Top Bike Climbs in the United States

In his book The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), John Summerson gives a great overview of the 100 hardest climbs in the United States (the majority of which are located in California, by the way).

He developed his own rating method, which is similar to the method used in this website, with additional adjustments for altitude, grade variability, and road surface.

[At 14,000 Feet]

Below is a brief summary of the top climbs. The book covers additional categories as well as many more climbs with relevant details.

Most Difficult Climbs:

1) Mount Washington, NH
2) Mauna Loa, HI
3) Haleakala, HI
4) Mauna Kea, HI
5) Onion Valley, CA
6) Horseshoe Meadows, CA
7) White Mountain, CA
8) Sherman Pass, CA
9) Whitney Portal, CA
10) Mount Evans, CO

Greatest Elevation Gained:

1) Mauna Loa, HI - 11,091 feet
2) Haleakala, HI - 9,997 feet
3) Mauna Kea, HI - 9,117 feet
4) Mount Evans, CO - 6,590 feet
5) Horseshoe Meadows, CA - 6,234 feet
6) Mount Lemmon, AZ - 6,222 feet
7) 190, CA - 6,199 feet
8) White Mountain, CA - 6,160 feet
9) J21/245/180, CA - 5,750 feet
10) Grand Mesa, CO - 5,622 feet

Highest Elevation Attained:

1) Mount Evans, CO - 14,127 feet
2) Trail Ridge Road, CO - 12,197 feet
3) Cottonwood Pass, CO - 12,126 feet
4) Independence Pass, CO - 12,095 feet
5) Loveland Pass, CO - 11,992 feet
6) Hoosier Pass, CO - 11,541 feet
7) Slumgullion Pass, CO - 11,530 feet
8) Berthoud Pass, CO - 11,356 feet
9) Fremont Pass, CO - 11,320 feet
10) Monarch Pass, CO - 11,312 feet

See also Top Bike Climbs in California.

Labels: Cycling-Related Posts