Horseshoe Meadows Road Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

13.8
FIETS
19.2 mi
DISTANCE
6,582 ft
GAINED
6.2 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

Cycling Horseshoe Meadows: This is the second most difficult bike climb in California and the longest in the Owens Valley climbing mecca.  This is an epic bike climb that begins with an eight mile approach to the first of Horseshoe Meadows distinctive hairpins.  This climb has what, in our experience, is the most exceptional view of giant hairpins visible from a distance of any other bike climb in the US, or the world, that we have encountered - the four monstrous hairpins carved into the barren face of the steep eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range rising out of the Owens Valley are one of the Seven Wonders of the US Cycling World - breathtaking.  
Average grade is 6.2% (7.1% if descent is eliminated from the gradient equation).  25% (4.7 miles) is at 0-5% grade, 54% (10.4 miles) 5-10%, 11% (2.2 miles) 10-15% and 2.4% (.5 miles 15-20%. The steepest quarter mile is 14.6% and steepest mile 9.3%.

  See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.
Roadway:  The roadway was in good shape as of 2019, although beware of the expansion joints that run across the roadway every 10-20 yards.  For road conditions see Inyo County Road Open/Closed Status.

Traffic:  Minimal. 

Parking:  Generally, you can park anywhere you please in Owens Valley.  We normally park at the start of the Horseshoe Meadows climb - Map; Street View

Note: Check weather conditions with the Inyo National Forest Service for each climb you intend to do and the Inyo County road conditions website before traveling to Owens Valley to cycle anytime after September or before June. 
Bring a bike that has gearing that will not kill you on steep grades for nearly 20 miles. If doing this climb during the spring or fall, check the PJAMM weather for climb finish in advance of your climb. You will almost always need some form of cold weather gear to descend from 10,000' in the Sierras during Spring/Fall seasons.
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've stayed in Lone Pine four times.  Be sure to visit the Museum of Western Film History (Google Maps + Reviews) and the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center (permits for hiking Mt. Whitney are obtained here; Google Maps + Reviews) in or near Lone Pine.

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Extreme
3.2
Road
5
Traffic
4.5
Scenery

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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS

