We have so many good ones in southern California it can be hard to leave! It'd be really cool to see a series where you guys detail a cities top 5 or top 10 climbs. Places like Pasadena, Big Bear, Bishop, San Diego etc. (obviously I'm listing places I ride frequently) But some of the cities that get less attention than places like Los Angeles. I think everyone knows the riding there is amazing... I think.
I live in Colorado, and have done Mt Evans, and independence pass, and several other climbs around here, you could do a top 10 for just colorado, easily.
For real...along with some of the races that accompany them. Mentioning Mount Mitchell doesn’t do the AOMM justice...6 gap in GA is another great, leg breaking event.
Thanks for the hospitality to cyclists at the Sunrise Grocery! I’ve stopped there many times over the years and it’s saved me more than a few. Absolutely love the roads around that part of Georgia but there’s nowhere else around to fuel up!
Mt Tamalpais (especially from Fairfax, CA) is a stunning ride, especially when you get up high enough to see the Pacific ocean below you. Not as tall as Diablo, but longer and arguably more beautiful.
I've ridden it once, from Fairfax , with snow at the top, and that bomber decent down toward SF and out along the coast by Stinson Beach and back up again and to Fairfax. Still think about it, amazing.
Descending Brasstown Bald is not to be undertaken lightly. Don't remember any pro riders descending after that stage. Do remember someone being air lifted who unfortunately did not make it.
Great video Jeremy! Sadly there are another 20 climbs that could've qualified for that list but its so hard to narrow things down when the US is such a big country and the terrain can be so varied. Pikes Peak, Mauna Kea, Mission Ridge, Mt Hood, Guardsman Pass, Clingsman Dome, and the list goes on. Thanks for the video!
No Hurricane Ridge (Olympic Peninsula in WA State) and no Haleakala in Hawaii? I mean, Heleakala is 10k feet over 35 miles starting at sea level! How could you miss this?
I've done Mt. Diablo several times, and while it's a good climb, top ten seems overly generous. Plus, no mention of the tarantulas that grace the roads in hordes in the Fall! Common knowledge that Mt. Diablo is a huge mating location for tarantulas in September. Try descending without running over a few. I'm disappointed that Hurricane Ridge along the Olympic Peninsula didn't make the list. You can go from sea level to nearly a mile in elevation in under 20 miles, and the scenery going up is incredible. I did it twice myself last summer and loved it so much I moved 800+ miles to a nearby town just so I could do it weekly (when it opens). Plus, you get the entire Olympic Discovery Trail as a bonus.
Don't remember the road names but some of those climbs around Port Angeles WA made me cry. Short and brutal. Until I went there I had no idea the Seattle Tacoma area had such great climbing.
It's nice to see the US get some GCN love. Teton Pass in WY (5.6 miles gaining 2,390’ at 8.1% average grade) provided a considerable amount of type 2 fun for me. The climb starts 6,142 feet above sea level which puts the rider above 8,500 feet at the summit.
Except some states don't have climbs worth mentioning (there are several where the highest point above sea level is less than 2000 feet/600 meters). But it would be great to expand this list. There is a lot of good climbing in the Ozarks, as well as several other areas of the country that weren't touched on.
dan buck The highest climb in Florida is like 300 feet or something. And yes, the Ozark/Ouachita mountains have good climbing. Mt Magazine from Havana takes close to an hour.
Here are a few to consider if you make another video: Cloud Cap in Crater Lake National Park, McKenzie Pass in central Oregon, Inspiration Point in Mt. Rainier National Park, Cayuse Pass (Washington), Hurricane Ride in Olympic National Park, McNeil Canyon in central Washington, and Washington Pass in the North Cascades National Park.
second Hurricane Ridge, WA - 29k's from sea level all the way up to 5200'. And the views are stunning. Mt Baker, WA gets a shout out too. The view at Artist's Point feels like you're in a painting.
GCN, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE: More like this. These are the videos we want to see. Read the comments - look at other great climbs people are talking about - research those - make the next installment. Rinse and repeat. 👍👍
Some of the climbs frequently featured in the tour of Utah at least deserve an honorable mention. Alpine loop, mount Nebo, snowbird (even better if you go all the way to Alta), empire pass, big cottonwood canyon, and powder mountain are all incredible. I also agree that Haleakala on Hawaii should get a mention (haven't ridden it yet). I also really loved some of the climbing at Crater Lake Oregon.
Awesome Video!! Great to see some “local” feature climbs! CO NC and Cali could each easily have a top 10 list! I got to do Mt Mitchell last week but the last bit was gated off, regardless it was one of the coolest experiences ever on two wheels!
Mount Charleston climb, NW of Las Vegas. The thermo layers are a trip, when you ride it in summer! Mount Diablo is my local climb, but I do the harder Northgate Road. 300 more feet of climbing, and a touch steeper. Wish Jeremy would have mentioned, The Wall, at the end of Mt. Diablo.
I'm lucky to live in California where a ton of great climbs are located. In the Owens Valley on the East side of the Sierra Mountains: Onion Valley, H orshoe Meadows, Whitney Portal, Rock Creek- most are listed in PJAMM. For some extra "sauce", do these rides in triple digit heat. Palomar Mountain and Nate Harrison Grade in San Diego also hurt. One my favorite climbs is climbing Haleaka Crater (Maui, HI) during a sunrise - EPIC!
I love the list, but Jeremy...the biggest road climb in the US--if not the world--Haleakala, Hawaii needs to be on this list. It is legendary. If you dip your tire in the water at Baldwin Beach (sea level) and go all the way to the top, you are doing 10,000 vertical feet of climbing. And the experience is even more legendary. From the smell and views of the ocean at the lowest point, to the tropical plants/goat farms/palm trees in the middle, to the moonscape of a volcano's fury at the top, you can't beat this climb. Plus, you might see a NENE as I did (look it up).
