163. Palomar Mountain. 76 miles, 7618 ft el, 100 ft/m


0.0 L Via Vera Cruz
0.5 L Grand
0.5 R Las Posas
1.0 R Mission
2.6 L Vineyard
3.0 R Vineyard
3.9 R Mulberry
4.2 L Borden
5.8 L Country Club
6.0 R Country Club
8.2 R Ash
9.7 L El Norte
12.6 L Valley (S6)
13.5 R Lake Wohlford
21.5 R Valley Center (S6)
26.5 R Hwy 76 - Pala
31.7 L S Grade Palomar Mtn
38.3 L E Grade
38.4 U market U-turn
38.4 R E Grade
38.4 R Palomar Mt
45.0 R Hwy 76 - Pala
50.2 L Valley Center (S6)
55.2 L Lake Wohlford
63.1 L Valley (S6)
63.5 R El Norte
67.6 R Broadway
69.1 L Country Club
71.1 R Country Club
71.2 R El Norte
71.4 L Woodland
72.7 R Mission
75.8 L Las Posas
76.2 R Grand
76.3 R Via Vera Cruz
76.9 R OCRR

The climb up Mt Palomar is the one great mountain climbs in San Diego. Lance does it on a single speed. 5000 feet in 11 miles makes it good preparation for your next bike tour of the Alps! The descent is a classic mountain high-speed technical descent.

Attention to weather will make or break your enjoyment of this climb. The ascent is unbearable in the heat, and the descent is unbearable in the cold. Check the forecast for Palomar Mountain before you go.

Under 60 degrees - bring a jacket, long finger gloves and knee warmers. Nice extras would be a balclava, insulated gloves, and an insulated jersey. Pack them on your back or tie them under your saddle. Otherwise, plan on violently shivering on the descent, and losing all feeling in your hands. Research hypothermia.

Over 80 degrees - bring extra water, as there is none between the Taco Shop and Mothers Kitchen. Much of the climb is in direct sun. Research heat exhaustion. Low salt levels from sweating is also a problem. Salt takes a long time to absorb, and like food and water, if you wait until you are suffering to ingest, then it is too late. Salt up: Eat salty food the day before your climb, and research hyponatremia.

There are multiple cattle grates on the climb. Go over them quickly and straight ahead. They are uncomfortable, but your bike can handle it.

Weekends see many pocket rocket motorcycles racing the South Grade. They can easily avoid cyclists as they have to also watch for rocks strewn in the road, but they make a peaceful climb unpleasantly noisy.

The East Grade is much quieter. Weekdays and rainy days are much quieter. Returning to civilization, you may prefer climbing the quieter Cole Grade over the gambling rush to the casinos on Valley Center Rd.

The climb ends 20 minutes after your legs have turned to mush.