Oak Glen Road Climb from Yucaipa

Overview

Oak Glen Road climbs from Yucaipa to Oak Glen, the apple-growing community in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It is a steady, scenic climb with views over the valley, oak trees, and in fall, apple orchards and farm stands. It is a favorite for Inland Empire riders and worth the drive for anyone who likes a climb with a destination.

The climb rewards riders who pace it well. The grade is steady enough to settle in, and the higher you go the more the scenery shifts from suburban edges to orchards, oaks and mountain views. In autumn, apple country is at its busiest and most colorful, which makes it a popular destination ride.

The route in plain words

Start at Oak Glen Road and Yucaipa Boulevard. The road climbs steadily through the hills above Yucaipa, then winds up into Oak Glen. Riders can return the same way or continue over the top and descend the backside toward Beaumont for a loop. Bikeclimbs documents the backside climb as a separate segment.

If you choose the loop over the top, be ready for a fast, winding descent on the backside and a return through the Beaumont and Cherry Valley area or back over the climb. Plan your return route before you go, and know where you will refill water.

Distance and elevation

SafeStreetsMap measures the climb at 9.0 miles (14.5 km) with 2,615 ft (797 m) at 5.5%, from 2,274 ft to 4,888 ft, steepest half kilometre 8.5%. The backside lower half segment on Bikeclimbs is 3.7 km with 233 m at 6.3%.

Half a kilometre at 8.5% is the steepest section, so this is a climb most riders can manage with sensible gearing; the challenge is the length and the heat on warm days.

Best time to ride

Fall is apple season and the most scenic time, but also the busiest, with heavy weekend visitor traffic. Spring is green and mild. Summer is hot; ride early. Winter can be cold at the top, with occasional snow.

On fall weekends, the earlier you ride the better: visitor traffic for the orchards builds through the late morning, and parking areas near the farms fill up.

Water and coffee stops

Oak Glen's apple farms, bakeries and farm stands are the classic stop in season. Yucaipa at the base has shops and cafés. Bring water for the climb.

Safety notes

SafeStreetsMap lists four reported bike crashes along the climb from 2021 to 2026, two serious or fatal. The road is narrow in places, and fall weekend traffic is heavy with visitors who may be distracted. Ride early, use lights, ride single file, and descend carefully on the curves.

Which bike and setup

A road bike with compact gearing suits the climb. Good brakes and tires for the descent. Layers in cooler months.

A compact crankset with an 11-30 or 11-32 cassette is ideal for most riders. Endurance bikes such as a Cervélo Caledonia are comfortable for the long climb, while a lighter bike like the R5 rewards strong climbers. Carry a light wind jacket for the descent outside of summer, and use a bright rear light.

Before you go

Before an Oak Glen day, get your bike tuned at Veloaded. Book online or call (714) 760-4908.

Quick facts

County: San Bernardino / Riverside County (Inland Empire)
Start: Oak Glen Rd at Yucaipa Blvd, Yucaipa
Distance: 9.0 miles (14.5 km) from Yucaipa Blvd
Climbing: 2,615 ft (797 m) at 5.5% average, from about 2,274 ft to about 4,888 ft; steepest 500 m about 8.5%
Surface: Paved two-lane road
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Pair it with

Oak Glen pairs well with Rim of the World for a bigger Inland Empire weekend, or with Highway 243 from Banning, just east.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Oak Glen climb?

SafeStreetsMap lists 9.0 miles from Yucaipa Boulevard with 2,615 ft at 5.5%.

When is the best time to ride Oak Glen?

Spring and early fall mornings. Fall apple season weekends are scenic but busy with visitors.

Sources

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 Bernardino County ride guides

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.