How about a contest for folks stateside, to win a contest by sharing inspiring photos of some of these other climbs listed here. Winner wins a Jeremy-guided tour of one of his favorites around Massachusettes. Never been there except briefly for the Boston Marathon.
I have climbed Mount Mitchell and Brasstown Bald. Excellent climbs !!! I'm glad to see that these made the list. Mount Mitchell is truly and epic climb. If you start the climb on the Asheville side (starting at the Folk Art Center), the climb is slightly harder and the views are amazing from there all the way to the top. The road is very smooth and bicycle friendly (The Blue Ridge Parkway). I highly recommend climbing Mount Mitchell starting at The Folk Art Center. The first part of the climb is 18 miles long (Craggy Pinnacle). The total distance from The Folk Art Center to Mount Mitchell is 32 miles. You get a few breaks during the climb between mile 18 and 26. The last 5 miles up to the top of Mount Mitchell has some very steep sections. This is truly one of the very best climbs in the USA and very scenic.
Was hoping to see some Utah climbs on here. Guardsman Pass, Powder Mountain (almost identical % and distance to Alpe d'Huez), Big Mountain/Emigration Canyon, Bald Mountain, and many, many more. This is a great list too. Looking forward to riding some
Seriously, Utah is flat with no beauty. Don’t waste your time GCN. It would be best if you didn’t include it in any of your best lists. Thanks, Cheers!
@@bradwood5994 anything in the north or south of Utah is gorgeous. Central Utah is pretty bland, but to say there is no beauty in all of Utah just says you have a lack of taste
Mount Evans Pro Tip: The road is closed to cars past summit lake after Labor Day weekend. You can assualt all the switchbacks without having to dodge car traffic too if the weather holds.
I did this climb 4 years ago. It was the first climb of this size I've done since the early 90's when I was 50lbs lighter and vacationing in south France and north Italy near San Remo. It took me an hour and 20 minutes and was ruined!
I love that you saved Mt. Greylock for last! For those that live in the North East add the Mt. Greylock Century Sportif to your training ride calendar.
Wow, Mount Evans! The only one of the climbs here that I've ever been to (end of the 90's I think). By car that was. After getting into the car in a 30℃ downtown Denver, driving up this giant, seeing the trees slowly disappear, ears popping and ending up standing shivering in T-shirt and shorts on an actually frozen small lake in the mist was epic in itself. I cannot imagine how a bicycle ride up would have been... I remember stopping at a lodge along the way to the top and sipping coffee we saw humming birds at the porch, first time for me. Great experience that was. I also loved Boulder with all the bicycle infrastructure, lovely town
Many drivers get dizzy with signs of altitude sickness, especially tourists from sea level, but even acclimatized Coloradans may not be immune. No shame in turning around.
On my bucket list is to ride my bike in all 50 states (I've done 6 so far). Thanks for giving me some destinations for several states. We need more of Jeremy and more USA content!
I raced the Bob Cook memorial My Evans Hill climb way back in 1987. I was 16 years old and I finished dead last. To this day, it is one of the most epic things I’ve ever done. One of the best days of my life. I rode for a little bike shop in Littleton CO called Bike Lovers Place.
Just because its not a place you’d expect a fun climb - Mount Scott in Southwest Oklahoma, literally in the middle of the Great Plains. Paved road to the summit - you’ll climb about 1,000 ft in just under 3 miles. Awe inspiring descent
This is one of the best GCN videos ever. Coleman Valley Road on the Sonoma County, California coast is a beautiful climb with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean at the top.
Nice work including Greylock. As someone who grew up in Shelburne Falls MA, the 80 mi (130km) out and back to the top of Greylock was done a few times. I even happened to run into the A in JAM between Shelburne Falls and Conway while I was visiting from Melbourne AU in early April last year.
I'm pretty sure a section of Glendora Ridge Road crept into the Mt. Baldy video, so maybe he got to Baldy village by way of GMR, like the pro's did in Tour of California.
Riding from Leadville to Independence Pass must be the most incredibly visually gorgeous climb in America. I've yet to do it, only drove it twice. But...wow! Hard to describe just how amazing that drive is.
I cycled up Mt Baldy late last October when it was much cooler, nice climb, personally the section from Glendora on the Glendora ridge road to Mt Baldy village is lovely and I can't wait to get out there again.
Missed the entire PNW and interior, hopefully another round of these awe inspiring videos can touch on places like Beartooth pass in Montana/Wyoming and Going To The Sun road in Glacier National Park along with so many more mentioned. I absolutely love finding new climbs I can travel to without having to take a plane or a week off of vacation but a long weekend absolutely!👍🙏
Diablo, Baldy, and Fig are all rides I have done and for sure are great climbs but I would be hard pressed to put them in a top 10 list of California climbs let alone for the country.
+1 for Mt. Diablo! Best time ride it is in the winter and spring when everything is a lush green from the rain. Rode it last week and it was closed to cars because of the pandemic. Cyclists had the mountain all to themselves for once! The wildflowers were in bloom. In the summer it does get hot and dry here and everything is crispy so go ride early in the morning.
Need to add Sandia Peak, 13 miles of leg breaking excitement, and the view of the ancient volcanos can't be beat. Also right next door is Heart break hill with average grade I am told is 18%.
Awesome video! I live in the Caribbean after I moved from Europe, and the US cycling hotspots are unknown to us. This really helps me planning my next training holiday, keep those vids coming!
