Alto de los Muertos

Overview

The Alto de los Muertos is a Category 1 climb that packs a serious punch into a compact stretch of road. Over just 8.5 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 359 m to a summit of 1049 m — a net gain of 690 m. The average gradient sits at a demanding 8.14%, which already places it firmly in the "no easy pedals" bracket. But averages tell only half the story here: with a max gradient of 17.77%, there are ramps steep enough to have you out of the saddle and grinding. The total recorded ascent of 653 m confirms this is a climb that mostly points up, with little in the way of respite once you commit.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 8.14% average across 8.5 km, the Muertos never really lets you settle into a rhythm. The gap between the 8.14% average and the 17.77% maximum tells you everything you need to know: this is not a uniform slope but a climb of surges. Expect long sustained sections in the high single digits punctuated by pitches that nearly double that. Because the net gain (690 m) exceeds the total ascent figure (653 m) only marginally, there are almost no false flats or downhill breathers to recover on. Every one of those 8.5 km is working against you. The steepest ramps near 17.77% are where races are won or lost — and where an over-eager start will come back to haunt you.

Pacing Notes

Discipline is everything on a climb like this. With an 8.14% average holding for the full 8.5 km, going into the red early is the classic mistake. Anchor your effort to your FTP and aim to sit just below threshold on the sustained sections, saving matches for the 17.77% ramps where you have no choice but to push above it. If you don't know your threshold power, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your assault. A good rule: ride the first third conservatively, because banking 690 m of climbing demands a full tank for the back half where fatigue and gradient conspire against you.

Gearing

Do not under-gear the Muertos. A sustained 8.14% average with spikes to 17.77% will punish anyone spinning out of easy ratios. A compact 34-tooth chainring is the sensible front choice. Pair it with at least a 34×32 for most riders — that ratio gives you a fighting chance on the steepest pitches without over-torquing your knees. If you climb at a lower cadence, carry more weight, or simply want insurance for the 17.77% ramps, step up to a 34×34. Over 8.5 km of near-constant climbing, the extra teeth are cheap protection against blowing up.

Summary

The Alto de los Muertos is a short but savage Category 1 test: 8.5 km at 8.14%, with a sting up to 17.77% and 690 m of vertical to conquer. Pace it smart, gear it low, and respect the ramps.

Length: 8.5 km
Average gradient: 8.14%
Max gradient: 17.77%
Start: 359 m
Summit: 1049 m
Net gain: 690 m
Total ascent: 653 m
Category: 1