Palomar Mountain - San Diego SR76

The climb to the top of Palomar Mountain Road is 12.5 miles if you start in Pauma Valley on State Route 76. The ascent starts on SR 76 just west of Valley Center Road. The climb is made up of two distinct sections. The first section on SR 76 is 5.8 miles and the second section on Palomar Mountain Road is 6.8 miles. Palomar Mountain Road is also known as South Grade Road. There is a flat section of approximately 1/2 mile between the sections. The climb on Palomar Mountain Road is often compared to Alpe dHuez. Both have 21or so switchbacks and the mountains are similar in elevation. Palomar has more pine trees at the top, but there are no Alpine glaciers nearby. Alpe dHuez is a bit longer and much steeper. However for Southern California standards, this is one of the best climbs around.

The Palomar Mountain is situated in California . Starting from San Diego SR76, the Palomar Mountain ascent is 20.4 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1315 heightmeters. The average percentage thus is 6.4 %.

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Story by Lionel from , United States, submitted on 09/04/2011

Rode Palomar from the Casino. Good place to park. Great climb with some traffic on the lower part and less going to the top. Some reprieve about half way up when you turn off towards the summit. Beautiful views. Good pavement.....fun downhill on the return. There is a store at the top to get a drink and a snack.

My personal climb rating:

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