are longer, very few that I know of that are steeper.
Decker Canyon is long/steep, for sure challenging.
Balsom Canyon, very challenging
Potrero Road, up to 18%
The Ski Lift climb above Baldy Village, lots of 12% steepest 20%
Forrest Falls
Onyx Summit (from either side), steepest from Damnation Alley side
Mt Palomar (sustained 8-9%)
Mt Wilson (not sure how steep, but brutal in the cold rain)
Yeah, SoCal is great for climbing!
Rick / OCRR
Decker Canyon is long/steep, for sure challenging.
Balsom Canyon, very challenging
Potrero Road, up to 18%
The Ski Lift climb above Baldy Village, lots of 12% steepest 20%
Forrest Falls
Onyx Summit (from either side), steepest from Damnation Alley side
Mt Palomar (sustained 8-9%)
Mt Wilson (not sure how steep, but brutal in the cold rain)
Yeah, SoCal is great for climbing!
Rick / OCRR
#3
Over the hill
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 24,365
Bikes: Giant Defy, Giant Revolt
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 995 Post(s)
Liked 1,203 Times
in
689 Posts
+1 for Decker. I believe it gets up to 17% for a short while.
I believe Rick is referring to the section of Potrero that comes out of Camarillo? The section going into and out of the west end of Hidden Valley is short and challenging, but I don't think it goes above 10%.
I believe Rick is referring to the section of Potrero that comes out of Camarillo? The section going into and out of the west end of Hidden Valley is short and challenging, but I don't think it goes above 10%.
__________________
It's like riding a bicycle
It's like riding a bicycle
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: San Bernardino, CA
Posts: 193
Bikes: Giant TCR2 w/105 & Ultegra, Nashbar framed bike w/full DA 9sp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I know Casitas kicked my ***** as well as the Santa Paula grade out there by Ojai or whatever it is. Just ride from Camarillo to Santa Barbara and you'll see what I mean lol. Probably not super crazy or anything but after 40+ miles before starting to climb I could barely even walk up casitas!
#6
It's ALL base...
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 6,716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Some good info from the La Grange website: https://www.lagrange.org/local_climbs.htm
Their annual Piuma Hill Climb is 8.2 miles, 2260 ft. of climbing. The winner this year did it in 35 min. 15 sec.! https://www.lagrange.org/piuma.htm
Their annual Piuma Hill Climb is 8.2 miles, 2260 ft. of climbing. The winner this year did it in 35 min. 15 sec.! https://www.lagrange.org/piuma.htm
#7
Has coddling tendencies.
Yep. Two leg bruisers for sure. You might want to revise that max grade estimate however. Those steep mile long sections are at or near 20% on both climbs. I wish they were just 15%!
#8
Scottish Canuck in the US
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,179
Bikes: Trek 2100, Cervélo Carbon Soloist
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The climbs to Julian (from Borrego Springs and Santa Isabel) are pretty good climbs too.
The Oak Glen climb outsde of Redlands is a pretty nasty little climb as well.
The Oak Glen climb outsde of Redlands is a pretty nasty little climb as well.
#9
BOATS AND HOES!
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 666
Bikes: Madone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The two hills that gave me some problems were Laurel Canyon after Ventura going up to Mulholland and the other was Outpost Drive from Franklin Drive in Hollywood up to Mulholland.
At the time my bike was geared with a 39/23 so I just remember it being very difficult. Now I have 39/28 and magically all the hills have gotten easier.
At the time my bike was geared with a 39/23 so I just remember it being very difficult. Now I have 39/28 and magically all the hills have gotten easier.
#10
Dagger Boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southern California
Posts: 3,247
Bikes: 1999 GT 5.0i mountain, 2004 Basso Reef road
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not just one climb, but truly a difficult day
https://www.socaltrailriders.org/foru...s-*****es.html
https://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=488
https://www.socaltrailriders.org/foru...s-*****es.html
https://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=488
__________________
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
#11
This is Shangri La
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 724
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Seven Sister ride in Laguna is pretty nice. Seven climbs with >20% sustained climbs 5 of the climbs. A great place for hill intervals. I have done the ride twice and will likely do it a few more times before Vision Quest (a MTB event) next year.
This clockwise training loop consists of 7 out-and-back climbs along the way that are all quite steep (up to 20% grades), locals refer to this ascent training loop as The Seven Sisters. Begin at the Aliso Creek Trailhead off Awma Rd and head south on Alicia to begin the journey.
1st Sister: Highlands Ave - turn around point is Niguel Rd.
2nd Sister: Pacific Island Dr - turn around point is Flying Clouds Dr.
3rd Sister: Pacific Island Dr (south end starting from Crown Valley) - turn around point is Talavera Dr.
4th Sister: Nyes Place - turn around point is Capistrano Ave (the Moulton Meadows Park sign).
5th Sister: Bluebird Canyon Dr to Summit Dr - turn around point is where Summit meets La Mirada St.