Love that you included Mt. Greylock in the list. The road hasn't opened for vehicle traffic yet so get it while the going is good. Lucky enough that it's just a few miles from the front door. Spent about 10 years living in Wa. state and the 2 routes I enjoyed the most were Hurricane Ridge out in Port Angeles and the Sunrise road up Mt. Rainer. There's just something about turning a corner and seeing a field full of wild flowers and the glaciers of Rainer.
Those in SoCal who regularly climb Mt Baldy know about the three options for ascending and descending. #1 is the straight shot beginning on Mt Baldy Rd. Then there is the Glendora Ridge Rd option, which is longer, and more epic because of that leisurely gradient upward along the scenic ridgetop, and then there is the even longer Rt 39 option, beginning further west of the Glendora Ridge option. Even if the last remaining 4 to 5 brutal miles to the ski lifts are skipped, as long as you make it to Baldy Village, it will be a satisfying trip in the mountains.
Disappointed that one of my favorite climbs (when I was a student at UCSB) was not listed -- Gibralter Road from Santa Barbara to Camino Cielo and then to La Cumbre Peak. The view from La Cumbre Peak of the Channel Islands is fabulous and it's been a stage of the Tour of California.
I live in NC and have biked on many trails especially around Mt. Mitchell. You must check out and see if this is not one of the top uphills in America. I cycled for charity and our route was from Boone to Beech Mt and back. Well, the last two miles from Banner Elk to the top of Beech Mt. was the hardest climb of my life. Two hours to get up, 2 minutes to get down. Check it out
Glad you mentioned Mt. Mitchell, I was getting ready to post about it if you didn't! :) I daydream about traveling the world to climb some of the iconic climbs but really, I have one of the best just 3 hour drive from me
Jeremy Powers is enthusiastic and informative. Liked the add on information about cafes and local culture. Excellent Jeremy, but see you'll have to describe a lot more rides also. Look forward to that.
I road the 2015 edition of the Vermont Granfondo and got to experience the L.A.M.B - a brutal 4 gap challenge. The Lincoln Gap has North America's steepest paved mile - an absolutely crushing hill with 24% grades. Amazing views and fantastic scenery (and I came 2nd... they say it's not a race but we cyclists make everything into a race). It was an experience I will never forget - one of the best ever. Wanted to do it again this year but all has kaebashed due to C-19. Stay safe
Great selection, GCN! I've had the privilege of having done a couple of these, including Mt Mitchell in the peak of fall and Mt Diablo, and these are incredible rides, but I have to say Mauna Kea is hands-down my all-time favorite! It rises from pretty much sea-level to 13000 ft. To keep things interesting, the last 2000 ft is all-gravel. It took me all day to make it to the top and literally and figuratively left me feeling like I was on top of the world! Next up on my bucket list will be Mt Washington 🤟🏽
Jeremy... You screwed-up !😁 ever heard of the Haleakala volcano climb in Maui...?! From sea level to 12,280' elevation, 60kms of beautiful asphalt at 7.2% until you get to the Nasa station (last km at some ridiculous gradient). The landscape changes every 2,000' : pinapple fields, sugar cane, fancy residences, cattle ranch + high grass, eucalyptus forest, lunar landscape at the top with the most amazing view of the island, 44 switchbacks (Alpe d'huez eat your heart-out...). The "race to the sun", ask R. Hejdal about it...👍
In Southern California, San Gabriel Canyon Road (Calif Hwy 39) for 28 miles from Azusa to Islip Saddle, then right turn on Angeles Crest Highway (Calif Hwy 2) for another 5 miles to Dawson Saddle. It's a total of 34 miles and 7,800 feet of elevation gain.
Being a Mass. guy I'm glad to see two of our big climbs on the list. You should point out that climbing Mt. Washington is only doable before the mountain opens in the morning. I have friends who used to camp out and ride up and down before opening. And two friends who have top tenned the hill climb.
You did not visit the Aloha state and do Round Top/Tantalus. Good swithbacks and beautiful views. Only one on your list I did was Mount Mitchell and did it every time we went up to MTB. Always great to hop on the road bike and do Mount Mitchell.
One of the best has to be Highway 550. You start at sea level in Waimea Kauai and have stunning views of the Waimea canyon the entire way up 25 miles to pu'u o kila lookout at 5,100ft.
If you're feeling particularly frisky, Mt Elbert, which is the highest peak in the entire rocky mountains (and highest in Colorado), and 2nd highest in the lower 48 is open to mountain bikes (19 of the 58 Colorado 14ers are open to mountain biking).
I did the Bob Cook race in 1999. This boy from the lowlands had a lot of trouble with the altitude. Capped it off with my greatest quote of all time. I saw someone at the finish getting some oxygen and started to ask if I could have some. Passed out mid sentence but I got some really quick.
Dead Indian Pass and Beartooth pass offer stunning views, hidden away lookout points, and a wonderful challenge heading up and down the switch backs. As a recommendation, how about a similar video for best MTB and gravel climbs. Nothing beats untamed nature.
California Highway 74 from Palm Desert to Idyllwild, except when it snows. About 42 miles one-way, from 220 to 5,413 ft. elevation. If you don't like to ride downhill, you can walk along the Pacific Crest Trail down to Cabazon.
So cool you mentioned my home town Asheville. It'd be rad to take you guys on a cheaky ride. There are so many phenomenal climbs. Nice list of climbs btw.
Hello, Jeremy, excellent presentation. How about a Part 2? Come on up to the Northwest... Oregon has the Old McKenzie Pass that is only open for a few months a year. This is out of Sisters, OR. In Eugene (which I feel is the most under rated cycling spot in the nation) Wolf Creek, Shotgun Creek and McGowan are awesome. In ID, I really like the climb to Bogus Basin in Boise, ID. My favorite climb in WA (though, I only did it in a car, TBH) is to Mt. Rainier. Get out of CA a bit and come out to the Upper Left corner of the nation.
