Steep Climb Comparison

This shows elevation profiles for a few local hikes featuring steep climbs. They have been sized to the same scale for visual comparison. Grid lines are 200 feet. Scale - 1 pixel height per 6 feet elevation, 50 pixels width per mile (this means that the vertical is exaggerated by a factor of 17.6).

Willson Peak, Henry Coe SP.

Hunting Hollow entrance, up Steer Ridge Road, down via Willson Camp / Bowl Trail / Lyman Willson. Flat final mile along Hunting Hollow Road chopped off.

Steep bit - 1750 feet in 2.2 miles.


12345 6789
Alum Rock Park.

South Rim and Boccardo Loop. Approach from parking lot trimmed off.

Steep bit - 1000 feet in 1.5 miles.


12345 6789
El Sombroso, Sierra Azul OSP

From Lexington Reservoir, Priest Rock trailhead, return via Limekiln trail to rejoin Priest Rock.

Steep bit - 1000 feet in 1.4 miles.


12345 6789
Butano Loop, Portola SP / Pescadero

Up Portola Trail to Butano Loop Ridge Trail, back via Pomponio Trail. First quarter mile not shown.

Steep bit - 1250 feet in 1.9 miles.


12345 6789
Black Mountain, Montebello OSP.

From Rhus Ridge. Some altimeter drift is evident - this should be symettric.

Steep bits at beginning and near top, with fairly constant grade in the middle.


12345 6789
Chalk Mountain, Big Basin SP.

Clark Connector / westridge trail / Chalks road / Down to falls. 4 miles out to Waddell beach at the end chopped off.

Steep bits - Clark Connector, 900 feet in 0.9 mi. Westridge has several short sections of very steep grade, which you lose and regain a lot.


12345 6789
North Peak, McNee Ranch

Up fire road from Highway 1

Steep bit - 600 feet in 0.5 miles, with similar pitch near start.


12345 6789
Mission Peak

Up Peak Meadow / Horse Heaven from Stanford Avenue, down the heavily travelled fire road.

Steep bit - Horse Heaven, 1300 feet in 1.4 miles, particularly the initial part - 500 feet in 0.3 miles.


12345 6789