19.7
PDI
10.8 mi
DISTANCE
3,476 ft
GAINED
6 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Larry and Carolyn Rose, Truckee, CA; Bruce Hamilton, Laquinta, CA; Luke Hise, Phoenix, AZ.
INTRO
Ahhhhhhh - the third most difficult bike climb in San Diego County! This one is worth the trek to get to and is an exceptional climb.
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 the climb is 6.1% (6.4% without descent included). 3.7 miles (35%) of the climb are at 0-5%, 5.4 miles (50%) are at 5-10%, 1.1 miles (10%) are at 10-15%, and 0.2 miles (1.6%) is at 15-20%. The steepest quarter-mile is 12% and steepest continuous mile 8.5%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Excellent condition with a shoulder for portions of this highway climb. While the climb is on a highway, we felt safe during our one trip up the mountain.
Traffic: Mild
Parking: Not a problem - we parked on Hoberg Road just across Palm Canyon Drive from the start - Map; Street View.
Provisions: There are no provisions along the climb so be prepared - particularly with water because this climb is out of the desert. There are several locations in Borrego Springs to get food and beverages.
Weather: It can be torturously hot in this area during the summer - The average high from June to August is from 103-108. Consult the PJAMM "Full Forecast" feature for the time you expect to start and finish your climb and plan (or cancel) accordingly.
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 a bit of an outlier and you may wish to stay in Borrego Springs when you do the climb. There are also options for vacation rentals in the area. Visit Anza-Borrego State Park while you are in the area - Visitor Center - Google Map + Reviews.
If you enjoy hiking and adventuring on foot, here are the best hikes in Borrego State Park - All Trails Borrego State Park Best Trails.
Refer to our Southern California climb area page for the best climbs in Southern California. Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar above to see other bike climbs in this area.
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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DanielRidesBikes
I did this climb in the middle of a 600k brevet. I started climbing about 1hr before sunrise at around 5:30am. I was really fatigued from riding 250 miles before so it probably seemed harder than it was, but still did not feel too strenuous. I timed it so the sun rose when I was halfway up the climb and the desert and canyon came alive around me. Absolutely stunning scenery. As it was early, I saw maybe 3-5 cars the entire climb and generally felt safe, but I wouldn't do this later in the day. In general, the climb is always windy and there can be some very strong gusts. It can also get pretty cold at the top so it is good to carry a layer for the descent. It was in the 50s at the bottom, but by the time I reached the summit, it was in the low 30s.
jsummers
I really like low desert climbs and this one qualifies as it begins near sea level. A solid category 1 hill, it carries a steady grade through a twisty route with nice views along the way. Its isolated but well worth it.
