Going up the switchbacks is the headliner on the Mt. Baldy climb.

Once you make that big left turn after Icehouse Canyon, it’s on as you have a little under two miles of constantly changing vert that averages about 10%.

 

 

Of course, there is a reward getting to come down as it’s like riding a roller coaster for free (and the price of repairing your brake pads).

You also get a pretty epic view of the valley below and a bigger sense of accomplishment.

For those of you who never get to make it out to this iconic Tour of California climb, here’s a little video of what it’s like coming down.