Fremont Peak Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

13
PDI
8.8 mi
DISTANCE
2,509 ft
GAINED
5.4 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Michael Persellin, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dan Razum, Campbell, CA, USA

INTRO

The approach is on San Juan Canyon Road just south of the California Mission San Juan Bautista. The climb starts at the state park entrance and ends 8.8 miles later at the observatory parking lot. The first part of the climb is in a shaded canyon past small ranches and is the easiest section. At just past five miles, the road pitches up sharply into the open and averages over 8% to the finish, with a couple of 13% ramps.
Average grade is 5.4% with 0 descent.  48% of the climb is at 0-5% and 47% is at 5-10%. The steepest quarter-mile is 10.5%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  Two lane road with a center stripe, no shoulder, and in moderately poor condition. 

Traffic:  Minimal.

ParkingMap:  There is parking on the side of the road at a utility turn out a tenth-mile after the climb start (MapStreet View). 
Provisions:  This is a remote climb with no spots for food or water along the way.  The Windmill Market is just six-tenths of a mile north of the climb start (Map; Google Map + Reviews).
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.
Visit circa 1797 Mission San Juan Bautista during your visit (Google Maps + Reviews).  

San Juan Bautista is also a charming place to spend some time:  "San Juan Bautista is a unique village, alive with early California history and home to one of the most authentic, picturesque and pristine missions along the California mission trail. A deep commitment to preservation has endowed the city with historic authenticity, including a nationally registered historic district, a main street lined with buildings straight out of the old west and original adobes dating back two centuries. By embracing multicultural performing arts and artists, festivals and street fairs the community celebrates entertainment year round" (San Juan Bautista).

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CLIMB SUMMARY

 

Cycling Fremont Peak

Ride 8.8 miles to 2,885’ gaining 2,524’ at 5.4% average grade.

Climb start - “Fremont Peak State Park 11 Mile” sign to the right.

Summary by Mike Persellin:

The approach is on San Juan Canyon Rd. just south of San Juan Bautista. The climb starts at the state park entrance and ends 8.8 miles later at the observatory parking lot. The first part of the climb is in a shaded canyon past small ranches and is the easiest section. At just past 5 miles, the road pitches up sharply into the open and averages over 8% to the finish, with a couple of 13% ramps.

Along the way are gorgeous views of Monterey Bay and the Salinas and San Benito Valleys. The Santa Cruz, Diablo, and Gavilan ranges can also be easily seen. This is one of the few accessible climbs in the coastal area between Santa Cruz and Southern California.

Photos and captions by Dan Razum, Campbell, CA.

Lower slopes of the climb have several sections with good shade.

Midway up the climb, views start to open up.

The middle part of the climb is more exposed, less shade.

View of trails in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area.

Top of climb is marked by double pine tree.  Still a mile or so of rolling terrain to the State Park.

Shade returns on the 1.6 miles ride into the State Park from our climb finish.

Continue 1.6 past the high point of the climb to the Entrance to Fremont State Park

No charge for entrance as of July, 2019.

 

Drinking water available at the parking lot.