Puerto de San Felipe (El Trébol)

Puerto de San Felipe (El Trébol) climb profile

Puerto de San Felipe (El Trébol) is a short, controlled category 4 climb in MX: 3.6 km at an average gradient of 3.95%, rising from 1257 m to 1401 m for 144 m of net elevation gain. Those numbers define the ride more than any dramatic feature. This is not a climb built around survival ramps or repeated accelerations. It is a steady drag where the cost comes from riding slightly too hard for slightly too long.

The key detail is the relationship between the average gradient and the listed maximum of 4.79%. The maximum sits close to the average, which points to a climb with a narrow gradient range rather than one that swings between false flat and steep pitches. In practice, that means the road should feel rhythm-based. Once the climb starts, the right move is to settle quickly into a sustainable effort instead of waiting for a decisive steep section that may never really arrive.

How the gradient unfolds

At 3.6 km, the climb is long enough to punish a careless opening but short enough that a well-paced rider can keep pressure on the pedals from bottom to summit. The average of 3.95% suggests the early section should be ridden with restraint, especially if the climb arrives after harder riding. Because the maximum is only 4.79%, any increase in gradient is likely to feel like added load rather than a true change in character.

That makes Puerto de San Felipe (El Trébol) cycling climb a good test of discipline. The gradient invites riders to stay in the big ring or push a larger gear, but that can turn a manageable ascent into a low-cadence grind. The faster way for most riders is to keep the effort even and let speed fluctuate naturally with the road.

Pacing and gearing notes

Treat the climb as a steady aerobic-to-threshold effort, depending on your goal and freshness. If riding it within a longer route, stay below the point where breathing becomes ragged. If using it as a focused effort, build progressively rather than attacking from the base.

Practical approach:

• Start at a controlled tempo for the first part of the 3.6 km.
• Hold cadence rather than chasing speed when the road edges toward the 4.79% maximum.
• Avoid overgearing simply because the gradient is moderate.
• If pacing by power, anchor the effort around your known /glossary/ftp rather than reacting to every small change in slope.

The climb rewards smoothness. There is enough elevation gain to make pacing matter, but not enough gradient to rescue poor rhythm with a clear reset point. Ride it evenly, shift early, and save any acceleration for the final push to 1401 m.