Nate Harrison Grade: Palomar Mountain's Gravel Back Door
Nate Harrison Grade: a 9.3-mile, mostly dirt climb up Palomar Mountain gaining 4,288 ft at 8.7%. Route, conditions and gravel setup.
Overview
Nate Harrison Grade is Palomar Mountain's gravel back door: a steep, mostly dirt road that climbs the west side of the mountain from Pala Road near Pauma Valley. It is one of the hardest climbs in San Diego County and a bucket-list gravel ride, with switchbacks, big views over the valley and toward the coast, and a remote feel. Where South Grade is smooth and steady, Nate Harrison is raw and relentless. It is named for Nathan Harrison, a formerly enslaved man who homesteaded on the mountain.
The route in plain words
The climb starts where Nate Harrison Grade leaves Pala Road (Highway 76) and heads up the mountain. The lower section is mixed surface, then it becomes a dirt road climbing in switchbacks through chaparral and into oak and pine near the top, where it meets Nate Harrison Road near Palomar Mountain State Park. From there, riders typically continue to the Palomar summit area and descend South Grade or East Grade on pavement for a loop, or descend the dirt.
Plan to use the full day. The climb takes far longer than a paved climb of similar distance, and the descent on dirt demands concentration.
Distance and elevation
SafeStreetsMap measures the climb at 9.3 miles (15.0 km) with 4,288 ft (1,307 m) of climbing at 8.7%, from 902 ft to 5,190 ft, with a steepest half kilometre of 11.6%; it tags about 83% of the climb as dirt or gravel. PJAMM lists Nate Harrison Grade among San Diego County's toughest climbs. Many riders return on the paved South Grade Road; total loop distance depends on your start, so map it before you go.
Expect your average speed to be much lower than on pavement: long sections of the climb are steep enough that most riders spend a lot of time in their lowest gear.
Best time to ride
Fall through spring is best; summer is very hot on the exposed lower slopes. After rain, the dirt can be muddy and rutted, and SafeStreetsMap notes dirt roads can be closed in fire season or after rain; check with the land manager. Snow is possible near the top in winter.
Water and coffee stops
There are no services on the climb. Stock up in Pauma Valley before you start. At the top, the Palomar General Store is the usual stop; Mother's Kitchen nearby has been listed as temporarily closed by PJAMM, so check ahead. Carry at least three bottles in warm weather.
Safety notes
This is remote terrain with limited cell coverage. Ride with a partner, carry tools, a spare tube and a plug kit, and tell someone your plan. The dirt surface can be loose and washboarded; descend carefully. Watch for vehicles on the road and for wildlife.
Which bike and setup
A gravel bike with 40 mm or wider tires and very low gearing is ideal: a 1x setup with a 40 to 42 tooth cassette cog or a sub-compact double. A Cervélo Áspero is a great fit. Tubeless tires with fresh sealant are essential.
Before you go
Nate Harrison will find every weakness in your gravel setup. Veloaded can set up tubeless tires, check your drivetrain and fit your bike for long climbs. Book a service or call (714) 760-4908.
Quick facts
- County: San Diego County
- Start: Nate Harrison Grade at Pala Rd (Hwy 76), Pauma Valley
- Distance: About 9.3 miles (15.0 km) from Pala Rd
- Climbing: About 4,288 ft (1,307 m) at 8.7%
- Surface: Mostly dirt (about 83%)
- Difficulty: Very hard gravel
Pair it with
Descend via the paved South Grade Road for a loop. For an easier gravel introduction, try Dirt Mulholland in Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Nate Harrison Grade?
SafeStreetsMap rates it Hors catégorie: 9.3 miles at 8.7% with 4,288 ft of climbing, mostly on dirt.
What bike do I need for Nate Harrison Grade?
A gravel bike with 40 mm or wider tubeless tires and very low gearing.
Sources
- https://www.safestreetsmap.com/cycling/climbs/nate-harrison-grade
- https://pjammcycling.com/zone/23.San%20Diego%20County
- https://www.trailforks.com/trails/nate-harrison-grade/
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
- Mt. Soledad Climb, La Jolla: Cycling Guide
- 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.