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Jan 2, 2024
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
Jan 2, 2024
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
Did this climb in fall of 2023. I would highly recommend it as the road is uniquely stunning, carved into a 4000 foot, treeless, 45% mountain side. There are almost no cars on the road as it is a dead end. From the reviews I was expecting the road to be in worse shape but we found it fine for climbing (rode on 23c tires). It's a steady grade with great views. The difficulty comes from the altitude and the length not the grade. I had called the ranger station at Whitney Portal pre ride, and they confirmed there was drinkable water at the campsite up top, which was nice given the length of the route. The decent is not great as many have noted, the cracks (every 25 yards) in the roads are an issue. If I do it again, I may swap out the tires for 28C to smooth out the decent. We stayed in Lone Pine and rode right from the motel which was nice.
Jan 1, 2024
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 4
Jan 1, 2024
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 4
Did this route in November of 23 along with Onion Valley. The first half is a bit mundane but I was there to climb not sightsee so no big deal. Once you get closer to the top it becomes really remarkable and exceeds 10,000’ by just a bit where I turned around. I believe I was only passed by 4-5(?) cars which was nice, I’d happily do this again.
Sep 7, 2023
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 2
Sep 7, 2023
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 2
Sept 6, 2023 A nice moderate grade start up to where the road turns into a very bad 1 lane trail through some cow pastures then widens back to 2 lanes and better pavement. A definite grind up the switchbacks to the top, .8 mile decent then up again to the parking area. No water on top or along the way. The last â…” of the road have lots of separation cracks so you'd best know how to bunny hop on the way down. The lower â…“ was rough but no cracks. Numerous places with sand and gravel across the road. The ascent was magical but the decent was a bit terrifying with the cracks, loose gravel, and very gusty winds. So easy to get going too fast - perfect brakes are a must have.
Jan 26, 2023
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 2
Jan 26, 2023
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 2
Did this in September 2019 after Whitney Portal next door in the same day. Be sure to start from the real bottom and catch Lubken Canyon road the first 3 miles, the scenery is crazy good (see the first photo). HM is a beast, made more so by the crappy road. It saps watts on the way up, and makes the descent difficult. Throw in the wind, the switchbacks, the joint cracks every 50', and the literal 3,000' dropoffs 10' off the pavement edge, and I found the descent terrifying. I actually stopped twice to cool my (rim) brakes. Still, this climb is epic in every way possible. Sure it's hot, but as an East-coaster, a dry 100 degrees is child's play and didn't phase me. Tough to support yourself as there are no services on the 45 mile out/back from Lone Pine, luckily my wife supported my long day (and took these sweet photos). I'm 5-8, 150 and pushed a 36x28 and it felt manageable. Detour though Alabama Hills on the way back down, AMAZING rock features.
Oct 13, 2022
Best ride in western North America, IMHO. Also IMHO, just stop at the first summit, as the rest is an anticlimax. When planning an Owens Valley weekend, leave a whole day for this one, not because you will need all day to climb it, but so you can stop and savor it.
Jun 9, 2022
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 4
Jun 9, 2022
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 4
This was a really hard climb for me. The altitude made the whole thing feel like a struggle, and it was pretty hot nearly the whole climb even though it tops out at 10k/3000m. Definitely was an amazing experience
Apr 19, 2022
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
Apr 19, 2022
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
Absolutely beautiful views on Horseshoe Meadows. If you go from Luttle Creek, the views are even better and there's less traffic. The first couple switchbacks seem to go on forever at a consistent 8%, but you quickly gain a ton of elevation and end up high above the valley. Take a bunch of pictures on the switchbacks as they are just amazing views going up. If you do this in mid-April or early May, the road is closed about 80% of the way. Watch out on the descent as there can be rocks in the road and a ton of bumps. If you're Peter Sagan, you can just bunny hop all of them, but if you're me, you might actually have to slow down a little bit.
Oct 13, 2021
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
Oct 13, 2021
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
If you start at the RV park, then this is a monster climb of more than six thousand feet. The first few miles are very scenic and pleasant and then it is a bit desolate crossing over to the bottom of the climb. Once you pass the ranch, things get serious and rather difficult. Note: this road is much less maintained than Whitney Portal, which is actually pretty pristine for a high altitude climb. If you can do it, ride it on bigger tires with lower pressure (I prefer just rolling big tires at 25 psi but not everyone has a separate bike for rough road, high Sierra climbs). Higher up, the view is spectacular and then you turn towards the peaks and enter the trees until the top.
Jun 3, 2021
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 4
Jun 3, 2021
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 4
Loved the climb!! The switchbacks are amazing both from Hwy 395 and when you are doing the climb. The grade is not as unrelenting as Onion Valley and despite its greater length and elevation it did not seem nearly as difficult. AND the views are absolutely outstanding. A must do ride if you bring your bike to the Owen Valley.
May 31, 2021
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 3
traffic: 5
road: 4
May 31, 2021
scenery: 3
traffic: 5
road: 4
This is a long climb... it doesn’t get as steep as the ride profile may suggest but that doesn’t stop it from feeling tough at times. Highly recommend if you are in the area. Besides the first few miles where the road gets very narrow with bad pavement, two steep pitches and several cattle guards it is pretty good. The descent is a bit brutal with all the cracks in the road but worth it. No view at the top so just go for the pain! Make sure you go through Alabama Hills or Whitney Portal on the way down for some really awesome rock formations.
Apr 20, 2021
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 3
Apr 20, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 3
Road/Traffic: Do this climb in April/May before it opens to cars. You will contend with some rock debris and snowpack mediated road damage, but nothing severe. Scenery: Iconic switchbacks leading to sweeping views of the Owens Valley. Conclude in a campground surrounded by pines.
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Hairpin #2 on Horseshoe Meadow Road, Lone Pine, Owens Valley, CA 

Horseshoe Meadows Road

Cycle 19.3 miles, gaining 6,582’ at 6.2% average grade.

View north of Hairpin 2, just before Hairpin 3.

California Top 10 Most Epic Climb.

“Horseshoe Meadows in California’s Owens Valley, is another very difficult eastern Sierra Nevada climb (look for the giant switchbacks on the flanks of the Sierras along Highway 395 just south of Lone Pine, CA).  It is one of the most difficult ascents in the state of California as well as the United States.  The climb beings over moderate grade (and a cattle guard) but in spectacular surroundings and soon enters a canyon.  Just over a mile into the climb you pop out into the open and at mile 1.7 you enter a unique one lane road section through a horse pasture with big mountain views ahead.  After just over a half mile the road widens a bit and rolls up the hill.  Soon more solid grade arrives to take you to Horseshoe Meadows Road.

