BikeCompanion
Get the app

Armon ha-Natsiv from Ash Sheikh Sa'd: what you need to know

Everything about cycling up Armon ha-Natsiv from Ash Sheikh Sa'd

Armon ha-Natsiv is a climb of 4.6 kilometers (category 1). Armon ha-Natsiv tops out at 776 m above sea level. It is located in Ash Sheikh Sa'd, n/a, Palestinian Territory. The average gradient is 6.4% with a maximum of 20.7%. The climb has 296 meters of elevation gain.

Elevation profile

Elevation profile

Climb statistics

category 1
Difficulty score: 327 (Hard)
Altitude
776 m
Distance
4.6 km
Avg. gradient
6.4 %
Max gradient
20.7 %
Elevation gain
296 m
Steepest section: 20.7% (km 0.4)
Tips

Difficulty breakdown: The Armon ha-Natsiv is a tough climb: 4.6 km for 296 m of elevation gain, with an average gradient of 6.4%, which earns it its Cat 1 rating. The trap is in the first kilometre, where the gradient hits 13% and then 10% over the first two half-kilometres. The rest of the climb, between 2.0 and 3.5 km, stays punchy with sections at 7 and 8%, before a rolling finish at 2 and 3% over the final kilometres.

Pacing tips:

1. Don't go out too hard. Over the first 500 metres at 13%, keep a smooth cadence and a gear that lets you stay seated without blowing up.

2. Settle into a steady rhythm between 2.0 and 3.5 km. On these 7-8% sections, hold a constant effort and avoid surges, because the gradient doesn't give you any real recovery zone.

3. Make the most of the stretch between 3.5 and 4.5 km. The 2 to 3% gradients are your chance to recover and pick the pace back up, then finish strong over the last part of the climb.

About the climbs to this summit

Riders who have climbed Armon ha-Natsiv describe a climb that pays off with jaw-dropping views. Accounts agree on the beauty of the viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind view over the Old City of Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock and the Judean Hills, especially stunning late in the day.

The experience around the summit is marked by a contrast between public access and the closed UN headquarters area. The road itself is open to riders, but the historic Government House building, former residence of the British governor, is fenced off and off-limits to visitors, something some riders regret, pointing to the historical and architectural weight of the place.

The overall vibe is described as pleasant and well-suited to a relaxed spin, with a safe road, easy parking and spots to take a breather. It's a popular place for a date ride, a run or a drone flight. That said, some riders note the area could use a bit more cleanup.

For many cyclists, the climb is far more than just a physical effort; it's a dive into the turbulent history of Jerusalem. References to the British Mandate period, the 1948 war and the site's special status add a deeply meaningful dimension to the ride, leaving you with plenty to think about once you reach the top.

Estimated times

4.6 km • 296 m D+

Leisure 59min
4.7 km/h 350 m/h
Regular 38min
7.3 km/h 550 m/h
Trained 26min
10.6 km/h 800 m/h
Climber 19min
14.5 km/h 1100 m/h
Pro 13min
21.2 km/h 1600 m/h

VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain

Get the app

BikeCompanion App Screenshot BikeCompanion App Screenshot

Join thousands of cycling fans! Plan your rides, record your performance, track your progress and discover the finest climbs.
Live climb profile to pace your effort all the way to the top.