Day Forest Pass is a climb of 27.1 kilometers (hors catégorie). Day Forest Pass tops out at 1,359 m above sea level. It is located in Sagallou ساغلو, Tadjourah تجرة, Djibouti جيبوتي. The average gradient is 5.3% with a maximum of 24.9%. The climb has 1426 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This 27.1 km climb ramps up gradually. The first half (KM 0-13) is moderate, with an average gradient of 3.3%, and serves as a warm-up. Things get much harder in the second half, with the last 10 km featuring sustained gradients of 8% to 11%, peaking at 11% around KM 25-26. The total elevation gain of 1426m confirms its Hors Catégorie status.
Pacing advice:
1. Pacing: Start easy over the first flatter kilometres and save your legs. Your main effort should be saved for the brutal section (KM 15-26).
2. Prepare for the key sections: The 9% to 11% ramps between KM 15 and 26 call for a gear you can turn over comfortably and a steady effort. Avoid surges so you don't blow up your legs.
3. Break it down mentally: Split the climb into three parts: the approach (KM 0-13), the hard core (KM 13-25), and the easier finish (KM 26-27). Focus on one section at a time.
From the accounts of those who've climbed it, the ride up to Day Forest is an demanding, authentic adventure. The road, described as long and very bumpy, is a real test. Some riders mention that a regular car may struggle on it, which gives you an idea of what it takes on a bike, but the effort is clearly well worth it for lovers of pure nature.
What makes this ride special is the reward at the top of the pass: a preserved and picturesque natural landscape. Riders describe a mountain forest with a pure feel, far from any air pollution, with wide open spaces that are great for hiking. The spot is known for its calm and its beauty, called extraordinary and even magical by some.
The area is also famous for its biodiversity. Several accounts highlight the presence of exotic animals, especially Hemprich's hornbill, a bird that apparently can't be seen anywhere else in Djibouti. That rare sighting adds a unique dimension to the climb.
The overall vibe described is that of an unforgettable experience, "a must-do once in a lifetime." Despite the heat and the tough road, riders come away feeling they've discovered a hidden gem, the best spot that combines hard effort with total immersion in wild, generous nature.
27.1 km • 1426 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.