At the junction turn left on Horseshoe Meadows Road to find very shallow grade.  You can catch your breath here and get your mind prepared as you contemplate the terrain ahead of you.  From this point the slope gradually increases as it runs up a ridge.  Soon you are ascending over solid grade.  Abruptly you encounter a short descent, climbing resumes for just over half a mile and then another short descent takes you by a small ranch. Once this descent is past your reach the crux stretch of climbing on the hill as you must negotiate the largest set of switchbacks the author has ever seen.  This stretch is also the steepest overall of the ascent but some of the best views on earth down into Owens Valley can help get you to the top.  Long straight sections of solid grade are capped by tight turns along with exposure in places.  

At the end of the last switchback the grade eases a bit and the road turns inland for a short distance.  Soon a few more switchbacks carry you higher up the mountain face and over continued solid grade before you turn inland one last time.  At mile 15.9 the road descends sharply for 0.8 miles and then resumes climbing along moderate4 grade and among increasing tree cover.  The road then flattens on top and at mile 18.8 turn right toward the stables and pack station (straight to reach a parking area in an alpine setting) over moderate grade and the hill crests (unmarked) at just over 10,000 feet shortly thereafter…” (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 140.)

Climb summary by PJAMM’s John Johnson.

With a Fiets Index score of 14.5, Horseshoe Meadows Road is ranked the second most difficult climb in California, #7 in the United States, and #91 in the world.  Located in the heart of the Owens Valley (PJAMM Owens Valley Climb Page), which at 4,000' and surrounded by 14,000' peaks makes it one of the deepest valleys in the U.S., The Owens Valley is a mecca for road bike climbing and boasts the greatest concentration of Top 100 U.S. and Top 75 California Climbs of any area in the country. Owens Valley is a graben (“down dropped”) block of land between two vertical faults, creating the unparalleled extended steep grades along its eastern border with the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Before heading out to cycle Horseshoe Meadows Road, be sure to rely on our list of Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip, and use our interactive checklist to ensure you don't forget anything.

LUBKEN CANYON

Unquestionably the greatest and most admired part of the Horseshoe Meadows climb is its dramatic hairpins carved into the mountain that can be seen from miles away.  However, the first three miles of the climb up Lubken Canyon Road are some of the most scenic you will find in the United States.

Nope, not a postcard! One mile up Lubken Canyon road from the start.

Lubken Canyon Road -- note the four giant hairpins in the background (six miles).

Cyclist riding bike at intersection of Lubken Canyon Road and Horseshoe Meadow Road Big Pine, Owens Valley

Cyclist riding bike at intersection of Lubken Canyon Road and Horseshoe Meadow Road Big Pine, Owens Valley

Turn left on Horseshoe Meadows Road, off Lubken Canyon Road at mile 3.2.

View up to the first hairpin after turning onto Horseshoe Meadows Road from Lubken.

We enter Inyo National Forest (1,903,381 acres, est. 1907) at mile 7.4.

View north of the Owens Valley from mile 7.4.

View approaching hairpin #2.

11 mile mark; Elevation 7,550’ -- Owens Valley is at 4,000’.

Though Horseshoe Meadows doesn’t have the grade that its neighbor, Onion Valley Road, #6 most difficult cycling climb in the US, 21 miles north has (8.2% average grade vs 6.5%), it is 4.5 miles longer with 800' higher elevation and 1,200' more climbing.  There are no provisions along this route and the temperatures during the summer will often exceed 100 degrees for the first half of the climb (see weather map, below).  One of the most unique features of this ride are the massive switchbacks, easily observable from Highway 395 four miles to the east.  The first switchback at mile 8.7 is 1.7 miles, gains 651' with a 7.1% average grade (switchback #2 1.2m / 467' / 8.3%.)

Behold . . . 😉

This is a view north of the southern section of the Owens Valley.

The four giant hairpins that can be seen from miles away on both Highways 395 and 136 (the road to Death Valley) are the most dramatic that are visible from any roadway in the United States -- the sign of Zoro is carved into Horseshoe Meadows Road!  The hairpin segment is 5.2 miles beginning at mile 8.6 and carries a 7.7% average grade.

Legend has it . . . nah . . .

IMG_1201.JPG

There are actually six hairpins, but only four are visible from ground level at a distance.

