Puerto de Erjos is a climb of 13.3 kilometers (category 1). The climb finishes at 1,108 m above sea level. It is located in Garachico, Canarias, España. The average gradient is 5.3% with a maximum of 15.5%. The climb has 712 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: At 13.3 km with 712 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 5.3%, the Puerto de Erjos is a demanding first-category climb. The profile is steady: every kilometre sits between 4% and 8%, except km 1.0-2.0 and 13.0-13.3, both at 3%, which offer little respite. The toughest stretches are km 5.0-6.0 (8%) and km 8.0-9.0 (7%), where the pain really builds.
Tips for the effort:
1. Pacing the start (km 0.0-1.0) The first kilometre at 6% tempts you to go out too hard. Settle into a steady rhythm and use the easier km 1.0-2.0 at 3% to recover.
2. Tackling the heart of the climb (km 5.0-6.0) The 8% ramp is the steepest section: stay seated, keep a gear you can spin, and avoid jerking on the pedals.
3. Saving something for the finish (km 12.0-13.0) After the 5% of km 12.0-13.0, the final 300 m drops to 3%. Save your last matches for the finish and don't crack too early.
Most of the feedback is about a lookout pass. Many people stop here for the view over the Teide, and several say they could see the Santiago del Teide valley and the sea at the same time, with Los Gigantes across the way. Some find the scenery superb, others just find it pretty, but the point comes up again and again.
The road is described as narrow and full of bends. One account mentions 40 to 45 minutes of switchbacks to climb from the north of the island, and another finds it steep and narrow, while still feeling the arrival is worth the effort. The reports don't give gradient figures or the exact width of the road surface, so it's best to go by these general impressions.
What comes up most is the contrast between the north and south of the island. People notice the difference in vegetation between the windward and the sheltered slopes, with laurisilva, pine and heather in places, and vineyards in the valley. The pass is also the starting point for several trails, towards Teno Natural Park, Masca or Monte del Agua. Most of the reports come from hikers and drivers rather than cyclists, so keep in mind that the experience described is mostly that of walking and driving.
The downsides come up too. The car park is small: reports mention room for 3 or 4 cars in one spot, 5 elsewhere, and 8 to 10 at another. At peak times spaces are scarce because of tourists. One report notes there's no place to rest at the viewpoint. Another warns that several rental cars have been broken into and emptied, five according to the account, so keep an eye on your belongings. In summer it's hot and dry, as one report from July points out. One of the starting trails was under works at the time of the visit.
13.3 km • 712 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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