10 Best Climbs In The World

[@gcn]

Which climbs are on your "best climbs" list? 👀 Which of the ones we mentioned have you ridden? 🚵‍♂ Let us know!

[@bernardwatts5339]

Climbed Stelvio and Giau from the easier other side. Some in Friuli and Slovenia (Mangart) worth a mention. On my bucket list Colle del Nivolet

[@andreagasparoni8515]

I'm italian, and I climbed twice Passo dello Stelvio (once per side) and four times Passo Giau (twice per side). Last summer I climbed Passo Gavia and I was amazed by the beauty of both climb and landscape. 😍

[@headofmyself5663]

Kitzbüheler Horn, although I didn't dare yet, since it is so brutal. I think it was part of Tour of Austria a few times.

[@phil4455]

It’s in Wales, but the Bwlch y Groes from Dinas Mawddwy side, brutal climb through fantastic scenery.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

I did Stelvio, Furka and Bonette in 1990 with a 39:26 "small" ratio, bikepacking gear and, can you believe it, rim brakes. Bonette started at sea level in Nice. Not on the list, but I did Pico Veleta in 1989. The road goes up to almost 3400 m.

[@xum-26]

Furka pass with some view of the Gotthard Pass (tremola road ) ?! Come on GCN...

[@nuggunu]

well at least it's nearby 🤫

[@FredrikGranlundkayaker]

@@nuggunu 😂

[@TonyDOGMAF]

Hello from Austria. One of the most beautiful climbs in Europe is the Colle del Nivolet in Italy.

[@lionelmages1055]

Mt Ventoux is clearly missing

[@gcn]

Sounds like we should make a part 2?

[@jeroenimus7528]

​@gcn definitely, how could you have missed the iconic Ventoux? I admit I'm a bit prejudiced though as I haven't yet had a chance to ride the others.

[@neilmdon]

A friend of mine said at the top “that was a once a lifetime experience”

[@TheGozzeh]

Member of the club de cinglés here... Best day of type 2 fun ever had 🤣

[@johanneskleiser7319]

Showing the cobbles of the Gotthardpass when talking about the Furkapass and missing Mt Ventoux. Try again maybe?

[@syned84]

Great video! I’ve done some of the climbs from the list, and the rest are definitely on my bucket list. Here are some of my other favorites: 1. Teide climb from Playa San Juan - My favorite side of the volcano. The climb is very long but not too steep, with changing landscapes and tremendous views. 2. Masca - The ultimate sufferfest and the jewel of Tenerife. 3. Cormet de Roselend - A much more beautiful and less busy climb than its more famous neighbor, Col de l’Iseran. 4. Sellaronda - I can’t pick just one climb here; they’re best tackled together, either clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. 5. Serra da Estrela - A 22 km climb with 1,500 m of elevation gain to the highest point of continental Portugal, and one of the most beautiful lesser-known climbs in the world. 6. Valley of Tears on Gran Canaria - No comments needed. If you know, you know.

[@gcn]

thanks for the list!

[@Mark-hn5bm]

One day before I get too old I hope to ride these European climbs. Only once have I ridden in “Spain” which was Tenerife. I recall Mt. Teide was quite challenging. Here in the northeast United States, I partake in the Mt. Washington hill climb in New Hampshire each year. An absolute beast. 12 km at an avg of 12%. With ramp at end 22%.

[@dominikjanovsky7616]

Mangart, Slovenia.

[@jkotvis]

In my top 5 most beautiful climbs out there. Quite steep too 😅

[@TonyDOGMAF]

Mangart is amazing

[@wordmunger]

Independence Pass, Colorado is amazing! Tops out at 3,687 meters with over 1,200 meters of climbing.

[@toozydude2]

Meiringen to Grosse Scheidegg has to be one of the best. Almost no cars and alpine glacier views. I have done 5 of the the 10 in the list too ;)

[@hammer2708]

Agree with this one - my favorite of them all (having done most of the European ones from the video)

[@charleskolthoff785]

As an older rider: Haleakala with a variety of micro-climates going from sea level to over 10,000 feet. Great views, a rain forest, and at the top the eroded crater of the volcano.

[@CalebChapman12]

Agreed, how do they not have this

[@tootsgrande]

Luz Ardiden - virtually no traffic Col d'Izoard - simply stunning Colle delle Finestre - its mental even before you get to the gravel bit, then it is double mental!

