Cycling's ultimate climbs: Is Mount Lemmon the best climb in the USA?

Climbs come in all different shapes and sizes. There are those that are viciously steep, like the Angliru in Spain. Some reach altitudes that leave you gasping for air, while others gradually wind their way through unforgettable landscapes. Then there are ones that are incomprehensibly long, seemingly climbing up into the heavens.

Mount Lemmon, in Arizona, USA, falls firmly in the latter category. At 45km in length, it’s a true behemoth, but it’s more than simply a long climb, combining length, high altitude, stunning scenery and racing pedigree into a package worthy of the ‘bucket-list’ moniker.

Like many before them, GCN’s James ‘Hank’ Lowsley-Williams and Ollie Bridgewood were recently drawn to the climb, and they think it’s definitely worth visiting. Here’s everything you need to know about one of America’s best cycling climbs.

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Distance and gradient

America is huge, like really big. Its nearly four million square miles of land is home to a diverse set of landscapes, and nestled among them are some of the best cycling climbs in the world. The country has everything and is a true cycling haven, so earning a spot in the list of the best climbs in the USA isn’t easy, but we think Mount Lemmon is more than worthy of a place.

At a glance, its 45km length is the headline figure. That’s someway shorter than the longest climb GCN has tackled - an accolade that goes to the barely believable 83km Wuling Pass at the Taiwan KOM Challenge, although the 81km-long Alto de Letras in Colombia isn’t far behind - but by any normal standards, it’s a seriously long climb.

That alone isn’t enough to make it stand out from the competition, but it offers so much more. Sure, the 5% average gradient is fairly tame on paper, but you won’t be thinking that when you’re 40km into the ascent. By that point you’ll be succumbing to the altitude which rises to nearly 2800m - that’s higher than the Stelvio Pass, one of Europe’s highest paved roads which has played centre stage to some of the most memorable and defining moments in Grand Tour history.

Completing the climb is a real challenge, an essential element for any great climb.

• Read more: The world’s hardest hill climb: Can Ollie Bridgewood complete the Taiwan KOM Challenge?

A paradise in the sky

The Stelvio Pass is also notorious for its stunning scenery, something Mount Lemmon also has in abundance. Its peak, which is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, is one of the many sky islands in the region; a term dubbed for the unique mountain peaks that rise out of the desert in this arid part of the world. Due to the altitude, these mountains are home to drastically different habitats to the sea of desert that envelopes them. They provide island paradises for many animals which wouldn’t be able to survive in the surrounding hostile environments.

Getting to its island peak is a rewarding journey that takes you through the transition from one habitat to the other. Saguaro cacti litter the landscape over the first miles, before giving way to the iconic hoodoo rock formations that jut out of the ground, defying gravity. As the upper slopes approach, attention is drawn to the stunning views of the surrounding desert vista and mountain peaks, and there are plenty of chances to take it all in at multiple viewing points - which will be more than welcome as the climb takes its toll on tiring legs.

While the views can be rewarding, the weather can be punishing, especially in the peak of summer. Temperatures reach searing levels, especially on the lower slopes, so be prepared. Once the region has entered winter’s grip, snow becomes the main obstacle - it gets so much snow that Mount Lemmon is home to a ski area, aptly named Ski Valley.

It’s generally best to avoid the height of summer when temperatures on the lower slopes reach their peak. Either side of this window is usually best, when temperatures are kinder. Whenever you choose to ride, make sure you’re prepared as the weather on the mountain can change quickly, and the temperature at the top will be much cooler than at the bottom.

Training roads of the pros

A punishing length and altitude with stunning views: Mount Lemmon has it all. The only thing missing from the checklist is historical pedigree. This is difficult for American climbs, which will always struggle to compete with European ascents, especially in recent years as the number of American WorldTour races have dwindled.

While it can’t boast an illustrious Grand Tour history, the climb is an integral part of American cycling culture. A who’s who of American cyclists have ridden the climb and it’s almost a right of passage, and it’s clear why. The climb’s steady but consistent gradients are perfect for training on, which is why George Hincapie used to toil up its slopes in preparation for the world’s biggest races.

At the time of writing, the Strava KOM is held by professional triathlete Lionel Sanders at only 1:14:35, while pro gravel rider Lauren De Crescenzo owns the QOM at 1:31:37 - although this is only the 34km route, and not the full 45km. If flying up climbs is your thing, those are the figures to aim for, but for anyone else, simply completing the ride is an impressive achievement rewarded with stunning views.

• Read more: Altro de Letras: the world’s biggest climb?

How to get to Mount Lemmon?

By now, we’re sure Mount Lemmon has bumped up some places in your list of bucket-list climbs. Ticking it off that list is made easier by the climb’s accessibility.

Acting as a good base, the city of Tucson is nearby and has an international airport. Most riders start their rides from the Le Buzz cafe on the outskirts of Tucson, where you can leave a car, and from there the summit is just under 50km.

For those who are travelling from afar and don’t fancy taking their own bike, Tucson is home to multiple rental companies, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding a bike for the climb.

What do you think - is Mount Lemmon one of the best cycling climbs in the USA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.