Old La Honda Road Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

8.4
PDI
3.3 mi
DISTANCE
1,297 ft
GAINED
7.5 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Mike Persellin, Minneapolis, MN, USA

INTRO

This is a very peaceful climb which is referred to by locals as the premiere climb of the Peninsula, and rightly so. The climb is challenging, but with a very consistent grade. I kept a close eye on my Garmin the entire climb and only a couple times did it briefly register 10% (a few seconds at 11% once).
This climb averages 7.5% - climb 3.3 miles gaining 1,300' with 0 descent.  The grade for the entire climb is remarkably consistent - 99% of the climb is at grade 5-10%.  The steepest quarter-mile is 8.8% and steepest mile 8.1%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  Narrow two lane with no center stripe in good condition. 

Traffic:  Mild.

Parking:  If you are starting here or only doing this climb - there is a wide spot on Portola Road 3/10ths of a mile  northeast of the climb start to park - MapStreet View
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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 climb is commonly part of a loop or out and back.  Seriously consider linking this climb with Tunitas Creek which we rank #7 on the Bay Area Most Scenic Bike Climbs

You may want to stay in the peninsula area of the greater bay area, including somewhere like Redwood City.  There are also many house rental options available in the area.

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San Francisco Bay Area
United States (CA)
25 ROUTES
30 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
487.9
mi
DISTANCE
65,482
ft
ELEV. GAIN

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Old La Honda Road, California - tree-lined two-lane roadway with a 25 MPH Speed Limit sign

Cycling Old La Honda Road, California from the west side.

Ride 3.3 miles gaining 1,307’ at 7.5% average grade.

Climb summary by PJAMM’s John Johnson.

This is a very peaceful climb which is referred to by locals as the premiere climb of the Peninsula, and rightly so.  The climb is challenging, but with a very consistent grade.  I kept a close eye on my Garmin the entire climb and only a couple times did it briefly register 10% (a few seconds at 11% once).  The steepest quarter mile is 8.8% and comes in the middle of the climb.

Cycling Old La Honda Road, California - photo collage, road signs for Skyline Boulevard and Old La Honda Road, and for Old La Honda Road and Portola Road, building with sign reading "Skywood Trading Post," PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

A beautiful ride at the northern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Cycling Old La Honda Road, California - bike parked at intersection of Portola Road and Old La Honda Road, speed limit sign for 25 MPH

The climb begins at the intersection of Portola Road and Old La Honda Road.

Cycling Old La Honda Road, California - road lined and covered by very tall coastal redwood trees, bike parked at base of one redwood tree on roadside

We are surrounded (and covered) much of the climb by redwood trees.

Cycling Old La Honda Road, California - bike parked at base of ivy-covered tree bases

Cycling Old La Honda Road, California - bike parked against roadsigns at intersection of Skyline Boulevard and Old La Honda Road

Finish at Skyline Blvd

This is also the finish for Old La Honda Road West.

Cycling Old La Honda Road, California - cars and bikes parked in front of building with sign reading "Skywood Trading Post"

1.6 miles down Skyline Boulevard (north) at the intersection of Skyline Boulevard and La Honda Road (Highway 84) you have the option of Skywood Deli or the extreme favorite and highly ranked, but reasonably priced Alice’s Restaurant.