Potosi Mountain Gravel Climb, Nevada - World's Steepest Roads

United States Nevada Potosi Mountain

Potosi Mountain Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

48.6

PDI

4.3 mi

DISTANCE

3,513 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

15.9 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Achille Beuret, Orleans, France

INTRO

The cover photo describes it all! We have some choice words for this climb. Like, "why would you make a road like this?" And, "haven't you ever heard of a switchback?"

We've been all around the world looking for the steepest climbs, paved or gravel, and we've definitely found one here. This is the 47th steepest average gradient in the entire world regardless of length. Only including climbs 5km or longer, it's the 4th steepest road in the world. Attempt if you dare.

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.

There's no easing into this one - the first 100 yards already average 28%, and the opening quarter mile holds at 27%. The grade stays brutally steep through the entire first half: still averaging 25% through the first half-mile, 21% through the first mile, and just under 20% through 2.5 miles. It only eases meaningfully in the closing stretch, pulling the overall average down to 15.87% over the full 4.26 miles - but even at 15.87%, this is the 47th-steepest average gradient of any climb in the world regardless of length, and the 4th-steepest among climbs 5 km or longer, per PJAMM's database. Total elevation gain is 3,513' to a summit of 8,171'.

Roadway: Surprisingly, much of this is paved - most likely because parts are so steep that even a 4WD vehicle couldn't get up the loose rock otherwise. Where it's unpaved, expect loose rock and dirt; we rode knobby gravel tires at low PSI to maximize grip, though an all-road setup would probably work fine too. Would I drive my grandma's Camry up it? No, but I'd drive her CRV up it. See the Images tab in our Profile Tool for a detailed look at the road surface. There's no shoulder or bike lane anywhere on this climb.

Traffic: Very light - this is a dead-end road to a mountain summit, not a through route, so there's essentially no through traffic. Occasional 4x4/OHV traffic and hikers headed for the Potosi Mountain trailhead.

Parking: No formal trailhead; riders typically start from Sandy Valley Road where Potosi Mountain Road begins. The last gas, food, and restrooms before the climb are back at the Terrible's/Chevron travel stop in Jean, NV, off I-15.

No gear, food, or water available past the Terrible's/Chevron travel stop off I-15 in Jean - carry everything you need for the climb and the return. Given the sustained 20%+ pitches through the first two miles, the lowest gearing you can fit (a sub-compact crank and a wide-range cassette, or a gravel/mountain-bike drivetrain) will make a real difference; knobby gravel tires run at low pressure grip the loose sections best.

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.

Las Vegas, about 35 miles away, has every traveler service you'll need and is the easiest base for this climb. Sandy Valley itself is a small, unincorporated community with limited services, and there's nothing at all once you leave pavement for Potosi Mountain Road - top off fuel and grab food at the Terrible's/Chevron travel stop in Jean before heading out.

This climb also sits within reach of our Death Valley trip itinerary, so it pairs well with a broader Mojave Desert cycling trip. Because of the elevation (starting near 4,700' and finishing above 8,100') and exposed desert setting, a cooler-weather visit (fall through spring) is best - summer heat at the lower elevations can be dangerous.