5.2
PDI
7 mi
DISTANCE
1,330 ft
GAINED
3.2 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
South Mountain may be the most popular bike climb in the Phoenix area and the focus of professional cyclists such as South Mountain's KOM, Brandon McNulty and Phil Gaimon. There are at least two USAC races up South Mountain each year: the South Mountain Bike Classic in March, and the South Mountain Time Trial in May.
The first half of the climb consists of a softly winding road along a steep edge.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The average grade of 3.4% jumps to 4.8% when descent is removed form the gradient equation. 18% (one mile) is descent, 44% (2.4 miles) is at 0-5%, and 37% (2.1 miles) is at 5-10% grade. The steepest quarter-mile is 8.9% and steepest mile 5.1%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: The surface is adequate. There are 1 or 2 holes in the road that mandate attention during the decent, but otherwise, the road is in good shape. Minimal shoulder most of the way.
Traffic: Minimal. Every last Sunday of the month is known as "Silent Sunday", and the entire climb is closed to automobiles.
Parking: There is a large, free parking lot right at the entrance of the park by the visitor center
Provisions: There is a vending machine, restrooms, and a water fountain at the ranger station (start of the climb) but no facilities otherwise
Weather: Highs average 104-106 degrees in the summer. It gets hot out here so be sure to consult the PJAMM "Full Forecast" feature to assess what clothing and provisions to bring for the climb.
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.
This is the top climb in the Phoenix area, less than 10 miles from downtown Phoenix where there are many places to stay.
If you are planning on staying in Phoenix for a longer period of time a house rental may be a better option for your cycling adventure.
ROUTE MAP
MEMBER RATING
CURRENT WEATHER
PJAMM TRIPS ADVENTURE STARTER BUNDLES
Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure.
NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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rick97
On the 1st/2nd/3rd/5th Sunday of each month-South Mountain is closed to vehicle traffic from 5 am to 10am. On the 4th Sunday of each month (Silent Sunday) - South Mountain is closed to vehicles for the entire day.
There is no bike lane going up or down Summit Rd. Bike riders should be comfortable with cars in close proximity to themselves as they go up/down the mountain during those times with no vehicle restrictions.
The Summit Rd climb can be challenging in some areas, but is doable for most cyclists due to the many descent sections that you will encounter as you head to the summit. Summit Rd lends itself well to experienced cyclists who want to do mulitple-repeats to the top since it is not a long climb.
No trees to offer any type of shade during the climb, be mindful of the temperature; in the summer months it can be brutally/dangerously hot after 10am.
High rates of speed can be achieved going down the mountain, use extreme caution due to the blind corners/no bail-out areas.
dreidtri
Great views at the top, but overall not that bad of a climb, lots of downhill interwoven into the steep pitches.
