20.4
PDI
12 mi
DISTANCE
3,591 ft
GAINED
5.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Bruce Hamilton, La Quinta, CA, USA; John Summerson, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) 2d. Ed.
INTRO
This is Arizona's third most difficult bike climb, and is a long climb to Kitt Peak Observatory along a remote and quiet roadway. Note - the gate is closed and the road not open before 9 a.m. Hours the road is open as of August, 2024 are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Kitt Peak is a very isolated and scenic climb located deep in the Sonoran desert west of Tucson. It is over a twisty and mostly steady grade route with no steep pitches. The road eventually comes around the opposite side of the mountain towards the top with good views of the surrounding desert." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 127.)
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. Average grade is 5.7%. 34% of the climb is at 0-5% grade and 60% is at 5-10%. The steepest quarter mile is 8.7%, and steepest mile 7.4%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Excellent. During COVID, the road was closed so check the official Kitt Peak Website to ensure the road is open and the ours it is open.
Traffic Minimal.
Parking: There is plenty of parking at the start of the climb. Map; Street View.
Gear and Weather: It can get very cold and windy on Kitt Peak in the spring, fall, and winter - be sure to consult the PJAMM "Full Forecast" feature for the time you expect to arrive at the finish to assess what clothing to bring on your ride.
Provisions: There are snacks and beverages and a picnic area at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center at 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.
Kitt Peak has always been part of our Big Three Arizona Trip (plus spring training 😊). We stay at the Jeremiah Inn (Google Map + Reviews) in Tucson for our Mt. Lemmon-Mt. Graham-Kitt Peak trips - this location is near the start of the Mt. Lemmon climb and 56 miles east of the Kitt Peak start (map). There are also lots of options for vacation rentals in Tucson.
At the finish of the climb, consider spending some time at the Kitt Peak National Observatory Visitor Center (Google Map + Reviews).
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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KaktusJaque
My first ride up Kitt Peak was truly memorable, and I enjoyed every moment. The climb offers some of the most breathtaking views in Arizona I think, making it a ride to remember. I started and finished at Ryan Airfield, about 25 miles from Highway 386, which leads to the entrance of Kitt Peak. If you’re looking to focus on just the ascent, there’s a dirt parking lot right after you turn onto Highway 386 where you can easily stage from. The road was quiet with minimal traffic on the weekday that I rode. Construction in progress didn’t affect my ride. If you arrive at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center at the top before it closes, there’s a water bottle fill station inside near the restrooms. Just a note—the gate near Highway 86 closes at 4 pm.
huntken
The road is now open, as others have commented on successful rides since the fire, HOWEVER, something I didn't know until I went there at 6am the other morning...the road does not open until 9am and closes at 4pm. Hope this helps some people.
JohnJohnson
Thank you for the heads up - I noted the road hours in the into above so that information is more visible to all. Is the road newly paved and in excellent conditions?
huntken
Just went back this morning to get a ride up in, and It's not recently paved but in good condition still.
Victorlewis
Completed on 2/23/2024. Nice day not too windy at the top. My second time doing this climb. Last time I did it was several years ago, it took me a lot longer this time as I turn 75 in 3 months and I needed about 3 hours of riding to get to top. Nice to know I can still make it up even if a bit slow. Grade is pretty steady mostly between 6-8% with no real relief along the way. Views throughout are very impressive. Well worth the effort.
carlinguernsey
This is a good steady climb to mix in with some of the other climbs in the Tucson area. There is no shade so it can get very warm in some months. You have great views out over the desert for the entire climb. You can park at the bottom or the top, but the gate at the bottom of the road is closed at certain times. There are facilities only at the top (when open). Since it is so isolated, it's difficult to ride to the bottom from somewhere else.
aleangel
No traffic, very steady grade, always between 5-7%
jsummers
A very interesting place, Kitt Peak is also a solid cat 1 climb. One of the first big hills I did, it is along steady grade and with outstanding desert views. Catch this one on a warm Feb or March day and you are in heaven. A fun descent as well.
