Every year, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to bring you the most iconic, pure Hill Climb events in the United States. These events will test your climbing skills to the limit. A one way ticket to glory, experiences that will last a lifetime!
So celebrate and make sure you add one of these incredible hill climbs to your Bucket List this Spring.
The 54th annual Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill climb is an iconic bike race that every cyclist should cross off their bucket list.
Mount Evans rises 14,264 feet above sea level, compare that to Europe’s highest paved road the Pico del Veleta, in Spain’s Sierra Nevada, a mere 10,827 feet.
Riding from the base to the summit of a 14,000' peak is a challenging and memorable achievement. The world seems a little different at half the height of Mt. Everest. The breath-taking views of the whole Front Range of Colorado, the Continental Divide, the vast expanse of the Rockies - it’s all there.
It’s an epic challenge that will create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Mt. Evans Hill Climb includes riders that have made it to the highest ranks of professional cycling. Over the years, some of the world’s best-known cyclists added their names to the list of challengers, including Olympic gold medallist Alexi Grewal, Jacques Boyer, Ron Kiefel and Andy Hampsten.
The race was renamed in 1981 in honor of five-time race winner Bob Cook, who died of cancer at the age of 23. Bob Cook held the course record from 1975-1980.
This is your chance to race on the same course.
The Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb is one of the hardest climbs in North America.
The race starts in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs at an altitude of 7,540 feet and finishes at 14,130 feet, 130 feet below Mount Evans' summit.
The race is 27.4 miles in length and climbs 6,630 feet. Echo Lake to the summit averages 5.6% for 5.5 miles, then 4.1% for 2.7 miles and finally 5.7% for 4.25 miles to the top. Maximum grade is 10%.
There are 11 switchbacks that take you to an unforgettable view of the Rocky Mountains and an achievement of a lifetime.
The race starts in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs at an altitude of 7,540 feet and finishes at 14,130 feet, 130 feet below Mount Evans' summit. The race is 27.4 miles in length and climbs 6,630 feet. Echo Lake to the summit averages 5.6% for 5.5 miles, then 4.1% for 2.7 miles and finally 5.7% for 4.25 miles to the top. Maximum grade is 10%. There are 11 switchbacks that take you to an unforgettable view of the Rocky Mountains and an achievement of a lifetime.
Over the years, the race has attracted well-known professional riders from all over the United States and from France, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia. The age range of the participants is from nine to eighty-five years old. Volunteers from the Colorado cycling community, including Team Evergreen Cycling, and Racer X Cycling, help marshal, drive support, work the feed zone and the awards celebration.
There will be an aid station at Echo Lake with Heed, water and Hammer Gels. Water, Heed and gels will also be available at the summit too.
The event includes categories for all levels of racing and encourages riders of all abilities. The Gran Fondo is open to all amateur cyclists. Around one thousand riders compete each year in the race and Gran Fondo categories. The event offers mechanical support, a feed zone and transportation of clothing bags to the summit for the trip down the mountain. There is an award celebration in Idaho Springs for all participants and spectators. There are prizes across a range of age categories for both men and women.
New for 2019 is a limited Shuttle Service for the trip down.
Think about it – when else will you have the opportunity to climb a 14’er and have full support? And there is a rocking party at the bottom to celebrate!
What is the difference between the Gran Fondo and USA Cycling Categories?
USA Categories are for individuals interested in competitive racing and do it on a regular basis or are planning to race on a regular basis. A USAC license or 1-Day license is required for USAC categories. A BRAC membership is also required for all USAC Categories.
The Gran Fondo is an open event and is also timed, no license or membership is required.
Registration is online, pre-registration only, no day of registration.
Categories are limited and will sell out in advance, so please register early to secure a place.
A Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb Jersey is included with a Gran Fondo Entry (one for each entry)
The Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb is a round of the NEW 2019 U.S. Hillclimb Series.
#2 Mt. Baker Hill Climb
Glacier, Washington, September 8, 2019
This iconic ride is coming back to the community this fall. The Mt. Baker Highway is one of the “most scenic paved roads in the world” and this is your chance to climb it on a closed road!
With steep elevations and several switchbacks, this ride is not for the faint hearted - but the views are simply stunning.
After preliminary planning by organizers Whatcom Events, this iconic ride is coming back to the community this fall on September 8, 2019.
