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Cycling Climbing Camps

Classic Climbs of the California Sierras

5 Days • 285 Miles • 41,547' Elevation Gain • $695.00

You don't have to travel to Italy or France to find big climbs with fantastic scenery! The Southern Sierras tower above the California desert and their craggy peaks hide some of the longest and steepest climbs in North America. On this 5 day Cycling Camp we climb all the classic passes around Bishop, Big Pine, Independence and Lone Pine.

The climbs on this California Cycling Camp range from 8-22 miles with grades averaging 6-8% and sections of 9-17%. Each day we offer up one main climb with an optional second climb if you haven't had enough. Don't let the mileage fool you! These are big climbs.

(Scroll Down for Route Profiles and Descriptions)

This California Cycling Camp includes all our great SAG support during the ride, a lunch stop, route slips and van support if you need it. Our support trailer is fully stocked with snacks and drinks, GU's, Bars, Gels, all brands of Energy Drinks, Fruits, etc. All the same support we offer on our week long Tours.

Check out Toughest Climbs in California
Read about these Classic Climbs at Bikecal.com
The Complete Guide to Climbing by Bike
Check out: Santa Monica Mountains Cycling Camp

Choose your own basecamp for the week. Treat yourself to a nice hotel or camp at one of the many surrounding campgrounds. See the hotel and camping links on the sidebar to plan your week. The camp starts in Bishop and ends 59 miles south in Lone Pine. We ride 3 days from Bishop and 2 from Lone Pine. So you can easily stay 3 nights in Bishop and 2 in Lone Pine.

If you are arriving from out of state, we recommend flying into either Reno, Las Vegas or Burbank, renting a car for the week, and driving to Bishop. Reno is a little over 4 hours away and the more scenic drive.

Bishop Climbs

Lone Pine Climbs

Cycling Camp Day 1 - Rock Creek / Pine Creek

Riding from Bishop, on the first day we climb the highest paved pass in California, Rock Creek Rd. It tops out at Mosquito Flats at 10,250'. You'll probably feel the elevation on this one! If you ride just this climb for the day the elevation gain is 6,700'. Most riders stop right there, but if you throw in the optional 2nd climb, Pine Creek, the total for the day is 9,200'. These are also the first two climbs in the "Everest Challenge" race that was popular for years.

66-81 miles / 6,700-9,200 ft. elevation gain

Cycling Camp Day 2 - South Lake / Sabrina Lake

Today we ride up to South Lake (7,939') and Sabrina Lake (9,200'). The ride starts just 3 miles west of Bishop and is only 46 miles round trip, but with 6,800' of elevation gain. The views at both lakes are stunning. It's like being in the Alps. Don't forget your camera!

46 miles / 6,800 ft. elevation gain

Day 3 - White Mountain (Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest)

Day 3 could be considered one of the hardest climbs anywhere. White Mountain has long streches of 8-12% and then hits you with 13% after 18 miles of climbing. This is the only day we ride east of the Sierras. At the summit of White Mountain is the Bristlecone Pine forest, home to the oldest living trees on earth. The first climb gives you 6,300' in elevation gain, but that's earned riding some very steep pitches.

If you need more after summiting White Mountain, add in Death Valley Road, for a total of 8,300'. That's an Epic day.

46-68 miles / 6,300-8,300 ft. elevation gain

Day 4 - Horsehoe Meadows / Whitney Portal

Today is the biggest day. The Horseshoe Meadows climb by itself is 22 miles with 6,400' of elevation gain topping out at 9,850'. If you have the legs after 4 days of climbing, add in Whitney Portal, which has a solid mile of 11%, for a total gain of 10,200'. That's two ridiculously Epic days in a row.

45-63 miles / 6,400-10,200 ft. elevation gain

California Cycling Camp Day 5 - Onion Valley Rd

Day 5 we ride Onion Valley Road. With it's many switchbacks, this climb will remind you of the climbs in europe. It's only 13 miles to the summit, and 5,300'.

After summiting it's all downhill back to the finish, and a wrap for our Classic Climbs of the Sierras week. Congratulations.

26 miles / 3,800 ft. elevation gain

Check out our Santa Monica Cycling Camps. Got the legs for back to back Camps?

Cycling Escapes operates under permit on the Inyo National Forest.

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