Cerro Gordo is a climb of 10.3 kilometers (hors catégorie). The climb finishes at 2,662 m above sea level. It is located in San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, Jalisco, México. The average gradient is 6.8% with a maximum of 17.3%. The climb has 698 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: At 10.3 km, with 698 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 6.8%, the Cerro Gordo is a HC climb. The opening is rolling (1% then 3% over km 0-2), but the 16% ramp at km 3-4 breaks your rhythm right in the middle of the climb. The descent over km 4-6 gives you a breather before the 7-10% section at km 7-10 to 10-11% really takes it out of your legs, followed by a 16% finish over the last 300 metres.
Pacing tips:
1. Save your legs at the start. Ride at a moderate pace over km 0-2 so you reach the foot of the km 3 wall with enough left in the tank.
2. Get through the 16% at km 3-4 without losing your cadence. Drop into an easy gear as soon as the road tilts up and don't go out too hard. Then use the descent over km 4-6 to recover, both physically and mentally.
3. Keep your effort steady on the final part. Over km 7-10 at 10-11%, hold a consistent output, and save your last matches for the 16% stretch at km 10-10.3.
Those who have ridden up to Cerro Gordo in the Altos de Jalisco talk about the views first. The summit is described as the highest point in the area, with panoramas over the Capilla de Guadalupe and Tepa. Several say it's worth the detour, and one simply writes that you have to go.
On the bike, the picture is more mixed. Several reports recommend it for mountain biking, trail riding and training, and one regular says he trains there every week. Another warns that you need to be in good shape, as some sections are pretty tough and the route has some technical bits.
The road is the weak point that comes up most often. One report mentions a rough track and a lack of safety. Another describes a singletrack that's badly chewed up by motorbikes and vehicles running off-trail. Litter is also mentioned, although one visitor saw someone picking up rubbish on site. Lower down, burn fires were visible, but not up on the mountain itself. One visitor came off his motorbike, and another reports swarms of insects in places.
As for the vibe, people talk about oak forest, wildlife showing up along the climb, fresh air and calm. One witness recommends being at the top around seven in the morning to catch the sunrise, and dressing warmly because it's cold. Others come to camp, make a fire and watch the stars, or simply to spend the day with the family.
10.3 km • 698 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.
