Atlas Peak Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

9.9
PDI
8.3 mi
DISTANCE
2,118 ft
GAINED
4.5 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

This is a rural and generally private climb through the southeastern section of Napa County into the Vaca Mountain Range which is home to Atlas Peak Appellation. This climb starts just past the golf course and quickly the grade increases as you ride through a residential area. Once you pass this the pavement becomes a little more bumpy and the climbs takes deep into the heart of Napa. This dead ends at a vineyard with a nice spot to stop and eat. The way down is fast and fun. 
Average grade is 4.5% (5.4% with descent eliminated).  44% of the climb is at grade 0-5%, 43% is at 5-10%, and 3.3% is at 10-15%.  The steepest quarter-mile is 10.3% and steepest mile 8%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Two lane roadway with a center stripe that becomes a narrow two lane road without a center stripe at mile 5.7 at a bridge near the entrance to a ranch on the left - Map; Street View.  The pavement is in good condition for the first two-thirds of the climb and fair condition for the remainder.

Traffic:  Minimal.

Parking: On the side of the road just before the start of the climb - Map; Street View
Provisions:  None on the ride, but try the Silverado Bakery a mile from the start of the climb - in the country club parking lot - Map.
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.
Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar to see other bike climbs in this area.
Check out hotels or rentals near Napa Valley. 

If you have travelled to Napa County to cycle, you are welcome to contact me at john@pjammcycling.com if you have any questions about the area - I grew up and live in neighboring Sonoma County, but do have a good working knowledge of Napa. 

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Moderate
3
Road
4
Traffic
4
Scenery

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Sonoma County
United States (CA)
19 ROUTES
39 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
269.3
mi
DISTANCE
41,801
ft
ELEV. GAIN

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

FROM
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Apr 7, 2021
difficulty: Moderate
scenery: 4
traffic: 4
road: 3
Apr 7, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 4
road: 3
Nice peaceful climb out of Napa with minimal cars and lots of nice views. The beginning starts out steeper than expected but quickly levels off in the middle to almost flat and almost a mile of downhill 3/4 of the way up. Almost at the end there is a short segment of 10%+. Excellent road surface for the first 4 miles or so (4/5) then it becomes average before turning to 1/2. Manageable to go up the poor road conditions but the first 2-3 miles descending are pretty brutal. Also the last 3+ miles the road narrows significantly so be careful for a car speeding around a turn. Cars were few and very respectful (stopping to let you pass where it was narrow) but be careful!
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Atlas Peak

Ride 8.3 miles gaining 2,130’ at 4.5% average grade.

This is a rural bike climb that winds its way through vineyards in the Vaca Mountains, located in the California Coast Range just northeast of the famed wine country town of Napa.  The Atlas Peak ride is through the unincorporated community of Atlas, which was founded as a resort area in the late 19th century but is now well known as a high quality American Viticultural Area, or AVA.  Atlas Peak AVA was established in 1992 and contains 11,000 acres of land (see Atlas Peak AVA for more information).

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Start.

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One and done, out-and-back.

Along this climb we have have a brief view of San Pablo Bay and Mt. Tamalpais, and at the upper stages we’ll  pass grazing cattle, wildflowers in the spring, field stone, a high-end pet cemetery (well, that’s Napa Valley for you 🐶😉), and, of course, vineyards!  

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Mt. Tam (middle right) and San Pablo Bay (middle left).

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A scenic pet cemetery.

Atlas Peak AVA.

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Several vineyards along the climb.  Harvest commonly takes place during October in this area.

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While only a mild to moderate rated climb, Atlas Peak is the most difficult road bike climb near Napa, making it a favorite for cyclists in the area.  The roadway surface was a bit rough in many sections along the route as of October 2019, but municipal funds have been designated to improve the road.

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Repaving in October, 2019.

The October 2017 Atlas Peak Fire destroyed many homes and wineries on the mountain, but two years later there was not much visible sign of the devastation other than some barren hillside and home construction within sight of the roadway.

The climb is an out-and-back that is very pleasant with some challenge along one of the longer bike climbing segments in the Napa Valley.

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Out-and-back.

That’s a wrap!!