From Cenes de la Vega (2,428 ft / 740 m), next to Granada, to the end of the road on Pico Veleta (11,073 ft / 3,375 m) it’s 24.5 miles (39.4 km) at an average of 6.7%, with 8,645 ft (2,635 m) of climbing. There’s no bike climb in Europe quite like it: it’s the longest climb with the most elevation gain on our list, and the one that scores highest on the difficulty index.
What the climb is like
You climb on the A-395, the ski resort road, via the Collado de las Sabinas. The grade is moderate but constant for more than 15.5 miles (25 km), up to the ski resort (Pradollano) and Hoya de la Mora, at about 8,200 ft (2,500 m). There’s a checkpoint there that closes the road to private cars; bikes can continue on the old Veleta road. The last 7 miles (11.3 km), from Hoya de la Mora to the summit, are 2,785 ft (849 m) at 7.5%, on deteriorated pavement with dirt sections.
A note on the numbers
We chose the Cenes de la Vega side via the Collado de las Sabinas because it’s the only one where two databases agree: CyclingCols gives 24.4 miles (39.3 km) and 8,655 ft (2,638 m); Climbfinder, 24.5 miles (39.4 km) and 8,635 ft (2,632 m). Via Pinos Genil, the figures range from 24 to 25.8 miles (38.7 to 41.6 km). The final elevation also changes depending on where each source considers the road to end (10,814-11,102 ft / 3,296-3,384 m). We don’t publish a section-by-section profile. In the calculator we use slightly higher rolling resistance than on pavement to account for the dirt.
Its Vuelta a España history
The Vuelta has never climbed to the Veleta. Its Sierra Nevada finishes have been at the ski resort or at the top of Hoya de la Mora. The most recent, on September 3, 2017, was won by Miguel Ángel López, with Chris Froome keeping the race lead. The climb is also the setting for the Subida al Veleta gran fondo.
When to go, water and traffic
The upper section is only clear of snow in summer, and even then there can be ice or snowbanks early in the season, or the gate may be closed. From the altitude alone, it’s about 27-31 °F (15-17 °C) colder at the summit than in Granada. The last reliable water on the Pinos Genil side is in Güéjar Sierra; on the A-395 there are services at the ski resort and at Hoya de la Mora (a parking lot and a couple of places to eat). Above 9,800 ft (3,000 m) the air has 30% less oxygen, and you’ll feel it.
What gearing to use
The grade isn’t extreme, but it’s hours of climbing and the finish is at high altitude: a 34x32 is the sensible choice. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%, and with a 34x32 that’s 82 rpm. Run 28 mm or wider tires for the dirt at the top. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Plan food for three hours or more and a jacket for the summit.
- If you’re not used to altitude, ease your pace by 5-10% above 8,200 ft (2,500 m).
- Take the dirt section very slowly on the way down: there are loose rocks and potholes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Pico Veleta from Cenes de la Vega?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 3 h 09 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 3 h 45 min at 2.5 W/kg and 2 h 26 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Can you ride a bike up the Veleta?
Yes. Private cars stop at the Hoya de la Mora checkpoint (about 8,200 ft / 2,500 m); bikes can carry on, although the upper section has stretches of dirt and broken pavement, and there can be snow or ice.
Has the Vuelta a España climbed the Veleta?
Not to the summit. Its Sierra Nevada finishes have been at the ski resort or at the top of Hoya de la Mora, as in 2017, when Miguel Ángel López won.
How far is it from Hoya de la Mora to the summit?
About 7 miles (11.3 km) and 2,785 ft (849 m) of climbing, at 7.5%, according to CyclingCols.