[@JonCannings]

I've always wanted to visit the Transfagarasan Highway!

[@mellowdrifter]

I've climbed Alto de Letras. What an awesome day!

[@bivani]

Last summer we did the Albula pass in Switzerland. One the best views I have seen I recomend it to everyone.

[@FredrikGranlundkayaker]

Albulapass is definitely in my top 10!

[@olivierlablee5901]

Also Col du Galibier, Col de l'Iseran ...

[@shaun7163]

Sorry Conor, I can't climb a single one of them right now, I'm knackered!

[@rigobertogomez25]

Loved the video. More like this one, please. Connor, what a great presenter you are. Cheers from Honduras, dude 🪳🪳🪳

[@gcn]

thank you so much for the support!

[@glenquinn7561]

Rode the stelvio last year from Bormio,a fabulous day out

[@gcn]

We love to hear it! 🚵‍♂

[@johnnybosh2716]

El Teide is missing

[@Kandid3000]

I did Stelvio last summer. A Million motorcycles passed me with roaring engines and clouds of exhaust fumes. And in between lots of cars. The scenery was great and it was a good workout but with all that traffic one must choose carefully when to go.

[@mumm-ratheeverliving3138]

Did Mt. Lemmon last year after El Tour de Tucson. I’m hooked on this type of ride. Time to get my passport renewed and check the rest of these out!

[@252Scooby]

Mr GCN I think you need to do a video on top climbs of Britain as most of us will never get the chance to ride these abroad thanks

[@gcn]

Good point, but what about the people who aren't in Britain? 😉

[@r0sco_1]

@@gcn Then they'll know where to go WHEN they visit 😀

[@clarklowe5632]

USA has quite a few amazing climbs. I recommend Hawaii Mauna Kea (Hilo to peak 4,192m) and Haleakala (3,069 m). Colorado Mt Evans and Pikes Peak. California Horseshoe Meadow Rd. and White Mountain. All of these are more iconic climbs than Mt Lemmon.

[@BeachSoccerRESTELO]

Great selection! Other good candidates could be Berninapass, Mortirolo, Gavia, Kaunertal, Grosse Scheidegg, Grimsel, Galibier or Vrsic... but we would have to close the list at some point 😂

[@vosch8229]

Not the hardest or longest, but the Col du Glandon near Alpe d'Huez is LOVELY!

[@pitichau]

Hi, great to have a ranking of the top climbs around the world. I would like for you to consider adding Yolosa - La Cumbre YLC, in Bolivia... The climb is only 88 Km but with a net gain of 4.824 m. Staring at 1.200 m in the amazon (Yolosa), climbing across the dead road reaches La Cumbre, and then Chacaltaya summit in the Andes at 5.300 m above sea level. Definitive a high altitude climb and probably the hardest in the world. (The road is suitable only for Gravel and MTB)

[@pavelhornicek554]

Nice video GCN. Colle del Nivolet is missing😎

[@bassmanbob2189]

Rather than the Furka Pass, I would have chosen the St. Gotthard Pass. Or better yet- Both, considering they connect at Hospental. I climbed the St. Gotthard Pass from Airolo to Hospental, then drove the Furka Pass. I wish I had time that day to do both, but I’m glad I did the St. Gotthard if I had to do only one. Stelvio Pass is on my bucket list.

[@alistairbannerman8528]

In fairness to them most of the footage they showed for the Furka was actually of the Gotthard, so they apparently agree.

[@kylemandy5477]

Colle del Nivolet is by far the most beautiful climb I’ve done, especially above the two lakes. The Agnel should also be on your list.

[@garyhocking6947]

Mont Ventoux

[@markjthomson]

Very cool. Visiting Europe in May, will do Alpe d'huez as my first climb, heading to Switzerland and hope to do the Furka Pass and St Gottard pass while I'm there.

[@SLR01274]

Don't do those climbs. They're full of horrible traffic, and you won't enjoy it as much as the lesser known but far quieter and more beautiful climbs. Do Grosse Scheidegg and Engstelensee instead of Furka/Gotthard.

[@caseychiro84]

Pikes Peak Brother 14,120 ft if you can handle the grade your lungs will be screaming with the Altitude !

[@trevejenkyn9888]

Mt Hotham in Australia the highest paved road in Australia is a must 1275 mts climb its magic

[@massipast]

- Colle del Nivolet - Teide - Pico de las Nieves - Mont Ventoux

[@jeffreyreed6056]

You should go to Xiamen, Fuzhou, China, amazing climbs!!

