Mt. Soledad, La Jolla: Steep Climbs with a View
Climb Mt. Soledad in La Jolla: Via Capri is about 1.6 miles at 8.8%; Soledad Mountain Road is about 3.4 miles at 4.1%. Routes and safety.
Overview
Mt. Soledad rises above La Jolla and Pacific Beach, with what PJAMM calls the best 360-degree hilltop views in La Jolla and the City of San Diego: the Pacific, Mission Bay, UC San Diego, Miramar and downtown. The summit is home to the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. For cyclists it offers a choice: the short, steep Hidden Valley Road and Via Capri route from La Jolla, which is one of the best repeat climbs in the city, or the gentler Soledad Mountain Road approach.
It is a short ride from Pacific Beach, La Jolla Shores or UC San Diego, so it fits easily into a longer coastal ride.
The route in plain words
The hard way starts in La Jolla on Hidden Valley Road and turns onto Via Capri. PJAMM highlights a 90-degree right turn at about half a mile that hits about 16%, and a steep wall beginning near Rue Adriane. Near the top, turn toward the memorial and cross. The gentler way climbs Soledad Mountain Road from the Pacific Beach side, with smoother pavement. Many riders climb Via Capri and descend Soledad Mountain Road, or use the climbs for repeats.
Distance and elevation
PJAMM lists the Via Capri climb at 1.6 miles with about 720 to 725 ft at an 8.8% average; about 0.6 miles are above 10%, and the steepest quarter mile is about 13.6 to 14%. PJAMM lists Soledad Mountain Road at 3.4 miles with 736 ft at 4.1%. These are short climbs, but Via Capri is genuinely steep.
Best time to ride
Year-round. PJAMM recommends early morning because traffic picks up later in the day. Marine layer is common in late spring and early summer; clear winter days give the best views.
Via Capri is popular for intervals because it is short enough to repeat several times; PJAMM suggests parking on Ardath Road near the start if you plan to do repeats.
Water and coffee stops
La Jolla Village and Pacific Beach have plenty of coffee and food at the base. PJAMM notes UC Cyclery in La Jolla rents carbon road bikes for visitors. There are no shops at the summit; carry water.
Safety notes
PJAMM rates traffic mild to moderate but notes the Via Capri pavement is broken and cracked on the last half. A PJAMM reviewer warns that the Hidden Valley to Via Capri turn is steep, often debris-covered, and that cars cut the corner close. Descend carefully: these are residential streets with driveways and parked cars.
Which bike and setup
PJAMM advises against a standard chainring and racing cassette for Via Capri. A compact crankset with a 30 to 34 tooth cog is wise. Any road bike works for Soledad Mountain Road.
Check your brakes before descending: the residential descents are steep and short, with stop signs and driveways near the bottom, so you will be braking hard and often.
Before you go
Steep climbs reveal worn chains and badly adjusted derailleurs. San Diego riders can ship their bike to Veloaded for a tune-up, or call (714) 760-4908.
Quick facts
- County: San Diego County
- Start: La Jolla (Via Capri at Hidden Valley Rd) or Pacific Beach (Soledad Mountain Rd)
- Distance: Via Capri: about 1.6 miles; Soledad Mountain Road: about 3.4 miles
- Climbing: Via Capri: about 720-725 ft at about 8.8%; Soledad Mountain Rd: about 736 ft at about 4.1%
- Surface: Paved residential streets
- Difficulty: Hard (Via Capri) or moderate (Soledad Mountain Rd)
Pair it with
Soledad fits neatly with Torrey Pines and the 101 to the north, or flat laps on Fiesta Island to the south.
Frequently asked questions
How steep is Via Capri?
PJAMM lists it at 1.6 miles averaging 8.8%, with the steepest quarter mile around 13.6 to 14%.
What is the easiest way up Mt. Soledad?
Soledad Mountain Road: about 3.4 miles at 4.1% per PJAMM.
Sources
- https://pjammcycling.com/climb/300.Mt.%20Soledad%20-%20Via%20Capri
- https://pjammcycling.com/climb/301.Mt.%20Soledad%20-%20Soledad%20Mt.%20Road
- https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-culture/pinarello-x-peloton-la-jolla-to-mount-soledad/?scope=anon
Distances and climbing are from the published sources listed above and are approximate; roads, closures and conditions change. Check current conditions before you ride.
More San Diego County ride guides
- Bayshore Bikeway and Silver Strand Ride
- Fiesta Island Loop: San Diego Training Ride
- Mount Laguna via Sunrise Highway Ride
- Nate Harrison Grade Gravel Climb, Palomar
- Palomar Mountain South Grade Climb Guide
- Torrey Pines and Coast Highway 101 Ride
All guides: Southern California ride guides. Veloaded Cyclery has one location, at 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704: service menu, bike fitting.