Tuna Canyon (PCH) Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

0
PDI
6.4 mi
DISTANCE
2,418 ft
GAINED
7.2 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

After Deer Creek Road, this is the steepest climb in the Santa Monica Mountains, actually including a steeper 1 mile segment than Deer Creek. After a brutal first 2 miles, the grade eases up. Las Flores Canyon Road barely beats this climb for the hardest in the region.

The first half of this climb is against traffic going up a one-way downhill road.  While there have been thousands of Strava attempts and we encountered no issues during our ride, this is absolutely a "do at your own risk" segment.  If you do this climb, be alert, hug the right side of the road, and be very cautious for cars coming around blind curves.  

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.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via our interactive Profile Tool.
Roadway & Traffic:
Pavement surface is great. There are a few blind turns to watch out for cars, so hug the yellow line on the right side and listen for cars. 

Parking:
There is free parking all along the Pacific Coast Highway.  If you're traffic averse, park as close to you can to the start of the climb you're doing. Despite the PCH being one of the most popular cycling roads in the United States, it's known to be a dangerous place for cyclists. 

Alternatively, there is parking up in the mountains at Tuna Canyon Park, or on Saddle Peak
A house on Stunt Road kindly provides a water fountain for cyclists on this driveway, about a mile past the top of 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.

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Strenuous
2.5
Road
4
Traffic
3.5
Scenery

CURRENT WEATHER

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ELEV. GAIN
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NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS

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Mar 16, 2023
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 3
traffic: 5
road: 1
Mar 16, 2023
scenery: 3
traffic: 5
road: 1
Road is closed, because storms have caused serious damage. I walked around trees and navigated gates, but did it. Although, you will find two shorter segments in Strava, which map to the actual Tuna Canyon climb, because it dips down briefly before last little climb. 3/4 of climb is 1-way coming down the hill, but again there are no cars!
Jun 3, 2021
difficulty: Challenging
scenery: 4
traffic: 3
road: 4
Jun 3, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 3
road: 4
A great climb, steep without being brutal. There is some traffic, but doesn't feel unsafe.
ROUTE MAP
PROFILE TOOL
Route Data
S.G. (%)
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CLIMB SUMMARY