The Climb Less Traveled
Every cyclist loves a challenge. Maybe it’s the bragging rights, maybe it’s the views from the summit—or maybe it’s just the thrill of finding that perfect stretch of tarmac where your legs are screaming and your heart says, “keep going.” Most riders chase the classics. They look for the big names, the well-known Strava segments, the Instagram-famous inclines.
But tucked away in the mountains of the Central Coast is a climb many never see coming.
It doesn’t have worldwide fame. It doesn’t have the crowds.
It has something better: a climb that will absolutely humble you.
Meet Cypress Mountain Drive. The Central Coast’s hidden challenge—and one of the most worthwhile climbs you’ve probably never heard of.
Where Is Cypress Mountain—and Why Should You Check It Out?
Cypress Mountain Drive winds up into the Santa Lucia range just east of Cambria, hidden among the hills and vineyards of Paso Robles wine country. It’s not flashy—but make no mistake, this climb earns its reputation.
You’ll find the Cypress Mountain segment on Strava right here. This 4.18-mile stretch climbs over 1,083 feet with an average grade of 4.5%—but don’t let that average fool you. The twisting, punchy gradients and narrow switchbacks make this feel more like a white-knuckle ride than a Sunday spin.
Peak altitude? Over 2,200 feet.
And once you summit, you’re rewarded with a wild descent that slingshots you back into Cambria. It’s fast, technical, and unforgettable.
La Via Scalatore: A Cyclist’s Rite of Passage
In Italian, Scalatore means climber—and the La Via Scalatore route delivers on that title.
This 80.4-mile gravel and road hybrid is a curated sufferfest. It takes you from the shores of Cayucos through Santa Rita Creek, Templeton wine country, and finally to Cypress Mountain, the route’s final boss.
By the time you hit this climb, your legs are already toast. The vineyard valleys behind you start to blur. The road tilts up, and suddenly you’re not chasing PRs—you’re just surviving.
But once you crest that final climb and drop back into Cambria, legs burning, wind roaring—you’ll understand why suffering for this sort of scenery is worth it.
The Strava Segment: Conquer It, Claim It
If you’re looking to splice a climb up Cypress Mountain into your own route, you can hit up the Strava segment for a challenge:
Cypress Mountain Segment
- Distance: 4.18 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~1,083 feet
- Avg Grade: ~4.5%
- Find it here: Strava Segment
Remember that Strava’s listed average grade of 4.5% is deceptive—several chunks of this climb break the 10% barrier. This is your invitation, go chase that PR. Chase the KOM if you’re feeling brave. But no matter what time you post, crossing the top of this mountain is a win.
Make It Your Own Challenge: Plan Your Ride
So now you feel ready to face the climb? You’ve got options.
You can tackle La Via Scalatore, NOVA, or the Heroic Route, or build your own adventure around challenging Cypress Mountain by looping the Strava segment into your personalized route.
Pro tips:
- Start early—the heat and the effort build fast, depending on the time of year.
- Pack water and snacks, just in case you do need to stop off and refuel partway through the climb.
- Be ready to grind. This is a ride you earn
Get the most out of your Cypress Mountain challenge by making a weekend of it. Plan your basecamp in Cambria, which features multiple cyclist-friendly lodging options. Plus you’ll be able to treat yourself to a post-ride recovery by the beach—you earned it. Find lodging options here.
The Central Coast’s Hidden Challenge Is Waiting
Cypress Mountain doesn’t care if you’re new to climbing or a KOM contender. It’s simply here for those in the know to try tackling it. And now, that includes you.
So when you’re ready for something more—something gritty, quiet, steep, and beautiful—look east from Cambria. Your next challenge is here.
Tag us in your ride up Cypress using #cyclecentralcoast and show us how you conquered the climb.