Last updated July 24, 2023
Ride Profile
Beautiful… The best on-road climb in Orange. This route follows the The Pinnacle loop, but turns off at the bottom of Stairs Rd climb to head to the top of Mount Canobolas. It’s a climb of three sections, with the two steeper sections bookending a flatter middle.
Once you turn on to Mount Canobolas road you’ll be heading straight up with gradients on the first section averaging 10.4% and topping out at 15% around Fern Gully gates. From there you’ll reach the Lookout and after a small section of deceptively steep climbing, it’s time for a little respite with the the middle section of the climb (2.3km at 2.8%).
At Old Canobolas Road the gradient rises sharply once again to start the final section. From here, if you aren’t pushing too hard, you’ll appreciate the sweeping views that open up to the West. This final section of the climb is 1.8km at an average grade of 10.7%. It’s consistently steep throughout.
After a stop at the top to take in the views & some sustenance it’s time to head back down. As you will have noticed on the way up, the descent is steep and the road is in very poor condition, particularly the section after the lookout. Take it easy and make sure you are braking before hitting the rough sections.
At the bottom it’s a right turn on to Pinnacle Road to start the Stairs Rd climb which by now should seem pretty cruisy.
Food & Water
No food or water en route.
Watch out for
Road Condition: The climb up to the Lookout from Fern Gully is quite rough, which is OK going up but dangerous coming back down. Be careful on the descent as it’s steep, narrow, technical & patchy / broken up where you don’t want it to be.
Traffic: Single lane up to the summit but not a lot of cars. Weekends can be busier. Out from town, Canobolas Road is generally OK but the Racecourse to Canobolas Public School can get busy at around 8.30am and 3pm so avoid those times.
Wildlife: watch for kangaroos on the descent, especially early and late in the day.
Variations / Extensions
Old Canobolas Road. The alternative on-road route up the mountain with a road in better condition but steeper grades.
