Haleakala, Hawaii. 10,023 feet of climbing in 35.5 miles. The road up the Haleakala volcano delivers one of the longest highway ascents, with the most vertical gain in one push, in the world. It is also one of the most downright difficult rides, as there is virtually no flat or downhill ground once the climbing starts. Moreover, the air grows thin with the altitude, heightening the difficulty as cyclists struggle to catch their breath. Not surprisingly, some tourists come to this mountain for only the thrill of going down it.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii. 13,597 feet in 43.1 miles. This biggest of big climbs should top the list, but it comes with a disclaimer: The final three miles are unpaved dirt, ash and gravel and are reportedly almost impossible to ride on a road bike. On the asphalt, which terminates at 9,200 feet above the sea, the highway slants to as steep as a 17-percent grade in places. If you reach the top, savor the strangeness of being in a frigid, treeless Mars-like moonscape—in Hawaii.
Total Elevation Gain from Spencer Park: 13,471 feet
Average Grade: 4.9%
Toughest mile: 17% at 9000 feet
The tallest mountain on earth (yep, it’s not everest).
Mount Washington, New Hampshire. Rise Over Run: 4,586 feet in 7.6 miles. If bang is elevation and buck is overall mileage, then this route may offer more of the former for the latter than any other paved road. Unfortunately, this legendary climb, considered by many to be the world’s most difficult feat in uphill cycling, is not open to just anyone. The road, which averages 12 percent in grade, is private and is closed to bicycles except during two organized races each year, in July and August. Currently, the July event is open for sign-ups. Note: Registration requires a fee. Cyclists must also arrange for a ride down afterward, as the road is considered so perilously steep that cycling downhill from the summit is prohibited.
This beast is known as one of the toughest climbs in the world. It is also the place that once recorded the strongest wind gust on the planet, in 1934 at 231mph. At nearly 12km long it has an average gradient of 11.8%. That means at least half the climb is more that 11.8%, duh, but really, just take a moment to process how steep that is. Ouch. On top of that, only 2/3s of the road is paved, apparently 1/3 of the pavement washed away because the road is so steep, the rain is so hard and the temperatures are so cold.
Onion Valley, The Sierras California
Known as possibly the most difficult climb in California, this beast battles more than steep grades. It also has the added bonus feature of high altitude. The road begins deceitfully “easy.” So enjoy it. It will be the last bit of respite you will have for a while. To put it in perspective, Onion Valley is steeper and longer than both the Tour de France’s Tourmalet and the Galibier. The last 3.5 miles are set high above any altitude the human body enjoys and roll upwards at a wicked 8.5% grade.
The stats:
Total Elevation Gain: 5169 ft
Start: 3,994 feet.
Finish: 9,163 feet
Length: 12.5 miles
Average Grade: 7.8%
Steepest Mile: 9.2%
Steepest 3 Miles: 8.5%
Whiteface Mountain, Upstate New York
This climb is eerily identical in every characteristic to Alp d’Huez. Gasp. It may seem short, but it’s punchy from the get go. A mere three miles in and you’ll be creaking up a 10% grade for 3 gut-wrenching miles. Luckily for you, as you near the top the grade eases and you come to a clearing. On crisp days a view over Vermont and Canada emerges. At the top you can even take a lift (or hike) up to the real summit of Whiteface Mountain.
A little fact: Whiteface Mountain is so steep, that it’s known best for the race down it’s slopes. These races clock some of the fastest descent times in North America.
The stats:
Total Elevation: 3,566 feet
Start: 1,040 feet
Finish: 4,606 feet
Length: 7.9 miles
Mt. Evans, Colorado
Finishes at over 14,000 feet
Directions: Begin the 28-mile climb in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, at the Mt. Evans exit off I-70 in the mountains west of Denver. Follow State Route 103 to Echo Lake, and then Route 5 to the 14,250-foot summit. Be prepared for cold and snow at any time.
Mt. Lemmon, Arizona
Soars above Tuscon
The road winds past one spectacular view after another as it ascends the mountain. The route to the top of Mount Lemmon is a dramatic example of a sky island's unique environment.
Directions: This 25-mile climb begins on the east side of Tucson, at the intersection of the Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde Road. Follow the Catalina Highway to the road's high point at the Mount Lemmon Observing Facility.
Mt. Graham, Arizona
One of the "sky islands"
Directions: The 20-mile ride begins at mile post 115 along U.S. 191, across from the Federal prison south of Safford in southeast Arizona. Climb up the Swift Trail (State Route 366) to the finish at mile post 135, near the Snow Flat camp ground.
http://www.presteza.com/MtGrahamIndex.html
Sandia Crest, New Mexico
Albuquerque skyscraper
Sandia Crest is located on the Turquoise Trail, a national scenic byway that passes through the Cibola National Forest connecting Albuquerque and Santa Fe.Races take place each year on most of these peaks, and - except for Mt. Washington, which opens to bicycles only on race day - the paved summit roads are also rideable anytime conditions permit. How many of the Great Hillclimbs have you finished?
Mt. Charleston, Nevada
Leaving Las Vegas
Mt. Charleston' s high, cool, forested landscape stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert landscape and the neon lights of Las Vegas.
Mt. Charleston Hill Climb Road Race
Mt. Baldy, California
Rises out of the smog
Mt. Baldy road offers many scenic vistas of the San Gabriels mountains and will take you into the heart of the Angeles National Forest, the "backyard" of Los Angeles.
Mt. Palomar, California
A San Diego tradition
Orange and avocado groves border your climb to rendezvous with the South Grade of Palomar Mountain. From there it's a seven-mile, 7% grade of twisting switchbacks. You'll pass the 3k, 4k, and 5000 foot altitude markers in quick secession. The uphill ends near the Palomar General Store. From there, it's a few miles uphill through the trees to the observatory.
Mt. Washington, New Hampshire
Perhaps the steepest of all
Breathtaking views will surprise you around every bend of the 8-mile path to the top of New England. The average grade of 12% slopes on the mostly paved road, reaching up more than a mile in the sky.
Mt. Hamilton, California
Silicon Valley icon
Winding, twisting, turning, the 20 miles up Mt. Hamilton Road makes it one of the most challenging hillclimbs in California.
