Alto del Diablo

Overview

Alto del Diablo is a Category 3 climb in Colombia (CO), running 7.4 km from a low valley start to a modest summit. It rises from a start elevation of 86 m to a summit of 420 m, delivering a net elevation gain of 334 m. On paper it is a short, mid-category effort with an average gradient of 4.52% — the kind of climb that looks manageable in a route summary and rewards riders who read the terrain rather than the headline number.

That headline number is the trap. The net gain is 334 m, but the total ascent is 541 m — a 207 m gap. That extra vertical means the climb undulates: you repeatedly give back height on descents and rollers, then reclaim it. Every metre surrendered has to be re-earned, so the road works you harder than a smooth 334 m grind would. Expect to spend more energy than the net figure suggests.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 4.52% average masks a lumpy profile. With a maximum gradient of 14.99%, some pitches are more than three times the average — and a low average alongside a steep max is the fingerprint of an uneven road with flatter stretches padding the numbers.

• Flatter and downhill recovery sections where you regain rhythm and coast — these dilute the average
• Repeated short climbs that stack up to the 541 m total ascent
• A steepest ramp near 14.99% that forces you out of the saddle or into your lowest gear

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chasing an even speed is a mistake — you would burn matches surging up every ramp and freewheel the recovery bits. Instead, pace by effort. Ride the steep pitches near your sustainable power output without spiking hard over it, and let your speed fall on the ramps and rise on the flatter recoveries. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first. The 207 m of hidden climbing punishes riders who empty the tank early, so keep the steep sections controlled and use the descents to actually recover.

Gearing

The 14.99% maximum dictates your setup. Fit a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 gives you enough spin to hold a steady cadence on the steepest ramp without grinding. Confirm your chainring and cassette combination before the ride; the flatter average will lull you into under-gearing, and there is no comfortable bailout on a 15% pitch if you arrive over-geared.

Summary

• Length: 7.4 km
• Average gradient: 4.52%
• Maximum gradient: 14.99%
• Net elevation gain: 334 m
• Total ascent: 541 m
• Category: 3

Alto del Diablo is a short climb that rides longer than its stats imply. Respect the undulation, pace by effort, gear low for the steep ramp, and the Category 3 label will feel earned rather than easy.