Old La Honda Climb Guide: The Bay Area Benchmark

Ask a Bay Area rider how fit they are and they may answer with an Old La Honda time. For decades this quiet road up to Skyline Boulevard has been the local benchmark climb.

The numbers

• Start: the stone bridge just west of the junction with Portola Road.
• Top: the stop sign at Skyline Boulevard.
• Length: about 3.4 miles (5.4 km).
• Average gradient: about 7%.
• Steepest: about 15%, steeper on the inside of the switchbacks.
• Climbing: about 1,290 ft (393 m).

Climb figures differ a little from source to source, depending on where each one starts and stops the clock. Where they differ, we give a range or say “about”.

Why it’s famous

It’s narrow, shaded by redwoods and has little traffic, which makes it ideal for timing yourself. Bay Area riders have compared times here for years, and it was the first US climb added to Zwift’s Climb Portal, so you can ride a version of it indoors too.

How to ride it

• Take the outside of the bends: the inside of each switchback is the steepest line.
• Ride it often: a short climb you can repeat is the best way to track your fitness.
• Be polite: it’s a narrow road, so ride single file when cars come.

The Strava segment

There’s a segment for this climb, and plenty of riders judge their day by where they land on it. Set an honest time on your first go, without blowing up, then come back and beat it. It’s short enough to go hard all the way. The King and Queen of the Mountain crowns are for the very fastest; for most of us the real target is a personal best.

Riding indoors? Read what to wear for indoor cycling.

What to wear up it

Make your benchmark look good. Our Climbs jerseys are drawn from the mountains: the Mont Ventoux Mistral, Contour and TOUGH After the Climb. Each is made to order, with free personalization.

More climbs: famous Strava climbs.

Strava is a trademark of Strava, Inc. Corbah isn’t connected to Strava; this is our own guide.