Definitely some that Im going to Bucket List" The one dearest to me will be when I go back home to Tucson In Nov for my 60th BD!! can't wait. :) Happy Climbing People!!!
These all sound interesting, but the most life changing climb for me is Going to the Sun Road in Glacier national park. Highly recommended in the early season just as the plows are finishing. You have about a week to get there and do the ride with no vehicles on the roadway. Near the top there will be snow walls on the sides of the road 10 to 15 feet tall, but the weather is usually great. 6646 feet at the peak. Some of the most stunning landscape I have seen anywhere in the world.
Would you like to ride any of these climbs? Let us know why 👇
Global Cycling Network - because I have done most of the famous EU climbs already.
We have so many good ones in southern California it can be hard to leave! It'd be really cool to see a series where you guys detail a cities top 5 or top 10 climbs. Places like Pasadena, Big Bear, Bishop, San Diego etc. (obviously I'm listing places I ride frequently) But some of the cities that get less attention than places like Los Angeles. I think everyone knows the riding there is amazing... I think.
I really like mount baldy! I ride it sometimes since it's only a hour drive from where I live
Its interesting for a Colorado guy to begin learning that there is riding in the eastern states...
I live in Colorado, and have done Mt Evans, and independence pass, and several other climbs around here, you could do a top 10 for just colorado, easily.
We’re going to need another top 10 rides video. This barely scratched the surface.
For sure!
For real...along with some of the races that accompany them.
Mentioning Mount Mitchell doesn’t do the AOMM justice...6 gap in GA is another great, leg breaking event.
Whiteface NY. Check it out.
Snowshoe mountain Climb (Cass to Snowshoe) or Sugarlands in WV!!?? How ‘bout those?!
My name is Jason Clemmons. I own sunrise grocery and I appreciate the kind words!
Thanks for the hospitality to cyclists at the Sunrise Grocery! I’ve stopped there many times over the years and it’s saved me more than a few. Absolutely love the roads around that part of Georgia but there’s nowhere else around to fuel up!
Thanks Jason, great memories of the store, appreciate the hospitality over the years!
I was hoping you'd see that Sunrise was mentioned. Always a great stop to make!
Great list. My favorite so far would be Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Park.
Without the traffic. Yes
Yes! This was my first 'epic', as a transitioning flatlander at the time. I trained on man made toboggan hills and parking garage ramps.
Ty Witt, do it on a full moon at night, so awesome
I try to ride it at least 2 times a year Spring (before it is opened to cars) and Fall. Luckily it is close enough I can drive up on a day off. 👍
I was going to add that. I think that's the most "Alp-ish" one that I've done, and with the huge dropoff just 5' to the side for the whole climb...
Mt Tamalpais (especially from Fairfax, CA) is a stunning ride, especially when you get up high enough to see the Pacific ocean below you. Not as tall as Diablo, but longer and arguably more beautiful.
Having climbed both, Tamalpais wins hands down.
I love looking down at Mt. Tam, from Mt. Diablo, hehehe
I've ridden it once, from Fairfax , with snow at the top, and that bomber decent down toward SF and out along the coast by Stinson Beach and back up again and to Fairfax. Still think about it, amazing.
I ride both semi-regularly and strongly prefer Diablo. Better weather almost every time, and easier to get to from San Francisco.
Mt. Ummmmm rules all the summits in Bay Area bar none
Love the climbs in North Georgia, very glad you included one on this list!
Descending Brasstown Bald is not to be undertaken lightly. Don't remember any pro riders descending after that stage. Do remember someone being air lifted who unfortunately did not make it.
Great video Jeremy! Sadly there are another 20 climbs that could've qualified for that list but its so hard to narrow things down when the US is such a big country and the terrain can be so varied. Pikes Peak, Mauna Kea, Mission Ridge, Mt Hood, Guardsman Pass, Clingsman Dome, and the list goes on. Thanks for the video!
These are just a few of many of course! Thanks for your suggestions!
Yeah you right these two are soooo Epic
This is my problem with the list... It feels like his top ten (ridden by him) and not a US top 10.
No Hurricane Ridge (Olympic Peninsula in WA State) and no Haleakala in Hawaii? I mean, Heleakala is 10k feet over 35 miles starting at sea level! How could you miss this?
Mana Loa? (Misspelled)
This video was the 10 USA climbs.......for mortals, lol
I've done Mt. Diablo several times, and while it's a good climb, top ten seems overly generous. Plus, no mention of the tarantulas that grace the roads in hordes in the Fall! Common knowledge that Mt. Diablo is a huge mating location for tarantulas in September. Try descending without running over a few.
I'm disappointed that Hurricane Ridge along the Olympic Peninsula didn't make the list. You can go from sea level to nearly a mile in elevation in under 20 miles, and the scenery going up is incredible. I did it twice myself last summer and loved it so much I moved 800+ miles to a nearby town just so I could do it weekly (when it opens). Plus, you get the entire Olympic Discovery Trail as a bonus.
@oldkayakdude GCN's HQ is in the UK. Take that as you will (not intended as an attack if it came across that way)
Hurricane ridge!!! C'mon @gcn how could you skip that one?
My favorites: Teton Pass, WY, and Wolf Creek Pass, CO.
Sounds lovely!
Salt river pass or Teton pass? Teton pass would be terrifying.
@@BombedNevada Teton Pass, west-to-east on Wyoming 22.
Have you listened to Wolf Creek Pass by CW McCall while descending it?
Nothing in the Pacific Northwest. Such great cycling and people there.
And No Hawaii.
Both great spots! Sorry we couldn't include every climb!
