Puerto de San Gorgonio

Overview

Puerto de San Gorgonio is a short, approachable climb that rewards rhythm over raw power. Over just 4.1 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 312 m to a summit of 450 m, a net gain of 138 m at an average gradient of 3.37%. As a category 4 ascent — the mildest rung of the categorised ladder — it sits well within reach of most riders, but its length means it still asks for a sustained effort rather than a quick blast.

What makes San Gorgonio pleasant is its consistency. With a maximum gradient of only 4.67%, the road never bites hard. There are no cruel walls or leg-shattering pitches waiting around a corner. Instead, you get a climb you can settle into and hold at a comfortable tempo from bottom to top.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The numbers tell a story of restraint. The average of 3.37% and the maximum of 4.67% are separated by only 1.3 percentage points, which means the road rarely strays far from its mean. That tight spread is the signature of an even, well-graded climb: gradients ease and stiffen only slightly across the 4.1 km.

Note the difference between the two elevation figures. The net gain from base to summit is 138 m, while the total ascent is 124 m — a reminder that a short false-flat or dip may briefly interrupt the upward drag. Even so, with the steepest section topping out at 4.67%, no single ramp should force you out of the saddle. Expect a smooth, predictable drag that lets you focus on cadence rather than survival.

Pacing Notes

Because San Gorgonio is short and shallow, it favours riders who can hold a firm, steady effort. Aim to climb just below your FTP threshold — hard enough to make the 4.1 km feel productive, but sustainable enough that you are not blowing up before the 450 m summit. On a climb this gentle, going into the red early costs you far more than the gradient ever will.

If you are unsure where your threshold sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you ride. Knowing that figure turns a vague "ride hard" into a repeatable target you can pace against, and it makes the whole 138 m of gain feel controlled rather than ragged.

Gearing

With an average of 3.37% and a maximum of just 4.67%, San Gorgonio does not demand extreme climbing gears. A standard compact setup will handle the whole ascent comfortably. A 34×32 gives most riders plenty of range to spin the shallow gradients while keeping a brisk, efficient cadence.

If you prefer to sit and spin, or you are carrying fatigue into the climb, a 34×34 offers a little extra headroom for the steeper end near 4.67% without any real downside on a climb this short. Either choice works well; the key is keeping your legs turning smoothly across the full 4.1 km rather than grinding a gear that is too tall.

Summary

Puerto de San Gorgonio is a friendly, well-graded category 4 climb: short at 4.1 km, shallow at 3.37% average, and never harsher than 4.67%. It is an ideal climb for building rhythm, testing pacing, or simply enjoying a clean 138 m of elevation without suffering.

Length 4.1 km
Average gradient 3.37%
Max gradient 4.67%
Start 312 m
Summit 450 m
Net gain 138 m
Total ascent 124 m
Category 4