7.3
FIETS
26.9 mi
DISTANCE
6,671 ft
GAINED
3.8 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Cycling Glendora Mountain Road: We believe GMR is the most scenic bicycle climb in southern California. This is the more scenic route to Mt. Baldy Resort and has much less traffic than the Mt. Baldy Road route to the top. Often, the gate is closed near the beginning of the climb and you encounter zero vehicular traffic on the ride. However, beware of descending cyclists because this is one of the most popular bike climbs in Southern California. Google Maps has a marker at the start of the climb named "Best Bike Road in the US." If you type into Google Maps search menu "Best Bike Road in the US," the map will zoom in on the start of this climb.
Do not be deceived by the low 3.8% average grade on this climb. There are nine descents along the 22 mile initial segment of this climb on Glendora Mountain and Glendora Ridge Roads that range from 0.35 to 0.75 miles and account for 1,240' of descent. The true grade of this climb with descent excluded is 6%. Tack on the 1,240' of climbing on the return part of the route and you are climbing nearly 8,000' on this 54 mile out-and-back. 20% (5.3 miles) are descent, 27% (7.2 miles) are at 0-5%, 47% (12.6 miles) at 5-10% and 6.5% (1.8 miles) are at 10-15%.
The steepest quarter mile on this climb is 13.3% as you approach the Mt. Baldy Resort sign. The steepest mile is in the lower hairpin section after you ride through Mt. Baldy Village and is 10.4%. more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.
Roadway: The road is in great shape and the descent along serpentine Glendora Ridge Road and Glendora Mountain Road is extremely fun.
Traffic: There is minimal traffic on GMR/GRR, but when the road is open, you may get speeding motorcycles drawn to the route because of its gradual curves which are as fun for motorcycles on the up and down as the descent is for cyclists. Often the road is closed to motor vehicles during the winter and sometimes during the non-winter months. You can check road closures (for motor vehicles - on a bike you just hop the gate) here: LA County Road Closures.
Parking: We always park at the start of the climb - Streetview.
Remember, you finish this climb at a ski resort over 5,000' higher than your starting point so plan accordingly - it can be very cold at the top at times other than the summer. Review PJAMM's Weather Tool for the summit forecast to fully prepare for your trip.
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.
We enjoy eating at the Mt. Baldy Lodge on our descent - it is very cycling friendly - Map; Street View.
You could stay in Ontario, near the start of the climb. Additionally, the Mt. Baldy ski area has many options for private vacation rentals and cabins for those who want a mountain vacation.
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
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
Huber.J
A breathtaking climb, with the option for making it even more challenging by going to the ski lift start up Mt. Baldy. Definitely rehydrate once you get into the village. The last stretch up to the ski lift was soul-crushing, and the views pale to those seen along the way on GMR / GR, but if you've made it this far and have never "finished" the climb, it's worth doing. GMR & GRR are stunning no matter the time of day.
lirizar1
Limited traffic with some nice views along the way. This is a long climb but it has a 4-5 downhill sections which give you a break as you climb. In the village you can refill your water bottles at Mt. Baldy Lodge Restaurant before the steeper section to the top of Mt. Baldy. They have a water refill station outside as well as a cooler with ice for all the cyclists. There is a also a bathroom at the visitor center across the street. The switchbacks up to the Mt. Baldy sign get steep but then the final stretch to the ski lifts at 7% feels easy! Enjoy the views!