Pac NW climbs, Larch mt, McKenzie pass, Wolf creek, and Brynwood rd in Portland are pretty heavy.
Don't remember the road names but some of those climbs around Port Angeles WA made me cry. Short and brutal. Until I went there I had no idea the Seattle Tacoma area had such great climbing.
Hurricane Ridge, Mt. Baker Artist Point, Chinook Pass, Rainy Pass in the North Cascades. So much good stuff in WA...
@@Issaquatch Mt Washington, N. Cascades Highway. Mount Rainier.
Northern Utah has some of the best cycling in entire USA 🇺🇸. Glad the secrets not out.
Until now!...
GCN staff members don't like going to a place where they have to buy booze from the ripoff government monopoly.
John McCall god bless the mormons 🙃
@@johnmccall6116 but empty roads on Sunday!!!!
Shut Up! :p
Beartooth Pass, Montana and Thompson Pass, Alaska are great climbs in beautiful settings.
It's nice to see the US get some GCN love. Teton Pass in WY (5.6 miles gaining 2,390’ at 8.1% average grade) provided a considerable amount of type 2 fun for me. The climb starts 6,142 feet above sea level which puts the rider above 8,500 feet at the summit.
Would be cool to see the best climbs/rides in each state... that'd make a cool series!
That would be a great series, 1 state a week would make it a year long!
@@gcn Or alternate European Country/area (depending on size) and states (or group of states in some rare cases)
Except some states don't have climbs worth mentioning (there are several where the highest point above sea level is less than 2000 feet/600 meters). But it would be great to expand this list. There is a lot of good climbing in the Ozarks, as well as several other areas of the country that weren't touched on.
dan buck The highest climb in Florida is like 300 feet or something. And yes, the Ozark/Ouachita mountains have good climbing. Mt Magazine from Havana takes close to an hour.
@@gcn get on it!
Here are a few to consider if you make another video: Cloud Cap in Crater Lake National Park, McKenzie Pass in central Oregon, Inspiration Point in Mt. Rainier National Park, Cayuse Pass (Washington), Hurricane Ride in Olympic National Park, McNeil Canyon in central Washington, and Washington Pass in the North Cascades National Park.
Vastly underrated to ride in but the unpredictable weather really doesn't want us there.....
second Hurricane Ridge, WA - 29k's from sea level all the way up to 5200'. And the views are stunning.
Mt Baker, WA gets a shout out too. The view at Artist's Point feels like you're in a painting.
GCN, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE: More like this. These are the videos we want to see. Read the comments - look at other great climbs people are talking about - research those - make the next installment. Rinse and repeat. 👍👍
Some of the climbs frequently featured in the tour of Utah at least deserve an honorable mention. Alpine loop, mount Nebo, snowbird (even better if you go all the way to Alta), empire pass, big cottonwood canyon, and powder mountain are all incredible. I also agree that Haleakala on Hawaii should get a mention (haven't ridden it yet). I also really loved some of the climbing at Crater Lake Oregon.
I'm glad Utah never gets mentioned on these types of videos. Canyons are getting too crowded here as it is. 😂
I'd love to see lots more cyclists in the canyons in Utah. Studies show that increased cycling volume improves driver behavior and all around safety.
no Haleakala? Sea level to 10,000 feet with unbelievable views and sights all the way up. Seems like a miss.
Haleakala is definitely on my list. Wish I would've done it last time I was on Maui.
That's a beauty...! 12,280' for 60kms at 7.2% avg !😜
100% right. This video is slip shod.
Yep. They should've called this Jeremy's Personal Top 10 in the Continental US.
No doubt. Mt Haleakala is considered by many to not only be the best in the US, but one of the best in the world, and he didn't even mention it.
Awesome Video!! Great to see some “local” feature climbs! CO NC and Cali could each easily have a top 10 list! I got to do Mt Mitchell last week but the last bit was gated off, regardless it was one of the coolest experiences ever on two wheels!
As someone who grew up right by mount Diablo and now lives in Santa Barbara...loved this
Love it, Jeremy! Glad you included Diablo!
Anytime!
@@gcn Bob Roll's moment of glory!
Mount Charleston climb, NW of Las Vegas. The thermo layers are a trip, when you ride it in summer!
Mount Diablo is my local climb, but I do the harder Northgate Road. 300 more feet of climbing, and a touch steeper.
Wish Jeremy would have mentioned, The Wall, at the end of Mt. Diablo.
E M hey just curious - can you bike up Diablo during the SIP? I’ve never done it but definitely have the time now
Have you ever did it as tge part of California Triple Crown series?
I'm lucky to live in California where a ton of great climbs are located. In the Owens Valley on the East side of the Sierra Mountains: Onion Valley, H orshoe Meadows, Whitney Portal, Rock Creek- most are listed in PJAMM. For some extra "sauce", do these rides in triple digit heat. Palomar Mountain and Nate Harrison Grade in San Diego also hurt. One my favorite climbs is climbing Haleaka Crater (Maui, HI) during a sunrise - EPIC!
I love the list, but Jeremy...the biggest road climb in the US--if not the world--Haleakala, Hawaii needs to be on this list. It is legendary. If you dip your tire in the water at Baldwin Beach (sea level) and go all the way to the top, you are doing 10,000 vertical feet of climbing. And the experience is even more legendary. From the smell and views of the ocean at the lowest point, to the tropical plants/goat farms/palm trees in the middle, to the moonscape of a volcano's fury at the top, you can't beat this climb. Plus, you might see a NENE as I did (look it up).
This isn't really a US top 10.
FYI, Solvang is Danish not Dutch
Denmark, Netherlands, what's the difference? ;)
Lol Phil Gaimon made the same mistake in his recent video about his home town in Georgia which has a Danish community near by.