Starting at Chair 9 in Glacier, cyclists will get to enjoy climbing the 22 miles to Artist’s Point over 4,098 feet of elevation, with stunning views on a closed road.
There are three categories for cyclists of all abilities including the Social Ride starting at 7:00 am, the Recreational Race at 8:00 am and the Competitive Race at 8:30 am.
Cash prizes for the Top 3 females and Top 3 males overall, in addition to a locally made medal. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age division will also receive a medal.
There is also the fully-sublimated winner’s jersey for the top female and top male racer in the following age divisions; 13-19, 20-29, 30-49 and 50+.
Transportation and Bag Drop is available for those who want to get changed at the top and those who don’t wish to ride back down.
You can also ride in style as Jerseys, socks, warmers, and caps will be available for purchase at Packet Pickup, on Race Day and in advance (select items). Jerseys and shorts available now on the Voler site, https://www.voler.com/browse/collections/details/li/WhatcomEvents
If you love climbing and closed roads, make sure you add this Epic ride in Whatcom County to your Bucket List, you won’t be disappointed.
Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the north eastern U.S and is known to be one of the toughest hill climbs in the world. It’s not the longest, but is one of the steepest – an intense effort is required just to keep moving.
Mt. Washington is the U.S’s equivalent of the legendary Italian climb of the Passo di Mortirolo, one of toughest and most feared climbs in the world, regularly used in the Giro d’Italia that brings a lump in throat to the most seasoned professional riders.
At 7.6 miles in length with 4,683 feet of climbing, it has an average grade of 12% with extended sections of 18% and the last 50 yards is 22%.
Every year, over 600 cyclists take on the challenge of the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb also known as Climb to the Clouds which raises funds for the Tin Mountain Conservation Center located in Albany, which promotes appreciation of the environment and dates back to 1973. It’s also one of the oldest automobile hill climbs in the country, first run on July 11th, 1904. 2019 is the 47th edition of the cycle climb.
$1500 for the top Male and Female racers. An extra $3000 if he or she breaks the record.
$750 for the top Male and Female riders for the Cadence Wealth Management Prime.
The Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is a round of the NEW 2019 U.S. Hillclimb Series and part of the 2019 BUMP Series, the Bike Up the Mountain Point Series.
#4 Race To The Top Of Vermont
Stowe, VT, Sunday August 25th, 2019
Every August the Northeast Delta Dental Race To The Top Of Vermont draws as many as 800 hikers, bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The course climbs up the historic Mansfield Toll Road, is 4.3 miles in length, and climbs 2564 ft.
Every August the Northeast Delta Dental Race To The Top Of Vermont draws as many as 800 hikers, bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The Northeast Delta Dental Race To The Top Of Vermont is about supporting the Catamount Trail Association and all of the good work they do. While you’re out there challenging yourself, know that 100% of the money raised at this event goes to support backcountry skiing and riding here in Vermont!
The course is 4.3 miles long and climbs 2,564 vertical feet on the famous Mt. Mansfield Toll Road to the summit parking lot. The racecourse begins with a .3 mile section of pavement before changing to gravel and dirt for the last 4 miles. The first 2.7 miles is well shaded while the last 1.6 miles opens up with spectacular views of Smuggler’s Notch and the surrounding Green Mountains. The course begins at an elevation of 1,279 ft and climbs to the summit parking lot at 3,843 ft. Racers will experience a steady incline averaging about 11 percent over the length of the course. At the summit finish area, participants will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in New England overlooking three states and Canada.
All bikes must have knobby tires and disc or sidepull/V-type brakes. Bikes with center-pull cantilever or caliper brakes will not be allowed. All cyclists must wear a helmet and bikes must have two working brakes. Acceptable bikes include mountain, cyclocross, and gravel grinder type bikes.
Registration includes a high quality men’s or women’s tech shirth and Post race lunch
There are $15,000+ in raffle prizes and awards of offer including; cash prizes for the top three overall finishers in each discipline (1st=$200, 2nd=$100, 3rd=$50), a special prize for top 3 finishers in each age group and discipline, a special prize for the top Clydesdale and Athena finishers in each discipline.
There is a $500 total cash award to the male or female who can break the overall course record for their gender regardless of discipline!
Northeast Delta Dental Race To The Top Of Vermont is a round of the NEW 2019 U.S. Hillclimb Series.
