We recently published a list of some of mountain biking’s greatest descents, because it’s what we all look forward to. Gravity is fun… well at least it’s fun when our wheels are pointed down. But what about when out wheels are pointed up? Then gravity’s not so swell, is it?
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Ahh, but it can be. Mountain biking is an active pursuit and one of the many benefits it offers is great exercise, which is best achieved on the uphill leg. A great climb need not be just about exercise either, it can actually be something to look forward to for other aspects of the experience, whether it be scenery, technical challenge, or the chance to converse while riding.
So in the spirit of appreciation for all aspects of the sport, here’s a dozen of mountain biking’s greatest climbs; all segments which are worthy for their own sake, rather than just a means to get to the downhill.
Eldridge Grade Fire Road, Mt. Tamalpais, CA
Why start with a fire road on a list of great climbs on Singletracks? Because this is no ordinary fire road. It’s also what is left of riding in mountain biking’s birthplace.
The climb up Eldridge Grade on Mt. Tam in Marin County (outside of Fairfax, San Anselmo and/or Ross) is approximately 2,500 feet of climbing over approximately 6.5 miles. This old fire road winds up steadily through redwoods, bay, manzanita, and madrone forests, and will drip with fog or sting with sun depending on the season. Waterfalls and mosses in winter make the scene Middle Earth-like, and on a clear day, views of the greater San Francisco Bay Area open up suddenly around one then another bend in the road.
Though it is possible to encounter angsty hikers with their poles set to the aggressive mode, most of the traffic one sees on Eldridge is of the smiling variety, whether wearing hiking boots or biking shoes. Several (off limits) trails branch off of Eldridge, as do several other beautiful fire roads that provide access to different parts of the mountain. At the top, one hits the paved road for a couple hundred yards where at the peak there are restrooms, a snack bar in the summer, and the Gravity Car, a historic steam-powered rail car that used to transport tourists to the summit of Mt. Tam. A view spot with benches provides views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Coit Tower, the Pyramid Building, Muir Beach, Ocean Beach, Mt. Diablo, the San Mateo Coastline, and on a very clear day, the Farallon Islands. — Maureen Gaffney
Toro County Park, Monterey, CA
Get out of Marin and it’s easier to find bike-legal singletrack. Head south to Monterey and venture into Toro County Park and onto the Ollason trail for another Cali classic with sick vertical and killer views.
Straight up and killer steep in parts but sick views from the top. And Pipeline is what you descend and it rips. — Scott Cotter
Nice Kitty, Buffalo Creek, CO
Buffalo Creek has been famous for a long time as a mountain bike destination with plenty of both quantity and quality. There has always been plenty of climbing to be had, but no standouts until the creation of the Nice Kitty trail a few years ago. The roughly 1,200ft of elevation gain is consistently tough enough to keep the heart rate up, but never enough to force a reasonably fit rider off the bike. Throughout its length, excellent scenery and occasional techy bits will keep your mind off the pain of the climb. While Nice Kitty stands as a great ride of its own accord, it also opens up outstanding new loop opportunities.
Pet-e-Kes, Grand Junction, CO
Of the major trail networks that draw people to Fruita, the Lunch Loops is my favorite, mostly because it has the best technical trails in the area. It also has the area’s best climb. Pet-e-Kes would be a fun climb even if it didn’t deliver the rider to a host of awesome techy trails like Eagles Wing and Holy Cross. It is full of the area’s classic high desert topography and always holds the rider’s interest while pushing, but not exhausting aerobic capacity. An exceptionally well designed trail, this one has “uphill flow.”
Pinhoti Trail Part 1: Bear Creek, Ellijay, GA
A segment of the Pinhoti trail made an appearance in the previous article on best descents, and now this segment shows up as one for the climber. It’s a little bit of a cheat, since the segment has not one major climb, but a few shorter but significantly challenging climbs which, when combined, make for a great day for the upwardly mobile.
Put on your climbing boots, because P1 definitely has that! Has a few fun downs also and is a trail worth riding if you’re in the area!! — Peresite70
Muskrat Creek, Helena, MT
Muskrat Creek gives you five miles of continuous, relentless up–and you will have all to yourself within an hour of Montana’s capitol. The woods are gorgeous and go a long way to keeping your mind off the struggle of riding this grade without a break. It entices you with what new tree, bush, or wildflower may be around the next corner, and periodically puts you on your toes with challenging but navigable baby heads. If you can’t enjoy this climb, trade your bike for a downhill rig and get a lift ticket.
Click over to page two for 6 more cosmic climbs!