@@siskokidd there a lot of difference like compairing mexicans with new yorkers
@siscokidd For a start, we Dutch people are proud not to have Bjärne Riis 😉
@@andreastellerup5989 I see your point.
Love the Massachusetts shout out! Mt. Greylock is absolutely stunning and the towns in western MA are quite beautiful! Great list!!
How about a contest for folks stateside, to win a contest by sharing inspiring photos of some of these other climbs listed here. Winner wins a Jeremy-guided tour of one of his favorites around Massachusettes. Never been there except briefly for the Boston Marathon.
Mt Lemmon in the summer heat! Phoenix local here, love that ride!
Sounds great!
The only climb I failed on...ran out of water. I'll need to start over more intelligently next time.
renegadetenor There’s a place to refill on the right just before palisades. Should be next to a trail head and a set of bathrooms.
I have climbed Mount Mitchell and Brasstown Bald. Excellent climbs !!! I'm glad to see that these made the list. Mount Mitchell is truly and epic climb. If you start the climb on the Asheville side (starting at the Folk Art Center), the climb is slightly harder and the views are amazing from there all the way to the top. The road is very smooth and bicycle friendly (The Blue Ridge Parkway). I highly recommend climbing Mount Mitchell starting at The Folk Art Center. The first part of the climb is 18 miles long (Craggy Pinnacle). The total distance from The Folk Art Center to Mount Mitchell is 32 miles. You get a few breaks during the climb between mile 18 and 26. The last 5 miles up to the top of Mount Mitchell has some very steep sections. This is truly one of the very best climbs in the USA and very scenic.
Was hoping to see some Utah climbs on here. Guardsman Pass, Powder Mountain (almost identical % and distance to Alpe d'Huez), Big Mountain/Emigration Canyon, Bald Mountain, and many, many more. This is a great list too. Looking forward to riding some
Can't believe he didn't include powder mountain. That thing brings months of nightmares before and after.
Seriously, Utah is flat with no beauty. Don’t waste your time GCN. It would be best if you didn’t include it in any of your best lists. Thanks, Cheers!
@@bradwood5994 anything in the north or south of Utah is gorgeous. Central Utah is pretty bland, but to say there is no beauty in all of Utah just says you have a lack of taste
@@bradwood5994 I see what you're doing here, Brad, and I'm all for it. Nothing to see here in Utah folks, move along... (:
Mount Evans Pro Tip: The road is closed to cars past summit lake after Labor Day weekend. You can assualt all the switchbacks without having to dodge car traffic too if the weather holds.
charles gould start from Golden!
Whiteface in the Adirondacks is pretty great
z.browning I was going to say this. It is this continents Alpe d’Huez.
I did this climb 4 years ago. It was the first climb of this size I've done since the early 90's when I was 50lbs lighter and vacationing in south France and north Italy near San Remo. It took me an hour and 20 minutes and was ruined!
haveallbeentaken you did it though
I love that you saved Mt. Greylock for last! For those that live in the North East add the Mt. Greylock Century Sportif to your training ride calendar.
It's certainly on our bucket list!
I’m grateful to live in Colorado!
Indeed: just went up Deer Creek Canyon from Chatfield reservoir before lunch on Wednesday.
Martin Voelker Deer Creek/High Grade is one of my favorite loops! Kudos
Wow, Mount Evans! The only one of the climbs here that I've ever been to (end of the 90's I think). By car that was. After getting into the car in a 30℃ downtown Denver, driving up this giant, seeing the trees slowly disappear, ears popping and ending up standing shivering in T-shirt and shorts on an actually frozen small lake in the mist was epic in itself.
I cannot imagine how a bicycle ride up would have been... I remember stopping at a lodge along the way to the top and sipping coffee we saw humming birds at the porch, first time for me. Great experience that was. I also loved Boulder with all the bicycle infrastructure, lovely town
Many drivers get dizzy with signs of altitude sickness, especially tourists from sea level, but even acclimatized Coloradans may not be immune. No shame in turning around.
On my bucket list is to ride my bike in all 50 states (I've done 6 so far). Thanks for giving me some destinations for several states. We need more of Jeremy and more USA content!
I raced the Bob Cook memorial My Evans Hill climb way back in 1987. I was 16 years old and I finished dead last. To this day, it is one of the most epic things I’ve ever done. One of the best days of my life. I rode for a little bike shop in Littleton CO called Bike Lovers Place.
Just because its not a place you’d expect a fun climb - Mount Scott in Southwest Oklahoma, literally in the middle of the Great Plains. Paved road to the summit - you’ll climb about 1,000 ft in just under 3 miles. Awe inspiring descent
Mount Whiteface New York. Awesome climb
This is one of the best GCN videos ever. Coleman Valley Road on the Sonoma County, California coast is a beautiful climb with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean at the top.
Nice work including Greylock. As someone who grew up in Shelburne Falls MA, the 80 mi (130km) out and back to the top of Greylock was done a few times.
I even happened to run into the A in JAM between Shelburne Falls and Conway while I was visiting from Melbourne AU in early April last year.
Glendora Mountain Road, Onion Valley Road, Teton pass, definitely favs too
Still no mention of Trail Ridge Road..
Teton pass is pretty epic!
Onion valley road should be counted. That s#!t is hard!
I'm pretty sure a section of Glendora Ridge Road crept into the Mt. Baldy video, so maybe he got to Baldy village by way of GMR, like the pro's did in Tour of California.
Brasstown Bald is a beast! So glad you guys recognized it as one of the great cycling climbs in the US.
