Canada Apex from Penticton
Apex from Penticton Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

23.9
PDI
17.8 mi
DISTANCE
4,733 ft
GAINED
4.8 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
MORE

INTRO

Wow! This is a sleeper climb. We did not expect to encounter such an exceptional ride when we originally researched and charted this one. This is a must-do for any cyclists in the Penticton area or traveling anywhere near it. While this climb begins in a weathered neighborhood, it immediately enters thickly wooded forest and follows a creek (not shown on the map, but it’s there!). Follow Green Mountain Road 18.5 kilometers then turn right for the final push up to Apex Mountain Resort.
Average grade is 4.8% (5.7% with descent eliminated from the equation).  The crux of the climb is 9 kilometers at 14% beginning at kilometer 18.8.  30% (8.5 km) is at 5-10%, 12.2% (3.5 km) is at 10-15%, and 1% (0.3 km) is at 15-20%.  The steepest 500 meters is 12.8% and steepest two kilometers 10.6%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  Two lanes with center stripe.  The pavement was in excellent condition in 2016.

Traffic:  Minimal.

Parking:  There is a parking area 0.4 miles before the climb start on the left - Map;  Street View.
Provisions:  There is no place to get food or water along the climb. It is possible that there could be something at the Apex Mountain Resort.  Call the Gunbarrel Saloon just past the finish in advance if you would like a meal at the resort (250-292-8515).
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.
A great out and back would be this climb + Apex from Hedley.  Note that Apex from Hedley is all gravel so you would need to bring a gravel bike for this ride - 111 kilometers and 3,262 meters (Map).

There are several great resorts and hotels to choose from in Penticton to stay.  Some travelers choose to rent a home or villa near the lake.   

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Not Yet Rated
-
Road
-
Traffic
-
Scenery

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.
ALL TRIPS
Browse all of our prepackaged trips and find your next adventure!

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

FROM
No Climbs Found

MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS

Let us know what you thought of this climb. Signup for our FREE membership to write a review or post a comment.
Already have an account?
LOG IN HERE
ROUTE MAP
PROFILE TOOL
Route Data
S.G. (%)
hide
Segment Data
hide
CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Apex from Penticton - road and Apex mountain

Cycling Penticton to Apex Mountain

Ride 28.6 kilometers gaining 1,440 meters at 4.8% average grade.

Gorgeous views and unique scenes along the climb.

Wow!  This is a sleeper climb.  We did not expect to encounter such an exceptional ride when we originally researched and charted this one.  This is a must-do for any cyclists in the Penticton area or traveling anywhere near it.  While this climb begins in a weathered neighborhood, it immediately enters thickly wooded forest and follows a creek (not shown on the map, but it’s there!).  Follow Green Mountain Road 18.5 kilometers then turn right for the final push up to Apex Mountain Resort.

Summer flowers

Climbing by bike Apex from Penticton - road bordered by trees 

Excellent roadway and minimal traffic.

We pass the entrance to the Penticton Indian Band administration offices road on the right at the beginning of the climb and pass through tribal lands for some time thereafter - we are advised by signs posted on trees for the first few kilometers of the climb that we are on a private road and to obey all traffic signs.  While the signs advise the road is private, it seems completely open to the public and in fact services Apex Mountain Resort 18 kilometers up the mountain.

Cycling Apex from Penticton - Penticton Indian Band sign on tree and road

KM markers for the last 10k

For several kilometers before we turn onto Apex Mountain Road, we traveled through meadows that were in full bloom with yellow mustard flowers that made for a gorgeous and colorful setting (see slideshow).  We also encounter several ranches with grazing horses and did indeed spy a bear along our route (see photo, below).  

For a couple kilometers beginning at kilometer 8 we see, and ultimately pass, a large spire rock formation that is one of the many points of interest along the Apex Mountain climb.

Cycling Apex from Penticton - road and mountain

Rock formation in view at many points along the climb.

We ride past pastures and a few ranches on the ride.

Up to the turn onto Apex Mountain Road at kilometer 18.5 we have gained only 700 km/2,100’ at 3.1%  average grade.

cycling Apex from Penticton - road, barn and cycling sign

Kilometer 18.5.

The climb begins in earnest at kilometer 18.5 and continues 10.5 km/6.5 miles to its summit at 8.4% average grade, gaining 885 m/2,904'.  The Apex Mountain Road segment of this climb is extremely challenging and that, coupled with the spectacular views and scenery along the way, make for an exceptional climbing experience.

Bicycling Apex from Penticton - bike leaning against gate, road

Last 10 kilometers are STEEP!

Our scenery along the route is predominately thick forest bordering the roadway with the occasional serene meadow scenes along Green Valley Road.

Biking Apex from Penticton - road bordered by trees.

Road is bordered by forest much of the climb.

Keep in mind that we are climbing approximately 1,500 meters and the weather can change abruptly at higher altitude – we encountered some minor sprinkles at the end of the climb, but fortunately nothing more.

Roadway Surface and Traffic:  The roadway as of July 2016 was in excellent condition and is two lanes with a center line throughout.  While there is no shoulder, there is very little traffic on the route – this is a safe climb.

The Apex Mountain climb out of Penticton is at the southern end of massive Okanagan Lake which stretches 60 miles in length from Vernon to Penticton and is home to six of Canada’s top bike climbs: Silver Lake (Vernon),  Postill Lake Road (Kelowna), Crystal Mountain (Kelowna), Hwy 97C (Peachland), Carmi Avenue, and Apex Mountain (Penticton).