Pico del Inglés is a climb of 19.4 kilometers (category 1). The climb finishes at 982 m above sea level. It is located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canarias, España. The average gradient is 4.5% with a maximum of 11.7%. The climb has 867 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: The Pico del Inglés is a tough climb: 19.4 km for 867 m of elevation gain, with an average gradient of 4.5%, which puts it in the 1st category. The profile is uneven from the very start, with 7% between km 0 and km 1, 6% between km 2 and km 3, then 7% between km 5 and km 6. The hardest section comes between km 12 and km 17, with an 8% ramp between km 13 and km 14 and several stretches at 6 or 7%. The almost flat section between km 9 and km 10 gives you a real breather before the tough finale.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Don't go out too hard. The opening 7% from km 0 to km 1 often tempts you to go off too fast, so settle into a steady rhythm to reach km 5 with your head clear.
2. Make the most of the flat from km 9 to km 10. That 0% stretch is the perfect time to drink, eat and top up your energy before the climb picks up again.
3. Adjust your gearing for the final block. Between km 13 and km 14, at 8%, keep a smooth cadence around 70 to 80 rpm, and stay seated if you can to save your legs.
The road climbs up via the TF-12, a mountain road full of bends and switchbacks. Several riders find it stunning but demanding. Some recommend good brakes for the way back down, because it descends hard. Now and then, cars take the corners too fast and end up on the wrong side of the road.
The summit looks out over vegetation-covered valleys and the laurel forest. On a clear day, you can see Teide, Santa Cruz and sometimes Gran Canaria. But the clouds often roll in in bursts, and everything can disappear into fog. Several people say to check the weather before you ride up. It's cool and damp up there, so bring a jacket.
Parking is the weak point. There are few spaces, especially on weekends and around midday, when tourists and rental cars arrive in numbers. Those who got there early in the morning found a spot without any trouble.
Watch out for theft. Several accounts describe cars broken into while people were admiring the view. Bags, phones and documents disappeared within minutes, sometimes after a window was smashed. Don't leave anything visible in the car, close the windows and lock up.
For those who want to hike, trails leave from the summit through the laurel forest. They can be slippery and steep, so wear proper footwear. One rider walked down to Valleseco and found the route very varied, with no tourists.
19.4 km • 867 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.
