Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road

Statistics

Difficulty points	719
Length	6.5 mi
Average gradient	7.7%
Steepest segment	12.9%
Total ascent	2657 ft

Difficulty points

719

Length

6.5 mi

Average gradient

7.7%

Steepest segment

12.9%

Total ascent

2657 ft

Short recap

Hidden gem

11 hairpin turns

#55 toughest climb of California

#72 most elevation gain of California

Photos (3)

Reviews (1)

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6 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app

Nice climb out of Santa Barbara. Beautiful and challenging. I recommend going down Gibraltar Rd. Much smoother descent.

Climbing times

5 mph	01:18:44
7 mph	00:55:44
9 mph	00:43:26
12 mph	00:32:38

Road surface condition

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Traffic

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Frequently Asked Questions

Painted Cave can be cycled from 2 sides. Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Painted Cave via Stagecoach Road.

Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road is a challenging ascent. For this type of climbing, we recommend mountain gearing, specifically a compact system. This means a small front chainring of 34 teeth, combined with a rear cassette where, depending on your level, strength, and experience, you choose a sprocket with 30, 32, or even 34 teeth. Remember that a smooth cadence is always more efficient!

Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road is a first-category climb: long and tough. Do not underestimate this climb. Many famous Tour de France cols fall into this category. Prepare for a long, challenging ride. Only well-trained riders will reach the top smoothly. Make sure you have a road bike with climbing gears and enough training; otherwise, it will be a struggle.

Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road is 6.5 mi long.

The average gradient of Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road is 7.7%.

Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 12.9%.

The summit of Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road is at 2782 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 01:18:44 to climb Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road. At 7 mph the time is 00:55:44, and at 9 mph 00:43:26. For the fastest cyclists, 00:32:38 is an achievable time.

Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road is located in the region California in United States.

Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (3)

Reviews (1)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Painted Cave can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road?

How difficult is the Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road?

How long is the climb up Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road?

What is the gradient of Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road?

What is the steepest part of Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road?

How high is Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road?

How long does it take to cycle up Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road?

Where is Painted Cave via North San Marcos Road located?