This is a drone aerial photo from 1,600’.

IMG_1201.JPG

As seen from Highway 395 just south of Lone Pine, near Lubken Canyon Road.

IMG_1201.JPG

As seen from Highway 136 coming from Death Valley.

 

As seen from the lower portion of Horseshoe Meadows Road.

Hairpin #1, mile 8.7, elevation 6,530’.

Hairpin #2, mile 10.3, elevation 7,220’.

Hairpin #3, mile 12, elevation 7,800’.

Hairpin #4, mile 13, elevation 8,275’.

Hairpin #5, mile 13.6, elevation 8,580’.

THE LAST 5 MILES AFTER THE HAIRPINS

Start of the Descent on Horseshoe Meadows Road

Start of the Descent on Horseshoe Meadows Road

Just before the 0.9 mile -5.2% (255’) descent at mile 16.

Start of the Descent on Horseshoe Meadows Road

When to Climb Horseshoe Meadows Road by Bike:   The average high temperatures for the summer time are 92°F in June, 98°F in July, and 96°F in August.  We suggest May or September, as the months just before or after could put you into a snowstorm as you climb towards the top of this dead end ride that tops out just above 10,000’.

Start of the Descent on Horseshoe Meadows Road 

It can be mighty cold up there . . .

PJAMM’s Bruce Hamilton braves the elements May 28, 2019.

Photo location:  2/10’s mile east of intersection of Whitney Portal & Horseshoe Meadows Roads

Line of sight:  10 miles to Whitney Summit and 8.5 miles to Horseshoe hairpins

How to Climb Horseshoe Meadows Road by Bike: Pick the right time and train well, as this is the second hardest climb in California at 19.3 miles, 6,582’ gained at 6.2% average grade (¼ mile at 14.7% and ½ mile at 11.6%).  This climb begins just south of Lone Pine, California on Lubken Canyon Road at 36.54224, -118.05151 latitude/longitude.  We commonly stay in Bishop (57 miles north of Lone Pine, and the start of the Horseshoe Meadows and Whitney Portal climbs) at the Creekside Inn, next to Erick Schat’s Bakery,  but have also stayed three times in Lone Pine at the Best Western Plus Frontier Motel which is a decent place to stay.

 

Stacy Topping checks off yet another US Top 100 Climb!

In 2013 and 2015 we included Horseshoe Meadows in our Four of the Top Five Climbs in California in a Day trip and at 22,000’ of climbing with an average grade around 7% in 100 degree temperatures, this is quite the adventure.

Cyclists at top of Horseshoe Meadows Road after riding Horseshoe, Onion Valley Road, White Mountain and Whitney Portal Roads in a day.  

 Horseshoe #1 of four in 2013.

Cyclists at top of Horseshoe Meadows Road after riding Horseshoe, Onion Valley Road, White Mountain and Whitney Portal Roads in a day.

Horseshoe #4 of four in 2015 (stupidly done two days before Death Ride).                               

Roadway Surface and Traffic Report:  The roadway surface in October 2019 was good.  Traffic has been very light the six times we have made this climb between 2011 and 2019.

Landslide and rocks on Horseshoe Meadows road during bike climb. 

We hopped the gate and bootlegged it our first time in May, 2011.

Ran into snow at the top, though.

 Bear sign with bike on Horseshoe Meadows Road.

Sign near the finish.

That’s a wrap!  

No . . . Wait, there’s more!

ALTERNATE ROUTE

FROM WHITNEY PORTAL/HORSESHOE MEADOWS INTERSECTION

Horseshoe Meadows giant switchbacks from intersection of Horseshoe Meadows Road and Whitney Portal Road near Hwy 395, Big Pine

Switchbacks of Horseshoe Meadows (photo right center) from Whitney Portal Road.

The alternative route begins at the intersection of Horseshoe Meadows and Whitney Portal Roads.  On this route we ride 19.5 miles, gain 5,821’ at 6% average grade at a Fiets index of 10.98 (versus PJAMM’s charted route: ride 19.2 miles, gaining 6,582’ at 6.2% average grade). Here’s the link to the map for the alternate route.

Horseshoe Meadows giant switchbacks from intersection of Horseshoe Meadows Road and Whitney Portal Road near Hwy 395, Big Pine

Bear sign with bike on Horseshoe Meadows Road.

Travel through cool canyon and rock formation at the outset of this route.

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