[@BenKickert]

I clicked on this and before it started I said to myself, "If L'Angliru isn't on the list I am unsubscribing." Excited to see it listed first!

[@gcn]

L'Angliru is a classic! ❤

[@alessiobottura5593]

Did the same wirh Mortirolo. And it's not there. UNBELIEVABLE

[@BenKickert]

@@gcn Absolutely! In my opinion, the best climb in the Grand Tours. Obviously Alpe D'Huez is the classic, but give me the Vuelta option every day.

[@neppuc]

Great vid! I only did 3/10 so far, so the other 7 will be added to my "to go"list, thanks

[@gcn]

Glad to hear that! Which 3/10 did you climb?

[@Chrisblottphoto]

Well that was pure torture, it's cold and icy outside and it is months before I can hope to ride any of these (again). Thanks, I think.

[@grahamenettleton]

Mont Ventoux. Of course !!!!

[@RL-jg7iq]

The Sustenpass in Switzerland is amazing and should be on every cyclist’s to-do list.

[@kylemandy5477]

Depends which side you are referring to. West maybe, east no.

[@SLR01274]

Definitely not, unless you like being passed by motorbikes the whole way.

[@afrarods09]

Pico do Areeiro at Madeira island is a big miss on your list. You should try it and see for yourself.

[@MykeArtMusic]

Ventoux is legendary (live near) and Colle delle finestre incredible also !

[@jeroenimus7528]

The Bealach na Ba deserves a mention as well. If it's not the gradient, it might be the gorgeous views which tempt you to stop at each turn.

[@gcn]

Absolutely! Would you say it's your favourite climb?

[@jeroenimus7528]

@gcn it's the one highest on my todo list. I climbed Bealach Ratagan and Coulindune a dozen times each when living in Glenelg, unfortunately Bealach na Ba has always been just out of reach (without being able to start closer to the foot) for my fitness level at the time.

[@bronzechicken1030]

It doesn’t quite have the elevation of the others, but I’d have to shout out Gibraltar climb in Santa Barbara, California! Absolutely stunning views of the ocean and interior range, about 1060m or 3500ft of climbing and it starred in the tour of California, back when that ran.

[@stanisinjo]

Mount Lovcen climb from Kotor in Montenegro...when you ride it, you'll know 😉

[@jeffj7731]

The views!

[@gcn]

this sounds like we need to make a visit!

[@02foolofatook]

Is this the outrageous Kotor Serpentine? I'm planning on doing it this year.

[@jeffj7731]

@@02foolofatook yes. But when you think you’re done you have to continue for awhile to get to Lovcen.

[@nerut2029]

I think that the Roque de los Muchachos in Canary islands is missing here, because the climb is 40km long and have an elevation gain of 2500m. I know that it is an not really famous climb but if you will do an video about it, it can gain some popularity.

[@gcn]

great suggestion!

[@orbifold4387]

Nice list! I'd substitute Colle de Nivolet (Italian side) for Alpe d'Huez. Or any of the climbs in "100 Cycling Climbs Better Than Alpe d’Huez" in the Cycling Challenge website 😁

[@daang8338]

How is the Galibrier not in this list :O

[@gcn]

maybe we make a part 2?

[@Langstonrocks]

Did 5 of those last year. I'd say there are probably at least 20 climbs missing from this top 10 list :p

[@rogerhickman2919]

Have been over a few of those and some great choices. The Restefond climb might be only 20 odd km long but if you ride up from the south, you're going up hill for miles before you ever get to the "climb".I wouldn't put the Sella in the top 10 list but it's such an amazing place - you really are right in there amongst those Dolomite peaks. And last, the Furka is a lovely pass - but are you sure that cobbled clip isn't from the Gotthardstrasse?

[@nickbrownbill3413]

How can none of these be in Wales?! Apart from the weather, the road surfaces, the sheep, the single lanes and the fact they're all short. But that aside, can't believe my local climbs didn't make it!

[@gcn]

What is your local climb?

[@nickbrownbill3413]

@@gcn Penbarras in the Clwyds, North East Wales. Its a challenge in its own way even if its nothing on these!

[@philbooth9286]

Colle delle Fenestre

[@thomasbezencon2121]

Gotthard is also wonderfull. If you take the old road from airolo which is shown at 2:01 by mistake instead of the Furka pass, you'll have a nice car free ride with wonderfull view.

