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2026 Mt Baker Hill Climb Registration Opens

The Mt Baker Hill Climb in Washington is the Ultimate Bucket List Hill Climb in the USA. It sells out every year, so you’d better enter early! Limited Places!

2026 Mt Baker Hill Climb Registration Opens

There are some experiences that should never be missed as a keen cyclist. The Mount Baker Hill Climb in Washington on September 13, 2026 is one that’s become a legend in its own right. It should be on the Bucket List of every respectable cyclist at some point in their lifetime, especially those who love climbing.

It might not be the highest, longest or hardest climb in North America, but it’s definitely the most scenic, the most fun - with no traffic. Every year this over-subscribed ride lets 450 lucky cyclists have the opportunity to climb 4,462 feet over 22 miles, from Chair 9 Pizza in Glacier to the summit at Artist Point 5,076 feet above sea level.

The course follows Mt. Baker Highway (SR542), known as one of the most scenic paved roads in the country. This rare opportunity to ride a closed course offers breath-taking views, steep climbs and winding switchbacks for an unforgettable test of endurance and grit.

Great views, fresh air, tough climbs. With steep elevation and several switchbacks, this ride is not for the faint of heart, but the views are stunning. Experience the agony and the ecstasy!

Makara, Snover and Parrish take overall titles at 2025 Mount Baker Hill Climb

There’s multiple categories to suit all abilities. Those who want to challenge themselves, those who want to race and those who just want enjoy view and every hairpin.

Start 7:00 am – Social Riders (e-bikes welcome)

Start 8:00 am – Recreational Riders

Start 8:30 am – Competitive Racers (eligible for awards)

For competitive racers, the overall winner of female, male, and non-binary will receive a custom award. They also award custom medals for the top three finishers in each division based on these age categories: Ages 18-29, Ages 30-39, Ages 40-49, Ages 50-59, Ages 60+ and Ages 70+, with awards issued when a minimum of 5 racers are registered in a gendered age category.

The Mt Baker Hill Climb in Washington is the Ultimate Bucket List Hill Climb in the USA.

To ensure rider safety, State Route 542 (Mt. Baker Highway) will be closed to all traffic on Sunday, September 13, 2026 during the following times:

- 7:00 am to 9:00 am – from Snowater Road to Artist Point

- 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – from Canyon Creek Road to Artist Point

Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel in the area. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the local community in helping make this event possible.

In 2025 in the race category, Chris Parrish from Bellingham was fastest overall in a time of 1:21:44 ahead of Casey Bloomer from Mount Vernon 10 seconds behind in second place ahead and Ian Fay from Bellingham 13 seconds behind in third place. In the women's race, Ellexi Snover was fastest in 1:28:20, ahead of Sam Dore 16 seconds behind in second place and Alesha Miller 39 seconds behind in third place. Jodie Makara won the non-binary category in a time of 2:08:39.

Overall winners Jodie Makara, Ellexi Snover and Chris Parrish took away custom awards, featuring a mini topo map the entire 22.4 mile, 4,462’ elevation route.

Overall winners Jodie Makara, Ellexi Snover and Chris Parrish took away custom awards, featuring a mini topo map the entire 22.4 mile, 4,462’ elevation route.

Phil Gaimon holds the record time of 1:14:42 set in 2023. No one broke his record in 2024 and 2025, it will be tough to beat!

Phil Gaimon holds the record time of 1:14:42 set in 2023.

The Mt Baker Hill Climb has earned top 10 recognition by Gran Fondo Guide, ranking #1 Hill Climb in the U.S. in 2025, #2 Hill Climb in the U.S. in 2019 and placing #8 in 2025 for best Gran Fondos in North America and placing #6 in 2026 for best Gran Fondos in North America.

Accommodation

Mount Baker has list of recommended places to stay near the start line and nearby in Bellingham, WA.

Register NOW to Secure a Place

Secure your spot for this challenging and scenic ride up Mt. Baker. Register today and join them for an unforgettable ride!

Places are limited to just 450 places. The event has sold out for the last 4 years in a row and was over-subscribed with a wait list of over 100 cyclists in 2025.

Make sure you register now to secure a place!

For more information, please visit: https://bakerhillclimb.com

 
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