6th Sister: Thalia St then right on Temple Hills Drive - turn around point is Alta Laguna Blvd. Upon descending Temple to Thalia make a right on Wendt Terrace which merges straight into the
7th Sister: Park Ave - turn around point Alta Laguna Blvd.
EDIT: Sorry I just noticed Extort posted the same ride.
This clockwise training loop consists of 7 out-and-back climbs along the way that are all quite steep (up to 20% grades), locals refer to this ascent training loop as The Seven Sisters. Begin at the Aliso Creek Trailhead off Awma Rd and head south on Alicia to begin the journey.
1st Sister: Highlands Ave - turn around point is Niguel Rd.
2nd Sister: Pacific Island Dr - turn around point is Flying Clouds Dr.
3rd Sister: Pacific Island Dr (south end starting from Crown Valley) - turn around point is Talavera Dr.
4th Sister: Nyes Place - turn around point is Capistrano Ave (the Moulton Meadows Park sign).
5th Sister: Bluebird Canyon Dr to Summit Dr - turn around point is where Summit meets La Mirada St.
6th Sister: Thalia St then right on Temple Hills Drive - turn around point is Alta Laguna Blvd. Upon descending Temple to Thalia make a right on Wendt Terrace which merges straight into the
7th Sister: Park Ave - turn around point Alta Laguna Blvd.
EDIT: Sorry I just noticed Extort posted the same ride.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Redlands, CA
Posts: 6,313
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 842 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times
in
250 Posts
There are so many hills around here its hard to nail to just a few. Its not like we're in Texas or Kansas.
For my area, Forest Falls and Oak Glen come to mind, but there are plenty of short 15-22% rides as well. If we include Kern County to SoCal, there's another huge list of difficult climbs.
I'm pretty certain SoCal has enough hills someone could easily train for the TdF KOM jersey here.
For my area, Forest Falls and Oak Glen come to mind, but there are plenty of short 15-22% rides as well. If we include Kern County to SoCal, there's another huge list of difficult climbs.
I'm pretty certain SoCal has enough hills someone could easily train for the TdF KOM jersey here.
#13
This is Shangri La
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 724
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#14
...o/o...
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Burbank, California
Posts: 30
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The ride to the top of Ocean View in La Crescenta is a decent climb.
#15
Shredding Grandma!
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803
Bikes: I don't own any bikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just to add - not so much for gradient but distance... starting from Newport Back Bay... San Joaquin to Ridge Line. Come down Vista Ridge then Newport Coast towards the ocean and then start back up Pelican and take Vista Ridge to Ridge Line and back down. Just ride up and down Newport Coast using Mar Vista or Ridge Line can be a challenge. I also didn't notice anyone mentioning Live Oak.
__________________
______________________________________________________________
Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
______________________________________________________________
Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
#16
aka. vertical jon
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Anaheim, Home of the Los Angeles? Angels of Anaheim... in Orange County?
Posts: 768
Bikes: White Carbon Token, Cannondale Mtn, 1975 Peugeot UO-8 Golden Fixed Conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 86
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think Deer Creek takes it in the Santa Monica Mts; not that long (2.3 miles) but highest average grade, 11%, with max of 13.5%. Decker (westlake) up from Carlisle is tough too (especially since it's often hot there) averaging 7% but with a max of 23%
#21
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 28,387
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
+1 for Decker. I believe it gets up to 17% for a short while.
I believe Rick is referring to the section of Potrero that comes out of Camarillo? The section going into and out of the west end of Hidden Valley is short and challenging, but I don't think it goes above 10%.
I believe Rick is referring to the section of Potrero that comes out of Camarillo? The section going into and out of the west end of Hidden Valley is short and challenging, but I don't think it goes above 10%.
You can subscribe to a thread without actually posting in it.
I know Casitas kicked my ***** as well as the Santa Paula grade out there by Ojai or whatever it is. Just ride from Camarillo to Santa Barbara and you'll see what I mean lol. Probably not super crazy or anything but after 40+ miles before starting to climb I could barely even walk up casitas!
#22
Over the hill
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 24,365
Bikes: Giant Defy, Giant Revolt
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 995 Post(s)
Liked 1,203 Times
in
689 Posts
Considering that is one of the top 3 routes for surfers high on pot to take to the beach, I try to only use Kanan to connect to other safe routes, such as Latigo and Rock Store.
__________________
It's like riding a bicycle
It's like riding a bicycle
#23
Racerboy Douchebaggery
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Rosebowl Land
Posts: 3,200
Bikes: 2007 Cannondale systemSix, 2008 Bianchi Pista
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#24
Idiot
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Corona, ca
Posts: 753
Bikes: Kirklee(custom), GT GTR Ultra, Salsa Mamasita
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Baldy Rd. straight up is definitely harder than Decker for many reasons(especially in the summer). Only the first mile of Decker is hard and wouldn't even make my top five. Decker......phhst.