Cycling Mt. Veeder North
Ride 4.1 miles gaining 925’ at 3.7% average grade.
Mt. Veeder is one of the secret jewels of wine country climbing, particularly Mt. Veeder North. Tucked away in the middle of the southern Mayacama Mountain Range, it has no distinct beginning from a major highway like its neighbors Oakville Grade to the east, and Trinity and Cavedale to the west. Mt. Veder can be accessed easily from the south (town of Napa via Redwood Road), from the east (Oakville Grade/Dry Creek), and from the north (Trinity/Dry Creek Roads).
Mt. Veder North is shaded throughout, climbing through tall and majestic redwoods for stretches, and with some exceptional views of Napa Valley. The first half of the climb is where the challenge is (10% average first half mile; 6% the following two miles). The last half of the ride to Lokoya Drive is only 1% average grade, but a pleasant ride.
Although the road is rough and narrow with no shoulder,
in our experience, drivers are respectful and drive slowly on Mt. Veeder Road.
Gorgeous redwoods along this climb, and . . .
. . . some vineyards, of course.
Finish.
Traffic and Roadway Surface Report: The roadway is narrow with no bike lane or marked shoulder, and is in mildly poor condition in spots (mainly on the north side). However, you will encounter very little traffic on this climb, which we rate as very safe and well worth the effort.
That’s a wrap!!