[@noptimized]

I would happily watch the 30min version of this video that goes a little bit more in-depth breaking down each of these climbs. Actually, if you did a series that breaks down the greatest climbs with graphics, etc., I think it could be an amazing resource. Perhaps 5min each, and broken down the way you would do a stage preview, but edited with firsthand footage. I would watch them just to familiarize myself before the grand tours each season.

[@Fliege92]

unpopular opinion: Alpe D'Huez is undoubtedly a legendary climb because of the Tour. But it shouldn't be on on a list of the best climbs in the world. Too much hype for this road! There are many climbs that are more beautiful and exciting than it. For example: Mangart Saddle, Mont Ventoux, Grossglockner High Alpine Road, or Trollstigen in Norway, just to name a few...

[@charliekent7870]

Or even Sarenne right next to the Alpe - in fact there are loads of better climbs near Alpe d'Huez. It is fun going up the morning of the Tour though as Conor says!

[@pfunk34]

Onion Valley in California - starts at altitude = 5,169 feet - distance = 12.5 miles - long, fast, and "swoopy" downhill. Ride up a hill to go fast down. - added bonus, many other climbs nearby to hurt your legs and ego

[@gcn]

this sounds great!

[@garysladek9110]

Alt14 Wyoming. Cheers

[@vizi_david]

Teide from Tenerife should be here too 💪

[@chriswood1474]

Great Dunn fell is great, admittedly not in the same scale as these, but it is affectively a closed road and smooth tarmac

[@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

you forgot ventoux (i prefer the bedoin route) plus the sheer gradient hell of the zoncolan. Tre cime di Laverado has some stunning scenery too .

[@markmonroe7330]

Marion to Mount Mitchell in NC is one of the best in the USA.

[@kenhunt]

I've done Mount Lemmon, very nice but close by and underrated is Mount Graham. And still, Haleakala beats both. Shame it's not on the list.

[@gcn]

We might have to give both those climbs a try and revise this list 😉

[@joewilliams3809]

Haleakala is the best, you go through so many different climates. 36 miles of up leads to 36 miles of down. I caught it on a perfect day, no wind at the top simply an amazing climb with gorgeous views

[@roeland_st]

When are you Guys going to de the cinglé on the mt Ventoux

[@geoffwhite3664]

I did the climb to Wuling... by accident! I missed my turn-off to cross the island via hwy 7 to Baling and Fuxing. I just kept going and ended up at Wuling farm in the dark, spent the night and made the top next morning.

[@gcn]

So, it was a happy accident? 😉

[@denisspratt926]

I think you need to send someone to Norway to ride Trollstigen. 10,9 km and 840 meter climbing. 11 hairpins with a waterfall running through the climb. It´s not the hardest, but it is the most beautiful.

[@gcn]

That sounds incredible. Thanks for the suggestion! 🙏

[@denisspratt926]

@ then you can also ride the Atlantic Ocean Road which is not far from it. And go a bit further south west to Stalheimskleiva which is the steepest climb in Norway, the to Lysebotn to ride Lysevegen. A absolutely beautiful climb. And maybe go North to ride in Lofoten. Norway has some fantastic places to ride.

[@gregfathers2455]

@@denisspratt926 The Lofoten Insomnia route is fantastic - Å to Lødingen

[@markusbachhuber9020]

I did the Col d'Izoard form the south last year. It was part of the bike corse of the EmbrunMan. Now I know it wasn´t the best decision to use the TT bike. ;-)

[@we1rd92]

Most passes are ruined by motorcyclists and cars. I suggest going to Stelvio Bike day, Dolomiti Bike Day and more special days where the passes are closed for motorists. And sticking to tourist off season.

[@Chrisblottphoto]

Not if you get up nice and early. I had the Selvio to myself when I rode it and as Connor suggested I was back in time for breakfast.

[@we1rd92]

​@@Chrisblottphoto Getting up early is always an option! Can get super cold up there tho.

[@nathalielacasse134]

Cime de la Bonnette is at 2800 m. not 2600m. And I prefere the 31 hairpines of Luz-Ardiden than Alpe d'Huez

[@peteT269]

For Furka, you actually show video from Gotthard... so which climb do you mean? And there are definitely nicer climbs than Furka in Switzerland. Grosse Scheidegg is usually at or very near the top of most people who live here's lists, and I've never seen it mentioned on GCN.

