Puerto de Erjos is a climb of 18.2 kilometers (hors catégorie). The climb finishes at 1,109 m above sea level. It is located in Guía de Isora, Canarias, España. The average gradient is 5.9% with a maximum of 13.6%. The climb has 1068 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: At 18.2 km, with an average gradient of 5.9% and 1068 m of climbing, the Puerto de Erjos is an HC climb that's decided by duration. The vast majority of the kilometres sit between 5% and 8%, which hammers the legs with no real respite. The steepest sections are km 1-2, 7-8 and 12-13, all at 8%. The stretch from km 2 to 4, almost flat or slightly downhill, offers a welcome breather before the second half.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Pace your start The 8% of km 1-2 tempts you to go too hard, so sit at your threshold and you'll reach km 7 intact.
2. Make the most of the false flat from km 2 to 4 Eat, drink and relax your upper body to recover before the 7% and 8% ramps that follow.
3. Save something for the finale The km 14-16, less steep (3 to 4%), are your time to refuel before tackling km 16-18, at 7% then 6%, without cracking.
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.
18.2 km • 1068 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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.
Other climbs to Puerto de Erjos