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Top 10 U.S. Hill Climbs for 2016 - Part 3

You don't have to travel to the Alps or Pyrenees to experience the high cols. The U.S. has some of the most beautiful, iconic climbs in the world. Make sure you add one of these to your Bucket List.

4. Haleakala Volcano

Maui, Hawaii, June 25

Ride the Longest, Steepest Paved Road On Earth! Haleakala is arguably one of the world’s premiere climbs for cyclists. On the pacific island of Maui, Hawaii, the ride Cycle to the Sun, climbs 10,000 feet over 36 miles. It has an average gradient of 5.5% and rarely gets above 8% - but can reach gradients of 18%.

Hawaiian's named the mountain Haleakala, which means ‘house of the sun’. The crater at the summit was home to the grandmother of Maui, the demi-god after whom the island is named after. It starts at sea level and finishes up on top of the Volcano at just above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters).

Last year’s event attracted hundreds of international riders with the fastest men’s time of 2:57:59 set by Inui Tomoyuki of Sagamihara City, Japan, and fastest women’s time of 3:37:50 by Trina Van Dyck of Airdrie, Alberta.

The event is well supported, with three aid stations. The first near Kula Lodge, the second just outside the entrance to Haleakala National Park, and the last will be at the 8,000-feet.

There’s a post-race barbeque were the results and prizes are announced.

strava.com/activities/haleakala-ride-climbosaurus-volcanicus-8091278

Cycle to the Sun

Haleakala Volcano Maui, Hawaii, June 25

3. Pikes Peak

Colorado Springs, Colorado, August 13

The mountain is named in honor of American explorer Zebulon Pike and is a designated National Historic Landmark.

The Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb is one of the ultimate tests for cyclists as who compete on the same 20km legendary course that the automobiles and motorcycles use in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb every summer.

At an elevation of 14,115 feet (4,302m), Pikes Peak, is one of Colorado's 54 fourteeners, mountains that rise more than 14,000 feet (4,267.2 m) above sea level.

This year, it’s the home of the USA Cycling Hill Climb National Championship. There will be a timed Gran Fondo too, so anyone can enter!

strava.com/routes/291364

Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb

Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb, Colorado Springs, Colorado, August 13

2. Mount Washington

Gorham, New Hampshire, August 20–21

The Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the north eastern U.S and is known to be one of the toughest hill climbs in the world. It’s not the longest, but is one of the steepest – an intense effort is required just to keep moving.

Mt. Washington is the U.S’s equivalent of the legendary Italian climb of the Passo di Mortirolo, one of toughest and most feared climbs in the world, regularly used in the Giro d’Italia that brings a lump in throat to the most seasoned professional riders.

At 7.6 miles in length, it has an average grade of 12% with extended sections of 18% and the last 50 yards is 22%.

Every year, over 600 cyclists take on the challenge of the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb also known as Climb to the Clouds which raises funds for the Tin Mountain Conservation Center located in Albany, which promotes appreciation of the environment and dates back to 1973. It’s also one of the oldest automobile hill climbs in the country, first run on July 11th, 1904.

strava.com/activities/75448173

Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb

Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb, Gorham, New Hampshire, August 20–21