Good climbing in San Diego

[jbdmd]

Any suggestions for good long low traffic road climbs in San Diego area?

We are new to OB and can ride or drive out!

Thanks!!

[jschen]

How big a climb are you looking for? Along the coast, Torrey Pines grade (between La Jolla and Del Mar) is about 1.5 miles and 400 vertical feet. Climbing Mt Soledad (between La Jolla and Pacific Beach) gives you a somewhat longer climb (600-700 vertical feet depending on the route). If you want a steep route, go from the north side, up Hidden Valley and Via Capri. Farther east, Scripps Poway Rd offers a pretty long, modestly steep climb from Poway out toward CA-76 with wide shoulders all the way. If you're looking to climb for over an hour, there's always Palomar. (Hit it on a weekday or very early on a weekend to avoid traffic.) And nearby Mesa Grande has a leg burning stretch to tire you out some more if Palomar alone doesn't do the job.