15.4
PDI
2.5 mi
DISTANCE
1,604 ft
GAINED
12.4 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Cycling Old Priest Grade - third steepest 1 mile bike climb segment in Northern California at 14.9% behind #1 Socrates Mine Road at 16.6% and Mix Canyon at 15.8%. This is a staple for us on our way to cycle in the Yosemite and Markleeville areas.
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. The average grade is 12.4% (13.1% if we eliminate a brief descent at the start). This climb is steep grade heavy: 1.3 miles (52%) is at 10-15%; 25% (.6 miles) at 15-20% and a sliver, 2.8% (.1 mile) at ≥20%. The steepest quarter mile is 16.1%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.
Roadway: Excellent condition in 2020 with a shoulder most of the climb.
Traffic: Mile to moderate.
Parking: Park in Moccasin and ride up to the top and then back to your car or, as we prefer, park in the Old Priest Station parking lot, ride to the start, do the climb and have a meal at the café at the finish (check with someone at the restaurant for approval to park, but they will not have a problem with that) - Map; Streetview.
Nothing to report, other than bring a bike with gearing you can get up this 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.
We do this climb on our way to climbs in Yosemite (PJAMM Climb Area Page: Yosemite National Park) and Markleeville (Markleeville - Death Ride). We also love this climb which is just a few miles from Old Priest Grade - Wards Ferry Road South
ROUTE MAP
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CURRENT WEATHER
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NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
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maigesheng
Ive driven up NEW Priest a bunch of times in the past, always wondering "Where does that other road go??"
Now, living up here and learning that it is the old road which is now bipassed by highway 120, ive incorporated it in some bigger loop rides. It is a monster. The grades are certainly extremely challenging but, what makes it so hard is the traffic. People often use this road instead of the bipass because it saves about 15 minutes driving.
There is mostly zero shoulder and some tight turns. Make yourself visible on the turns by riding out in the middle of the road until the cars see you and slow down.
I ride a lot but, im on a heavy bike so Im pretty slow. 45 minutes bottom to top. First time, it was pretty warm out and i stopped 3 times on the way up. Second time up, I was able to do it with only a quick stop to catch my breath.
Hard ride. Traffic makes it not worth it unless you're in the area. But man, its an accomplishment!!
