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Water Canyon Road
Climb 7.6 miles at 8.9%, gaining 3,528’
This climb was a real treat, one of the most amazing of PJAMM summer 2024 gravel trips.
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The climb begins near an established Forest service campground. From there, the road is steep, steep and steeper!
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A few miles up the climb, I saw a bear - which took me by surprise in NM. Come prepared with bear spray!
Road quality for this route is decent throughout as the road looks to be used and maintained for use of the laboratory at the summit. Only two cars passed me while on this route.
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This climb gives fantastic views of the valley and twisting roads at many points on the climb - it is a truly amazing road.
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The summit is notable for a large network of observatories and epic views. Don’t miss out on this one!
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Notes from PJAMMers:
Rob Selina - I've ridden this climb on a gravel bike. It's a bit rough in spots but you're moving slow enough for 700x40 tires to work fine. Just a word of caution about coming down - the top gravel layer can feel quite loose and you pick up speed very quickly. I've known a couple of riders to wipe out on the way down after a climb.
Eric Robinson - A gravel bike would be no problem on this road. The road is good enough for a Prius currently.
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It’s a wrap!