44.7
PDI
8.5 mi
DISTANCE
4,841 ft
GAINED
10.8 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ties Arts, Bussum, Netherlands
INTRO
Almdan Pass sits in the heart of Saudi Arabia's Asir Mountains - one of the most concentrated stretches of world-class climbing anywhere, with roughly a dozen PJAMM World Top 100 climbs within about 100 miles of here. It gains nearly 4,850 feet over 8.5 miles at a 10.8% average grade, currently rated the #66 hardest climb in the world.
The numbers undersell how it actually feels. Averaging double digits for the full 8.5 miles is already Top 50 territory on its own, and PJAMM's John Johnson had his Garmin touch 20%+ more than once; the steepest quarter-mile comes in at 17.5%, the steepest half-mile at 15.7%, and even the steepest full mile still averages a punishing 14.6%.
This is remote, exposed high-desert terrain. Our early-November ride started in the mid-90s°F at the base and only dropped to the low 80s by the top despite the elevation gained.
The Asir Mountains here are surprisingly green for Saudi Arabia and built from layered sedimentary rock - limestone, sandstone, shale - sitting atop far older granite, with striking banded rock faces visible the entire way up since there's no tree cover to block the view.
The Asir Mountains here are surprisingly green for Saudi Arabia and built from layered sedimentary rock - limestone, sandstone, shale - sitting atop far older granite, with striking banded rock faces visible the entire way up since there's no tree cover to block the view.
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. Almdan Pass averages 10.8% over 8.5 miles (4,841 ft of gain) - already enough on its own to place it among the world's harder climbs. Firsthand Garmin data from PJAMM's ride puts the steepest quarter-mile at 17.5%, the steepest half-mile at 15.7%, and even the steepest full mile at a sustained 14.6%, with brief readings above 20% on the steepest pitches.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the "Profile Tool" button.
Roadway: Paved, engineered mountain road with tight switchback curves - roadside signs warn "Dangerous Curves Ahead" at multiple points along the climb, consistent with the region's other Aqabat mountain passes.
Traffic: Light. This is a remote stretch of the Asir Mountains - expect mostly local traffic and, occasionally, goat herders working the roadway rather than commercial or tourist traffic.
Access: No closures or restrictions are documented as of August 2026, but this is a remote area of Saudi Arabia with little English-language road-condition reporting - check current conditions locally before making the trip.
Parking: No formal trailhead or lot - riders start near Thurayban in the Al Ardiyat area.
No services along the climb - this is a remote, high-desert mountain pass, so bring everything you need from Taif or the nearest town before heading out. Temperatures at the base commonly run into the mid-90s°F even as they ease somewhat with elevation, so carry more water than you think you'll need.
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.
Almdan Pass sits in one of the densest clusters of world-class cycling climbs anywhere - PJAMM counts roughly a dozen Top 100 World climbs within about 100 miles of here in the Asir Mountains.
If you're making the trip, it's worth planning several days to combine multiple climbs in the area. This is a remote part of Saudi Arabia without much tourism infrastructure, so arrange your own transport and supplies in advance, and confirm current road conditions locally before you go.
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