I love riding on Mount Soledad. I love it because you can enjoy great climbing with and ocean view. You would not expect to find much varied terrain in La Jolla, especially in the winding roads on the mountain side. This route was originally shown to me a few years back by my friend Julian (Julian GSAA on STRAVA)
the "lightbox"
This route will definitely be a challenge for some so slam a cappuccino right before. This is one of the most fun way to climb Soledad. It has a lot of twists and turns but when you get to the top, you will agree it is a lot more fun than the monotonous Soledad Mountain Road. You can reach the start of the climb two ways. From downtown La Jolla via High street and Virginia way to Exchange. Or after climbing Soledad I like to make the treacherous descent of Via Casa Alta to Vaiverde where a large driveway gate stands with a small access gate to the left open to pedestrians to pass through a massive private estate. through the pedestrian gates on the giant property and then descend the even more treacherous Country Club Drive. At the end of the descent swoop up to the right and you will find your self at the same place. looking at a beautiful tile domed building that actually is a private residence.
Descending VCA is stunning
After the asphalt comes back turn left and you will see this. The gate to the left will cross through a giant private estate to the remote Country Club Drive descent
At the far side there is an exit gate in the left corner
A right on Al Bahr Drive starts the climb. After a few houses you come up on some massive historic 100 year old stone bridges. Some call them the troll bridges, some call them the bridges of love. The sight of them inspires me to push harder through this section. at the top of the first bridge turn right onto Crespo Drive. Follow the road around the hairpin turn, climb to the top and continue forward to a short descent. here is the tricky part, you pass maybe 5 properties and an offshoot road to the right comes up quick that you wanna take and hopefully use your downhill momentum to flow up a little climb onto a flat beautiful Castellana Road that winds through the mountainside. An nearly identical historic stone bridge appears that now you ride down, be careful for these next few turns. make a right onto Hillside Drive and prepare for the real climb to begin.
Beautiful tile dome to the left
A hundred year old troll bridge
Right in Crespo
Fun rutted banked turns
The up before the down
The next mile has 475 feet of elevation gain with 15%-17% pitches yew! Follow the twisty road and try not to let it conquer you. Pace yourself your first time because it just keeps on going and going and going. the road eventually forks. you want to choose the right option towards the sign that says "NOT A THROUGH STREET" up a steep 17% pitch that leads you to a road barrier with a narrow opening on the left. Slip through and discover a nearly unpaved road. This part of the road is a private unmaintained road that the local trail walkers frequent. The locals recently chained off the exit at the top to prevent automobiles from entering the road but a local cycling celebrity, Sigurd K, arranged to have the gate chained open wide enough for cyclists to pass through without dismounting. This part is amazing, I call this the "home stretch" riding up the small lush access road ontop of a mountain, the hard climb really feels worth it at this point. Hillside spits you out onto the top of Via Capri right near the split where you can go left to the cross or right to La Jolla Scenic Drive and do it again!
It is steep here
Turn right at the stop sign
The yellow sign doesn't apply to bikes
17%
You have to slip through the left side
Road quality is going to be prime
Clear the first section and get ready for round two
Who put those stickers there?!?
Secluded climbing
Hillside drive is beautiful
Barely wide enough for bikes but better than nothing
First outlet to Via Capri continue up for a second exit
The second exit to Via Capri
This is CC Descent
Here is Al Bahr to the start of Hillside
Here is the segment of just Hillside Drive
Please, please, please descend Country Club Drive carefully your first time, I have had a bad crash once when a car pulled out of a drive way in front of me after a blind turn. Riding is inherently dangerous, always ride defensively, I do not assume any liability for showing you this route. Now get out there and have some fun!
Here is Al Bahr to the start of Hillside
Here is the segment of just Hillside Drive
Please, please, please descend Country Club Drive carefully your first time, I have had a bad crash once when a car pulled out of a drive way in front of me after a blind turn. Riding is inherently dangerous, always ride defensively, I do not assume any liability for showing you this route. Now get out there and have some fun!
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