United StatesArizona Humboldt Mountain
Humboldt Mountain Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

12.1
PDI
3.9 mi
DISTANCE
1,681 ft
GAINED
8.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
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INTRO

This climb is in the Sonora Desert with brush and dry grass as your scenery. We climb towards an FAA radar dome situated at the climb’s finish. This is one of the most difficult bike climbs in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. This bike climb is entirely within the Tonto National Forest, the largest of six national forests in Arizona (and the fifth largest in the US), consisting of 2,873,200 acres and established in 1905.

"Included due to its isolation and use in USCF races, Humboldt Mountain is a stout Sonoran Desert climb on a narrow, poorly paved road.  The climb ends on top of a mesa with some views..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 127.)

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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This climb has an average grade of 8.1%.  38% (1.5 mile) of the climb is at 5-10% grade, and 43% (1.7 miles) is at 10-15%.  The steepest quarter-mile is 11.2% and mile 10.5%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  Single lane road in good condition - example of roadway at top of climb - Street View.  Be cautious on the turns on the descent because you can descend fast and the road is extremely narrow creating a hazard if you encounter the rare vehicle on a turn traveling up the road. 

Traffic: Almost none 

Parking:  Climb start - Map. The road to this climb is very rough and requires a gravel bike - we drive to the start of the climb when we come from Phoenix. You can park anywhere on the side of the road near the start of the climb. 
This climb is very unsupported. The nearest accommodations are in Carefree back in the Phoenix area. 
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
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ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Challenging
4
Road
5
Traffic
2
Scenery

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Dec 22, 2023
difficulty: Challenging
scenery: 2
traffic: 5
road: 4
Dec 22, 2023
scenery: 2
traffic: 5
road: 4
A fun climb if you’re in this part of town. The descent was super speedy! I rode the dirt road on 35mm and it was acceptable. Refilled at Ravens View bar on way back (8miles from base - the first civilization) and they were bike friendly with an outdoor bar. Road is great (not poorly paved at all) and the traffic is perfect (I met 2 cars)
Jul 15, 2024
Good to know last time I did it was 2022. Did they repair the road. It was not that bad when I went there are worse roads in LA that are not in the middle of no where
Jul 15, 2024
No idea when they redid it but the blacktop was smooth 6 months ago. Dirt road to get there is still a journey
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Humboldt Mountain - air traffic radar dome and Humboldt Mountain Lookout

Cycling Humboldt Mountain

Ride 4 miles gaining 1,680’ at 8.1% average grade.

Thank you to PJAMM contributor Samuel Lyons of Tempe, Arizona for his contributions to this climb page.

This climb is in the Sonora Desert with brush and dry grass as your scenery.  We climb towards an FAA radar dome situated at the climb’s finish.  This is one of the most difficult bike climbs in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. This bike climb is entirely within the Tonto National Forest, the largest of six national forests in Arizona (and the fifth largest in the US), consisting of 2,873,200 acres and established in 1905.

Though its less than 30 minutes from the Phoenix area and in Tonto National Forest, Humboldt Mountain is a very remote climb. Take precautions and be prepared to not see anyone else the entire day.

The last five miles of road getting to the start of the climb is mostly dirt and pretty bumpy -- all wheel drive is useful but not needed, and this portion is most likely only rideable on a gravel or mountain bike. The actual climb is completely paved.

Rough going at times. 

There’s little parking at the start of the climb, but there are several areas to pull straight off the road and park. Even on an October Saturday morning there isn’t much competition for these spots.  The grade is generally steep throughout, with one brief descent at mile two, and the steepest ½ mile at 11% from mile 1.2 to 1.7.

Park here to start.

This is a very narrow road with traffic going both directions — although we saw only one other car on the whole ride, the road is around eight feet wide the entire climb, leaving very little room for passing. Play it safe, especially on the descent, which can easily get fast.

Narrow two lane road.

View back towards Phoenix as we climb.

Road is generally in good shape, but beware the gravel while descending near the top.

No shortage of beautiful views of the Sonora Desert.

You will have wonderful 360 degree unobstructed views from the top of the climb, from which you can see surrounding mountain peaks (including Quien Sabe and Cedar Mountain) as well as the Verde River and Horseshoe Reservoir to the northeast. The Phoenix Valley is also visible to the southwest from the top -- Camelback Mountain and Papago Park Butte in the Phoenix Valley are circled in the photos below.

Camelback Mountain

Humboldt Mountain - FAA Air Traffic Dome and Humboldt Mountain Lookout

Top of climb

Air traffic radar dome (left) and Humboldt Mountain Lookout (right) - built in 1958.

Cycling Humboldt Mountain - Horseshoe Reservoir .

Horseshoe Reservoir as seen to the northeast at the top of the climb.