Photos courtesy of the Rapha Continental
Considered by many to be one of southern California's toughest climbs, the climb up Palomar Mountain via South Grade Road averages 6.5 percent and gains approximately 4,300 feet over 12.5 miles. This clockwise, lollipop loop departs from Pauma Valley and warms up on the climb up CA-76 before turning up South Grade Road. Lined with trees, South Grade challenges riders with an imposing 7-percent grade over a series of relentless switchbacks. The route tops out on East Grade Road, and then traces the spine of Palomar on a winding descent past Lake Henshaw before zipping down CA-76 back to Pauma Valley.
TO TRAILHEAD: This route begins and ends in Pauma Valley at Wilderness Gardens park.