[@arthurdebruin5408]

How about the Oetztaler gletscherstrasse? Featured in the James Bond movie "Spectre". Starts in Soelden at about 1350 meters and ends at around 2850 meters near the glacier. Nice average percentage of 10% over a distance of 15 km.

[@jeffparnell5805]

Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Mt. Evans) in Colorado.

[@llandor]

I was going to suggest Trollstigen here in Norway, but you said "right now", and sadly it's closed until July...

[@JoseMex70]

Pico Veleta in Sierra Nevada and Tourmalet are missing

[@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

how about the grossglockner - from dollach to edelweiss or col st bernard with the waterfall by the roadside

[@LorentJalabert]

Mt Diablo Alamo California, 3,850 feet high, 11 miles, 6.5%, most popular climb on US west coast

[@rogersimmons8788]

North Hill, Little Baddow!

[@mrgoodtime51]

Transfagarasan , Transbucegi, Transalpina all of them in Romania

[@lacikovacs4111]

This year I want to conquer the Hochkar. Of course, not the Hochkar challenge version, but the full one. Hochkar Maut-Geischlágerhause 11.13 km 1050 level 9.4% It would be nice to have a beer at 1770 meters 😁

[@vachajunior]

3. Don't promote Furkapass that much, it's overcrowded already. One of the easier swiss passes by the way. I would recommend Sustenpass or Grimselpass from Innertkirchen, they are worth it ;-)

[@baxternauset]

I'd add Mount Washington - except it is only open to cyclists a few days a year for the hill climb events. And you need a car ride down - which is probably a goo idea.

[@FlatToRentUK]

The only climb I've done is Mt. Ventoux. Sure many know this but there's 3 routes to the top and a challenge called The Madmen Of Ventoux to do up and down all 3 routes in one day. I tried this in 2016 and managed the routes from Bedoin and Sault but was completely spent on the second one. I'm 6'8" so not built for climbing! But I'm going back next year determined to train twice as hard and make it into the club!

[@gcn]

You're definitely putting in the effort. We're sure you'll make it!

[@FlatToRentUK]

@gcn Well I didn't make it when I was 40 so not going to be any easier when I'm 50! But I know how much more training is needed next time. Just need to get Málaga marathon out of the way this year and I can spend more time on the bike?

[@cjprimata]

Mesa do imperador, decent to Tijuca. Rio de Janeiro Brasil.

[@sisyphus73]

Gibraltar Rd in Santa Barbara is worth including if you're ever in Southern California

[@murraygd13]

Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Over 4,000 meters of climbing.

[@justinjewell1043]

Mt Blue Sky and Pikes Peak are no-brainers if you're in Colorado.

[@tomwalsh6774]

Yea this top 10 is good, but have you tried the Cat and Fiddle in Macclesfield ? ;-)

[@gcn]

that is a brute!

[@glutschwert790]

Teide, mt Ventoux ?

[@sebastiandddiaz3824]

Mont Ventoux, Mortirolo, Tourmalet, Grossglockner, Zoncolan, Mauna kea, Fuji, Mount Washington, Sankt Gotthardpass, Finestre???????

[@manfredaguirre3461]

Yolosa Chacaltaya from 4000 ft to 17300 ft in 87km

[@ered_lithui]

No Furka Pass report is complete without James Bond being mentioned!

[@chriswoolston299]

Top 10 UK rides or climbs?

[@RolandNolst]

Teide from the south!

[@ryancollins9960]

Ventoux, Galibier, and Tourmalet are missing :)

[@connorparadis4804]

Mount Washington. NH, USA. If you know, you know.

[@jamesetheridge6224]

Part 2 with Tourmalet, Ventoux, Galibier, Buttertubs?

[@reecedawson6113]

I think you're forgetting my horrible climb on my commute

[@gcn]

which is it?!

[@reecedawson6113]

@gcn it's call the dinkley dip or should I say dread a lovely 15% ramp at 8 am in the morning when you're half awake

[@SuperBoxer1975]

Großglockner 😉

[@DevoradoresTBA]

Serra da estrela, Portugal 🇵🇹 20km 6,4%. Garmin says that is a HC climb

[@greglunderstedt3898]

You could make the list to include another 30 climbs at least, without disrespecting any of your top 10

[@gcn]

maybe we will!

[@soaresricardo8695]

Furka pass is not Gotard pass the image is wrong...