When I moved from Denver to Santa Monica back in April (2010), one of the first things to cross my mind – other than where I was going to live – was hoping there would be some decent size mountains to climb on my bike. I was in luck. Less than 5 miles north up the Pacific Coast Highway I found some killer climbs. While they lacked Denver’s mile high starting elevation, a couple sections presented some of the steepest paved grades I’ve ever found. If only I had a granny gear!
View Cycle Route – Santa Monica Mountains 3 in a larger map
After several months of riding, I’ve scoped out some decent 3-6 hour rides up in the Santa Monica Mountains. A few of my favorites are on this page. Be sure to check out the Rock Store – the local’s favorite hang out spot for bikers and motorcyclists on Mulholland Highway – and smile on the Rock Store Climb for the camera man! For now I’ve laid out these routes in Google maps, but eventually I’ll get them redone on Robin Thurston’s app – MapMyRide.com. On a side note, I took a spin class from Rob at the Colorado Athletic Club in Denver’s Tabor Center (downtown) before I moved west. If you are ever in town and need a workout, this newly remodeled facility is one of the best gyms in Denver (all it’s missing is a basketball court). If you need the court, head a couple blocks over to Forza…it’s pretty sweet too (and I’ve heard Melo stops by once and a while).
View Cycle Route – Santa Monica Mountains 2 in a larger map
The steepest grades on these maps are on a section of Las Flores Canyon Road and from the base of West Saddle Peak Road (2,100 ft) to the top of the mountain (2,700 ft) at the weather station.
Michael Murphy getting used to the California mountains, here on the Rock Store Climb and Mulholland Highway. Photo credits to Paul Herold and Jon Cossentine.
