While most people do everything possible to avoid a tough climb, some mountain bikers are a special breed. Whether they undertake grueling paths in order to then reward themselves afterward with a beverage and hefty meal, or whether they voluntarily chose them as part of a rigorous training routine, mountain bikers have gone to great lengths to rank the toughest mountain climbs that exist, even when the hills simply exist in order to provide the excellent downhill moments.
The metrics they use to determine which ones make the list are well-researched and thorough. They rate each climb by the average and maximum grades, the distance of each climb, the altitude, and the climb-descent ratio. Here are a few of the toughest U.S. trails, from shortest to longest:
The Hangover trail in Sedona, Arizona is three miles long. But don’t be fooled by the shortness of the length. The reason for its name is because of the high risk of injury, making a rider feel as if they’re hungover. The overhanging rocks can make riders feel the urge to swerve, going perilously close to the open edge.
Mt. Elwell is a steep, downhill path located in Graeagle, California. It is over 15 miles long. The steepness of this trail is so acute it might require treading on foot and pushing your bike along parts of it.
The Virginia Mountain Bike Trail is massive. At 272 miles, it stretches between Little Mare Mountain to Douthat State Park. The full trail is over 700 miles long, but this stretch is the most challenging portion. The climbs are extremely sharp and there are long stretches of abandoned wilderness.
In Colorado, the 14ers Loop is 285 miles of steep climbs and dirt roads. It is named because of the multitude of 14,000-foot peaks. Many of its hills cannot be accomplished by cycling alone, riders must dismount. There are large rocks everywhere that must be avoided, and you must first climb 4,000 feet on foot to reach the summit before attempting to ride down.
The Whole Enchilada is a mountain located in Moab, Utah. At 32.6 miles long, it is not the longest trail on this list but it is extremely challenging nonetheless. The iconic red rock cliffs are just one of the reasons to attempt this stunning climb. This trail joins up with four others, called: Burro Pass, Hazzard County, Kokopelli Trail, and Porcupine Rim.
Kurt Hansbury 