![Cycling Black Road Cyclist riding up "S" curve on forest covered road]()
Cycling Black Road
Ride 4.6 miles gaining 1,830’ at 7.4% average grade.
![Cycling Black Road Intersection of Black and Montevina Roads, Climb start]()
Start at the intersection of Black and Montevina Roads near Lexington Reservoir.
Black Road is one of four great climbs in the Lexington Reservoir area. Not much for distant views, this is a challenging climb that begins at the intersection of Black and Montevina Roads and climbs on up to Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). We are surrounded and covered by a canopy of tree branches throughout the climb which is a popular route for local cyclists. Towards the top (at the steepest segment of the climb) we run through a series of ten sharp switchbacks which are quite fun on the descent.
![Cycling Black Road Views along the first half of the climb, including forested roads, bike parked next to stone wall reading Black Ridge]()
Photos along the first half of the climb.
Photos along the redwood lined second half of the climb.
![Cycling Black Road Climb ends on Skyline Boulevard with access to Gist Road and Bear Creek Road]()
Climb finishes on Skyline Boulevard where you can access Gist and Bear Creek Roads to the south.
A spectacular climbing day: Black - Gist - Thompson - Montevina - Soda Springs Roads (Map) - essentially no traffic and peaceful riding/climbing for 41 miles, gaining nearly 8,000'.
Roadway Surface and Traffic Report: This two-lane road is in good shape with mild traffic the entire climb. This is a safe climb.
![Cycling Black Road Aerial drone view of two cyclists on U shaped curve in redwood lined roadway]()
This is a beautiful ride in the redwoods.
Hairpin at mile two just before one mile flat section.
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![Cycling Black Road three deer in orchards]()
We saw a herd of deer and a coyote (in different locations) on one of our rides here.