The Steepest Climb in Tucson

This is the steepest and most difficult-to-turn-the-pedals climb I have ever done. There were times when I was bent over the handlebars, panting like a dog, and not sure I could summon up the power to make the next few pedal strokes. And that was standing in a 34×32 gear.

Directions

From Le Buzz (at the intersection of Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde), ride up the Catalina Highway to the second 4-way stop at Snyder Road. Turn right and ride for 1 mile to the 4-way stop at Soldier Trail. From the Soldier Trail intersection, ride 0.4 miles further east along Snyder then turn left on N. Avenida de Suzenu.  Follow this for 0.3 miles until it deadends at Horsehead Road. Turn right and bypass the gate on its left side. Follow Horsehead Road east for about 0.6 miles until it sort-of deadends at N. Wentworth Road (there is a section of dirt road but it’s easy to ride.)

The Ride

The climb is short – only about 0.8 miles – but incredibly steep and sustained. There’s a sign that says the road is an easement and only residents and their guests are allowed up the road, but no one complained when I rode it.

Turn left onto N. Wentworth Road and ride for about 0.8 miles up the ridiculously steep road, past several seemingly forgotten building sites, past the solitary house on the hill, to where the road ends at the thank-god-it’s-flat section where the pavement ends.

Links and Other Clicks

Other rides around Tucson

Other Cycling Pages