#5 Hillclimb World Championships
Gibraltar Road, Santa Barbara, California, September 21, 2019
Riders of all levels compete for global supremacy on Gibraltar Rd, a climb made famous by the Amgen Tour of California.
World & American Champions crowned for Pros & Age Groups, while riders who’d rather enjoy the view can enjoy a longer, fully-supported Fondo route with a finish on Gibraltar, where they can watch the race unfold. Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara offers a gorgeous backdrop for a world-class event.
Gibraltar Road in Santa Barbara is famous for its amazing scenery, but more known to cyclists as a battleground for big names at the Amgen Tour of California. Gibraltar made a glorious backdrop for the first-ever Hillclimb World Championships in 2018, where riders of all abilities suffered for fun, prizes, and glory, to compare their times against the best in the world.
Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara offers a gorgeous backdrop for a world-class event. It’s a great place for cycling, with temperatures staying between 50 and 80º year-round, but bring the family to enjoy the beautiful beaches, iconic architecture and award-winning wine country.
NEW FOR 2019! The race is on, but if competition isn’t your thing we’re now offering a new Fondo route, so you can have a longer ride with full support, and then cheer on the racers and watch the action unfold, because both events share a finish line on top of Gibraltar!
We’ll be crowning World Champions and National Champions for first American every category, so riders of all levels can test or enjoy themselves on a climb made famous by the Amgen Tour of California.
The Hillclimb World Championships is the final round of the NEW 2019 U.S. Hillclimb Series.
#6 Mount Lemmon
Tucson, Arizona, May 17, 2019
Hardly anywhere else in the US can you climb so high for so many miles in succession. That's why, every winter, Tucson sees packs of riders in matching jerseys, many of them speaking languages other than English, riding up the mountain.
Mount Lemmon is one of the nicest climbs in the southwest of the U.S. It's a long, steady climb with near perfect tarmac - a real hill climber’s paradise. Mt. Lemmon is a rare jewel in the Arizona desert. Jutting up 9,157 feet (2,791 meters) above sea level in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, Arizona, this magnificent mountain peak stands amidst the pale backdrop of the sparse desert sand and cactus. Not far from Tucson - a haven for Professional teams in the warm winter climate.
Mount Lemmon received its English name in honor of botanist Sarah Plummer Lemmon, who trekked to the top of the mountain with Native American guides by mule and foot in 1881. Sara Lemmon is also known for getting the Golden Poppy adopted as the California State Flower in 1903.
Hardly anywhere else in the US can you climb so high for so many miles in succession. Mount Lemmon is in the top 25% of toughest hill climbs in America - with a rating of HC "hors category" on the scale used to rank climbs in European stage races, like the Tour de France.
Mount Lemmon is right up there with the famous passes in the Alpes, Dolomites and Pyrenees. You'll climb 6,600 feet over 21 miles.
Mount Lemmon grade averages 4.5% for 6,600 feet (2012m) of elevation gain over 27.5 miles from base to the top. The temperature on the way up to Mt Lemmon is 20 to 30 degrees colder than the Tucson area. Weather can also change quickly. Check the weather day before the ride to know the conditions and bring appropriate clothing to keep yourself warm, like armwarmers and a gillet.
Yes, Mt Lemmon is right up there with the famous passes in the European tours: hardly anywhere else in the US can you climb so high for so many miles in succession. That's why, every winter, Tucson sees packs of riders in matching jerseys, many of them speaking languages other than English, booking up the mountain.
In comparison, the Colle dell'Agnello (in Italian) or Col d'Agnel (in French) is situated in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region on the French / Italian border and belongs to the Alpes range of mountains. Starting from french town of Guillestre, the Col d'Agnel ascent is 26 miles. Over this distance, you climb 1,736m. The average percentage is 4.5 % and this climb has been used twice in the Tour De France and the Giro d'Italia. Very similar to Mount Lemmon in distance, difficulty and height - although the Italian side is much harder!
The almost continuous 26-mile descent down is exciting without ever being terrifying, so the total round trip of 56 miles.
The Mount Lemmon Hill Climb is organized by the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association. An early start for this epic is required!
The Mount Diablo Challenge is a family-friendly 11.2 mile timed bike ride, starting at Athenian School in Danville and climbing up Southgate Road 3,249 feet to the summit of Mount Diablo.