Riding from Leadville to Independence Pass must be the most incredibly visually gorgeous climb in America. I've yet to do it, only drove it twice. But...wow! Hard to describe just how amazing that drive is.
So glad Mount Evans made this list. Just a gorgeous climb. Not as hard as Pikes Peak but much more enjoyable.
I cycled up Mt Baldy late last October when it was much cooler, nice climb, personally the section from Glendora on the Glendora ridge road to Mt Baldy village is lovely and I can't wait to get out there again.
Palomar Mountain's pretty sweet... 12 miles of around 7%, climbing 4000-something feet.
And with America's Finest City at its doorstep. Sagan likes North County San Diego too - had the Sagan Rodeo Fondo here last fall.
Missed the entire PNW and interior, hopefully another round of these awe inspiring videos can touch on places like Beartooth pass in Montana/Wyoming and Going To The Sun road in Glacier National Park along with so many more mentioned. I absolutely love finding new climbs I can travel to without having to take a plane or a week off of vacation but a long weekend absolutely!👍🙏
Dude!!! Your content is the best!!! Funny accent GCN is about to become yesterday!!! Thank you!!! Fresh new stuff. THANK YOU!!!!
Going to the Sun Road in Glacier and Hwy 198 from Three Rivers to Giant Forest in Sequoia are amazing climbs.
Diablo, Baldy, and Fig are all rides I have done and for sure are great climbs but I would be hard pressed to put them in a top 10 list of California climbs let alone for the country.
Pikes Peak in Colorado starting at Manitou Springs is near 8,000 ft of climbing in 25 miles, plus you get donuts at the end.
Sounds like a great ride!
Most delicious donut i’ve ever had! edit: donut(s)
+1 for Mt. Diablo! Best time ride it is in the winter and spring when everything is a lush green from the rain. Rode it last week and it was closed to cars because of the pandemic. Cyclists had the mountain all to themselves for once! The wildflowers were in bloom. In the summer it does get hot and dry here and everything is crispy so go ride early in the morning.
Need to add Sandia Peak, 13 miles of leg breaking excitement, and the view of the ancient volcanos can't be beat. Also right next door is Heart break hill with average grade I am told is 18%.
Awesome video! I live in the Caribbean after I moved from Europe, and the US cycling hotspots are unknown to us. This really helps me planning my next training holiday, keep those vids coming!
Thanks for including Diablo, one of my favorites! I do it every New Year's Day.
Whiteface lake placid! Nice view too!
Love that you included Mt. Greylock in the list. The road hasn't opened for vehicle traffic yet so get it while the going is good. Lucky enough that it's just a few miles from the front door. Spent about 10 years living in Wa. state and the 2 routes I enjoyed the most were Hurricane Ridge out in Port Angeles and the Sunrise road up Mt. Rainer. There's just something about turning a corner and seeing a field full of wild flowers and the glaciers of Rainer.
Amazing!
Those in SoCal who regularly climb Mt Baldy know about the three options for ascending and descending. #1 is the straight shot beginning on Mt Baldy Rd. Then there is the Glendora Ridge Rd option, which is longer, and more epic because of that leisurely gradient upward along the scenic ridgetop, and then there is the even longer Rt 39 option, beginning further west of the Glendora Ridge option. Even if the last remaining 4 to 5 brutal miles to the ski lifts are skipped, as long as you make it to Baldy Village, it will be a satisfying trip in the mountains.
Disappointed that one of my favorite climbs (when I was a student at UCSB) was not listed -- Gibralter Road from Santa Barbara to Camino Cielo and then to La Cumbre Peak. The view from La Cumbre Peak of the Channel Islands is fabulous and it's been a stage of the Tour of California.
I live in NC and have biked on many trails especially around Mt. Mitchell. You must check out and see if this is not one of the top uphills in America. I cycled for charity and our route was from Boone to Beech Mt and back. Well, the last two miles from Banner Elk to the top of Beech Mt. was the hardest climb of my life. Two hours to get up, 2 minutes to get down. Check it out
Glad you mentioned Mt. Mitchell, I was getting ready to post about it if you didn't! :) I daydream about traveling the world to climb some of the iconic climbs but really, I have one of the best just 3 hour drive from me
The first time I rode up Mount Diablo it was 101 degrees outside.
It’s a convection oven coming down:)
Jeremy Powers is enthusiastic and informative. Liked the add on information about cafes and local culture. Excellent Jeremy, but see you'll have to describe a lot more rides also. Look forward to that.
Cottonwood Pass is fully paved now. They finished paving it last year.
I road the 2015 edition of the Vermont Granfondo and got to experience the L.A.M.B - a brutal 4 gap challenge. The Lincoln Gap has North America's steepest paved mile - an absolutely crushing hill with 24% grades. Amazing views and fantastic scenery (and I came 2nd... they say it's not a race but we cyclists make everything into a race). It was an experience I will never forget - one of the best ever. Wanted to do it again this year but all has kaebashed due to C-19. Stay safe
Great selection, Jeremy! Another favorite, Mount Hamilton in California!! Front side and back side.
Great selection, GCN! I've had the privilege of having done a couple of these, including Mt Mitchell in the peak of fall and Mt Diablo, and these are incredible rides, but I have to say Mauna Kea is hands-down my all-time favorite! It rises from pretty much sea-level to 13000 ft. To keep things interesting, the last 2000 ft is all-gravel. It took me all day to make it to the top and literally and figuratively left me feeling like I was on top of the world! Next up on my bucket list will be Mt Washington 🤟🏽
Jeremy... You screwed-up !😁 ever heard of the Haleakala volcano climb in Maui...?! From sea level to 12,280' elevation, 60kms of beautiful asphalt at 7.2% until you get to the Nasa station (last km at some ridiculous gradient). The landscape changes every 2,000' : pinapple fields, sugar cane, fancy residences, cattle ranch + high grass, eucalyptus
forest, lunar landscape at the top with the most amazing view of the island, 44 switchbacks (Alpe d'huez eat your heart-out...). The "race to the sun", ask R. Hejdal about it...👍
NASA ?
