Mere miles north of the smog and insomnia that defines the Los Angeles basin sits perhaps the most prime example — Mt. San Antonio, or as it is colloquially and more commonly referred to, Mt. Badly.

Nicknamed for the absence of trees near its summit, the majestic mountain rises above the Angeles National Forest to a peak of 10,046 feet, which marks the highest point in both the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles County. On clear days its oft-snow-capped peak dominates the skyline to the north, rendering the city’s man-made monuments diminutive by contrast.

Two paved arteries approach the peak before eventually converging. One stout and unforgiving, one scenic and unforgettable. Both iconic in their own right.

Serious riders on the hunt for a pure and potent climb aim for Mt. Baldy Road, while Glendora Ridge Road by way of Glendora Mountain Road provides a meandering route for the endurance inclined. Both have played host to some of the biggest names in cycling with repeat appearances in the multi-stage Tour of California.

The Mt. Baldy Road climb is among the most difficult in the region. Ascending first gradually and then almost vertically, with an elevation change of 4,600 feet over 12.7 miles, it contains segments that have drawn comparisons to the famed Alpe d’Huez.

Choose the picturesque Glendora Mountain Road route (better known to locals as GMR) to dilute your rate of ascension but, elevation evasion being a zero-sum game, you’ll pay it all back in distance.

Following the GMR route all the way to top you’ll cover approximately 27 miles and undergo an elevation change of over 5,000 feet.

After 10 miles of twisting upward on perfectly manicured bitumen, take the right side of the fork in the road to transition to Glendora Ridge Road. It’s here that the hum of motorsport hobbyists becomes a distant drone soon replaced by breathtaking panoramic views that will crane the necks of even the most pious watt watchers.

After a 12-mile traverse over the undulating ridge, just when you’ve consigned the City of Angels to oblivion, you’ll breathe in one last heavenly view of the now-distant metropolis before gliding into the town of Mt. Baldy and onto its eponymous road.

Baldy Village, as some call it, is a prohibition-era watering hole turned ski resort town. With its four 1952-installed lifts still operating, the vintage winter town comes alive in the snowy season. Come warmer days it feels more like the scene of a zombie apocalypse, only the army of undead are fully equipped with Garmins and Bonk Bars.

Should you find yourself low on rations, Mt. Baldy Lodge is the place to carb up. The perfectly preserved 1970’s alpine relic is frequented by cycling transients for its solid if straightforward breakfast fare but, if you plan to make it to the top, don’t weigh yourself down just yet. Instead, top off your bidons at the filling station out front and keep going.

For those who came to earn their stripes, the famed Baldy ski lifts, just under 5 miles up the road, mark the final destination but don’t be fooled by proximity. This last stretch of road will no doubt be the toughest part of your day. Take into account that you’re starting from an elevation of 4,200 feet and what energy you’ve already expended to get to this point and the matter is only compounded.

Ascending over 2100 feet in approximately 4.6 miles with an average grade of 8.6%, this final segment has served as the mountaintop finish for the Tour of California’s queen stage where it was officially dubbed a Hors Catégorie climb.

Between Icehouse Canyon and Manker Flats, you’ll find the infamous Baldy Switchbacks, whereupon the surrounding vegetation distinctly morphs, but most find it hard to notice or care as they rise over 1,000 feet in under 2 miles. Then, as if the thinning air weren’t punishment enough, the final approach ramps to an average pitch of 15% in what almost seems like a last-ditch effort to deter you from the prize at hand.

Your angle will level off markedly upon reaching the parking lot but continue on to the lifts to truly and fully culminate the climb. Once there, stop to catch your breath and appreciate what you have just accomplished. Snap a few well-earned shots to begin your own career as an L.A. cycling evangelist and if you’re up for even more elevation gain, take the lifts to the Top of the Notch Restaurant.

If you’re not in a rush to get back to the big city grind, choose GMR for your descent. With its broad sweeping curves, epic scenery and a perfectly cambered blacktop that lets you carve into each inside turn with confidence, it’s one you won’t soon forget.

That this precious terrain is a product of the geological fault lines running beneath it is incidental, but it bears mentioning if only to point out the irony —the very reason so many would never dream of putting down roots in this city is deeply intertwined with the very reason some would never dream of leaving. An idyllic blend of mountainous topography, urban energy, and sun-soaked coastline make it an unlikely playground for weekend warriors and other split-personality types. Is it perfect? Far from it. In fact, it sucks for a lot of things, but cycling just doesn’t happen to be one of them.

Read more about iconic climbs around the world in our Montagnes du Monde series.

CLAIM THE BADGE

VIA STRAVA

Footnotes: Photography by Tyler Isaccson // Video by Unbundled Underground