Focused1

As I was climbing Latigo Cyn today, it occurred to me that there is a chance of it being similar to GMR. I did fine on Latigo (no speed records for sure, but steady) and wondered if I'd have the same experience on GMR. We went to the intersection of Kanan, then did the descent on Kanan...windy!
Can these two climbs be compared, or are they totally different?

Lesper4

At first glance on strava Latigo is a little longer then GMR just over a mile and about a 1% flatter. I have never ridden Latigo so I am not sure what it would be like on the bike. I you considering the ascent or descent?

jsigone

its been a while since I've go to Latigo. I say those Latigo hairpins are more sweeping and more consistent grade oppose to GMR where the lower half is steeper in sharper bends. Kinda stair steps up the mt as the grade levels off around 5-7% between turns. Once you put the Hill side to your right, GMR is bit more mellow and consistent grade.

volosong

Strava segments

"Latigo cyn"
7.0 miles at 5.4% for 1,986 elevation difference, highest elevation at 2,055 feet.
(Ridden 8114 times by 2232 people) Climb Category 2

"GMR Base to Shed"
8.1 miles at 5.0% for 2,145 elevation difference, highest elevation at 3,421 feet
(Ridden 11,750 times by 3,083 people) Climb Category 1

So, even though GMR is not quite as steep, I'd call it a more difficult climb because of the extra mile and that is is a "hotter" climb, (inland temperatures vs. coastal temperatures). GMR is also at a little higher elevation, but really not high enough to affect someone's performance. Sure is a lot more popular. Is there much motorized vehicular traffic on Latigo? GMR is pretty lonely most of the time. It really doesn't go anywhere.

big john

Latigo is a great climb but it is not cool in the summer. As soon as you are away from PCH it gets as hot as hell.
The traffic isn't bad, especially compared to Topanga or Malibu canyon. To me, it's a bit harder than the lower part of GMR and there's that false summit, too.

peckma

Latigo gets my vote for the harder climb. Big John is right - after the first bit on Latigo there is no longer any cool ocean breeze. It seems to me that the 2nd half of Latigo after the middle flat portion is harder than GMR. GMR to me seems more of a consistent climb. Just be careful of the motorheads on Latigo - it doesn't get the traffic that Mulholland et al does, but it draws its share of motorized enthusiasts testing out their rides. Climbing either one, however, is an achievement.

Focused1

Ok, you convinced me...I'm pretty sure I can handle GMR. My Strava showed my Latigo climb as being 9.1 miles long (probably the fact that I went to Kanan) and about 2000' vert. Guess I'll cross that one off next!

m2tiguy

I ride both and for me. latigo is harder simply because I usually ride up from the south bay and have 30 miles in before starting the climb.( I have not been up it this year and my training and climbing have improved) that being said, I don't consider the base to the shed "all of the climb" - just the warm up for either GRR or my new favorite, down east fork to camp Williams and back up and over

nesdog

The climb from PCH to the first summit is 7 miles. You get the extra with that downhill and re-climb back to Kanan, just an added bonus after suffering for an hour.

Biker395 

Yup. And I think the lower part of Latigo is steeper and has a crappier road surface than any part of GMR. After that lower part, Latigo is an easier climb, IMHO.

Both are wonderful climbs and descents, though. I would definitely recommend descending Latigo over Kanan.

JTGraphics

Can you PM me your route from South Bay area, I live close to you and would like to ride out that way sometime.

Rick@OCRR

Both are great climbs and neither one is that difficult. Ride them both lots and decide for yourself . . . for me, I really like them both. John and Vic, above, have lots of experience on both climbs and I agree with their comments.

Oh, and for sure the Shed is not the end of the GMR climb. From Glendora its only about 22 miles to Mt. Baldy Village and once you get there you have choices for food and drinks plus (if you like) the Ski Lift challenge. So yes, all good climbs, all good fun!

Rick / OCRR

m2tiguy

https://connect.garmin.com/activity/263876784 - this is my basic pier to pier rt. - just keep going north to latigo

sleepy

Don't have data on hand to post, but isn't Las Flores a tougher climb? I remember it being marked as a Category 1 climb on mapmyride with 6-7 grade. I remember it having some crazy pitches. Not as long, though.
Recommended!

Biker395 

Las Flores is most definitely steeper than Latigo. About twice as steep, as a matter of fact, and much more than 6-7 percent for most of it.

big john

Las Flores has some 20% or a little steeper. Don't know why you'd want to go up that way more than once. Better to go up Fernwood.

sleepy

Love that climb up Las Flores. So painfully good.
Is Fernwood off Old Topanga? Went that way, there's a side road that's super steep, and dumps you back down onto Fernwood. Like a mini Echo Park for a second.
I avoid PCH as much as possible. I come in from Ventura.
I'd like to go up Old Topanga into Fernwood, down La Tuna, up Las Flores, down Stunt and back up Piuma.
That would be super duper hard fun.

big john

Fernwood starts just below the intersection of Old Topanga and Topanga, right at the fire station and a little store, and climbs all the way to the top of Stunt, with a little descending along the way.
Oh, it's Tuna, the road called La Tuna is in the east valley from Glenoaks up to La Crescenta.

sleepy

Yeah, Tuna road. Crazy descent.

Las Flores is a nice, challenging climb. Great road, if you're into that sort of thing.