Mount Baldy - New Mills Avenue, Claremont

The Mount Baldy climb is one of the most difficult in the LA Area with 4600 feet of climbing in 13 miles. The last five miles are extremely steep with an average of over 8% and some 15% sections. Start: Mills Road and Mt. Baldy Rd. in Claremont. This climb can be described in two sections - like Palomar Mountain. The first section is eight miles to the intersection with Glendora Mountain Road with a 6% average. The harder part starts here with 4.6 miles of climbing at an average of 8.6%. The road surface on the top part is very poor with very tight switchbacks. Alpe dHuez Comparison: If you start at mile 3.83 (near the intersection with Mountain Ave at the top of the reservoir), the climb is 8.8 miles with an average grade of 7.6%. Alpe dhuez is 8.8 miles with a 7.9% average. This is about the closest thing in Southern California that you can compare in length and steepness to Alpe dHuez. However, if you start at mile 5 near the first tunnel, the climb is 7.6 miles with an 8.2% average. The last few miles of this climb are more dificult than most of Alpe dhuez.

The Mount Baldy is situated in California and belongs to the San Gabriel . Starting from New Mills Avenue, Claremont, the Mount Baldy ascent is 20.7 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1469 heightmeters. The average percentage thus is 7 %.

Are you planning to climb the Mount Baldy? Here, you find all the information to train to climb the Mount Baldy successfully.

Look for other sides to climb the Mount Baldy.

Story by Todd from San Gabriel, United States, submitted on 08/10/2011

I ride up Baldy a couple of times a month, but never went all the way to the ski lifts until yesterday. This ride will really test your physical and mental toughness. The switchbacks are difficult, but I found the last 1/2 mile to be a beast. Be careful in the tunnels going up (you should have a blinking light so the cars can see you). Never had any problems with the motorists.

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Story by Paulo Pontes from Sao Paulo, Brazil, submitted on 07/12/2011

Very hard climb! I''ve did Létape du California and had this climb at the end! The last 4 miles are soo hard, you need to be focused and keep pedaling! I''ve had a 34x27 and that was ok!

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Story by Pierre Larsen from San Luis Obisbo, United States, submitted on 26/09/2010

The best climb in California!!!! Classic!!!!!!!!!!!!!world class. Lost 5lbs during ride. scenic. thrilling. A real challenge.

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Story by wolfstar from , United States, submitted on 18/10/2008

I was riding along this route twice in Sept and Oct. It was tough but I really enjoyed the ride. Only thing I hate is the first 3 miles of descending on those switchbacks, have to brake all the way. I will be riding this route every weekend. Highly recommended

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Story by Jim from Rochester, United States, submitted on 07/10/2008

This is a good climb, but the road is not in the best of shape and some of the local motorists make it a pain. I was harassed by punks both on the way up and the way down. They lean out of the car as they approach from behind at low speeds. Then they either scream at you or try to knock you over. Do I really need that?

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