After running the Mount Diablo Challenge for many years, Save Mount Diablo asked Hosted by the Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club to take over the helm in 2017.
The Valley Spokesmen are seeking to increase participation in the Mount Diablo Challenge by appealing to the broader cycling community, with an emphasis on family participation. The Valley Spokesmen intend to keep up the tradition of giving back to the community, both by donating proceeds from this event to community nonprofit organizations and through their continued encouragement of local cycling events.
The Mount Diablo Challenge continues to benefit Save Mount Diablo through the support of CA Technologies and the Nathan M. Ohrbach Foundation, who have agreed to once again underwrite the cost of memberships for all Mount Diablo Challenge participants. This continued support allows Save Mount Diablo to further land conservation in the Mount Diablo area for the benefit of all.
Thanks to all of our generous sponsors, volunteers, park rangers, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff's department. Without them we could not host this event.
Almost worth relocating to upstate New York for, Whiteface Mountain is New York's 5th highest peak with 360 degree panoramic views of the Adirondack’s, New England and Montreal.
If you like a challenge then, this is the course for you! This USATF certified course runs 11 miles with a 8% grade up Whiteface Mountain's scenic Veteran's Memorial Highway. Whiteface Mountain is New York's 5th highest peak with 360 degree panoramic views of the Adirodnacks, New England and Montreal.
It has a consistently moderately steep grade throughout. There are exceptional views through breaks in the forest that surrounds us you climb – Taylor and Franklin Falls Ponds to the north after you pass the Toll Booth up to the switchback where you’ll see Lake Placid for the first time.
The climb is 11 miles long at an average of 8% with 3,529 feet of climbing.
Fruit, snacks and beverages are served at the Finish Line and Post Race Meal (veggie option) is served after the race which is included in the entry fee.
The starting line is at Whiteface Mountain's Ski center and ends at the Castle on top of Whiteface.
Bug repellant and warm clothing for the mountain peak is recommended. A "bag truck" will be at the starting line to take your items to the top for you.
Entrants are responsible for their own fluid needs during the race. No aid stations will be provided along the route.
The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race is part of the 2019 BUMP Series, the Bike Up the Mountain Point Series.
#9 Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb
Colorado Springs, Colorado, August 11, 2019
The mountain is named in honor of American explorer Zebulon Pike and is a designated National Historic Landmark.
The mountain is named in honor of American explorer Zebulon Pike and is a designated National Historic Landmark.
The Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb is one of the ultimate tests for cyclists as who compete on the same 20km legendary course that the automobiles and motorcycles use in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb every summer, you'll climb 4,725 feet over 12.4 miles.
At an elevation of 14,115 feet (4,302m), Pikes Peak, is one of Colorado's 54 fourteeners, mountains that rise more than 14,000 feet (4,267 m) above sea level.
There is a race and a non-competitive timed Gran Fondo that give cyclists of all abilities a truly unique experience on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.
Crank The Kanc - Perhaps the best unknown hillclimb in the East! The “Crank the Kanc” time-trial is one of the lesser known hillclimbs.
The annual Crank the Kanc bicycle time trial hillclimb takes place each May on the beautiful Kancamaugus Highway- a Scenic New Hampshire Biway through the White Mountain National Forest.
The race is approx 21.3 miles with 2340 ft. net elevation gain. (+2426 ft./-86 ft.)
This course starts out near Conway, NH and follows the Kancamagus Highway (Rt 112) to the top of Kancamagus Pass. The course climbs very gradually the first 10 miles before nearly leveling off for another 5 miles. Then the last 4 miles of the 21 mile course are fairly steep, averaging 7% grade with short steeper sections.
There are a couple of spectacular vista points along the way. Be sure to enjoy them on the way back down. I have never done this timed event, but I have ridden the Kancamagus Highway on many occasions.
The “Kanc,” as it is often called locally, is the backbone to many great cycling rides in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As of 2010, most of the Kanc has been reconstructed. The Kanc west of the pass has been resurfaced and is now fantastic to bomb down. Lower portions east of the pass still need work. The reworked sections offer slightly widened roadway, making it a much safer and more enjoyable ride.
The record for the fastest time is 58m 2s secs by Timothy Ahearn in 2013.
Field is limited to 200 solo riders and 15 three-person teams.
This event usually fills quickly so plan to register EARLY!!!
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