Pretty sure it’s operated by the USAF. I went inside and did not see anything to NASA.
Mt. Greylock! Can’t believe it made the list but thanks! My hometown area. I’ll have to try Mitchell and Brasstown later this year.
In Southern California, San Gabriel Canyon Road (Calif Hwy 39) for 28 miles from Azusa to Islip Saddle, then right turn on Angeles Crest Highway (Calif Hwy 2) for another 5 miles to Dawson Saddle. It's a total of 34 miles and 7,800 feet of elevation gain.
Glad to see North Carolina on the list, the blue ridge parkway is a fantastic place!
Being a Mass. guy I'm glad to see two of our big climbs on the list. You should point out that climbing Mt. Washington is only doable before the mountain opens in the morning. I have friends who used to camp out and ride up and down before opening. And two friends who have top tenned the hill climb.
You did not visit the Aloha state and do Round Top/Tantalus. Good swithbacks and beautiful views. Only one on your list I did was Mount Mitchell and did it every time we went up to MTB. Always great to hop on the road bike and do Mount Mitchell.
Thank you, thank you for creating this video. Much appreciated and super helpful to build my bucket list. Keep up the great work
National Park climbs are great. Glacier Park and Rocky Mountain Park are two favorites.
Wow! I've never ridden in the US but I want to do all of those!! Great vid, Jeremy - thanks!
If you make the trip, keep in mind the US is a lot bigger than it looks on a map. ;-)
Great list J. I've ridden two of these - Lemmon and Diablo. Have to put some of these others on my list. Hawaii? It can be a whole separate video! 😀
The graphic in the background while presenting shows how far this channel has come in production quality
Great video! Figueroa is only a 17 mile bike from home and is a great ride!
Looks like your map shows Los Olivos to Happy Canyon.
One of the best has to be Highway 550. You start at sea level in Waimea Kauai and have stunning views of the Waimea canyon the entire way up 25 miles to pu'u o kila lookout at 5,100ft.
I'd trade out Solvang for Palomar Mountain the "Alpe du Huez" of America!
Yeah, really surprised that one didn't make it.
Once I saw Jeremy hosting, I knew there'd be Greylock! Great list.
Great video - could listen to Jeremy all day - inspiring thinking about riding these climbs one day
Here on Staten Island we have 2 famous climbs - the Bayonne Bridge and the Goethals Bridge.
If you're feeling particularly frisky, Mt Elbert, which is the highest peak in the entire rocky mountains (and highest in Colorado), and 2nd highest in the lower 48 is open to mountain bikes (19 of the 58 Colorado 14ers are open to mountain biking).
Going-to-the-sun-road is one of my best experience. Starting early in the morning to reach the top until 11am. But the view is awesome :)
I did the Bob Cook race in 1999. This boy from the lowlands had a lot of trouble with the altitude. Capped it off with my greatest quote of all time. I saw someone at the finish getting some oxygen and started to ask if I could have some. Passed out mid sentence but I got some really quick.
Dead Indian Pass and Beartooth pass offer stunning views, hidden away lookout points, and a wonderful challenge heading up and down the switch backs. As a recommendation, how about a similar video for best MTB and gravel climbs. Nothing beats untamed nature.
California Highway 74 from Palm Desert to Idyllwild, except when it snows. About 42 miles one-way, from 220 to 5,413 ft. elevation. If you don't like to ride downhill, you can walk along the Pacific Crest Trail down to Cabazon.
So cool you mentioned my home town Asheville. It'd be rad to take you guys on a cheaky ride. There are so many phenomenal climbs. Nice list of climbs btw.
Hello, Jeremy, excellent presentation. How about a Part 2? Come on up to the Northwest... Oregon has the Old McKenzie Pass that is only open for a few months a year. This is out of Sisters, OR. In Eugene (which I feel is the most under rated cycling spot in the nation) Wolf Creek, Shotgun Creek and McGowan are awesome. In ID, I really like the climb to Bogus Basin in Boise, ID. My favorite climb in WA (though, I only did it in a car, TBH) is to Mt. Rainier. Get out of CA a bit and come out to the Upper Left corner of the nation.
I'm sure we'll get a part two at some point!
I'm completely sold. Seen a couple of these on Phil Gaimons channel But not all of these that I recall. He should have hit them all surely!
Bridge to Bridge North Carolina ended at Grandfather mountain highest point on Blueridge Parkway, use to be an epic bike ride in September.
Definitely some that Im going to Bucket List" The one dearest to me will be when I go back home to Tucson In Nov for my 60th BD!! can't wait. :) Happy Climbing People!!!
Great video with amazing climbs. Keep more content like this coming! Awesome and thank you!
Ive done pikes peak in colorado which was amazing. I will definetly be back to try some of these
If you’re talking foliage, got to try some of our climbs in Vermont.
These all sound interesting, but the most life changing climb for me is Going to the Sun Road in Glacier national park. Highly recommended in the early season just as the plows are finishing. You have about a week to get there and do the ride with no vehicles on the roadway.
Near the top there will be snow walls on the sides of the road 10 to 15 feet tall, but the weather is usually great. 6646 feet at the peak. Some of the most stunning landscape I have seen anywhere in the world.
Old McKenzie Highway in Oregon opens to cycling, but the snow gates stay closed for another month. Awesome ride with zero cars.
Solvang is Danish, but it's a great video that really inspires me to ride all of these!