Last updated June 14, 2022
Ride Profile
Steep… Strava says there are some sections at around 23% on the climb. I’m not sure if that’s true but it sure feels like it, this climb is unrelenting and steep in sections, definitely the hardest way to the top. A good challenge though and gives bonus views out to the west at the bottom, as well as on the higher sections.
I prefer to ride out past Lake Canobolas to keep off Cargo Road as long as possible. Cargo Road is busy and has little shoulder on the section close to town, and the traffic can be quite aggressive. You can shorten the route by going straight out Cargo Road.
Be careful on the descent, it’s very steep in places.
Note: both Strava & Ride with GPS routes show gravel road up the climb, the road was fully sealed not long ago.
Food & Water
The Café at Lake Canobolas is a good place to stop on the way out or back if you need supplies.
Watch out for
Road Condition: Generally good. Be careful on the descent as there are some rough sections, although not as rough as the main way down the mountain. With the steep climbs come very fast descents but it’s not as windy & technical as the main route down. Watch for gravel washed across the road.
Traffic: Generally OK but the Racecourse to Canobolas Public School can get busy at around 8.30am and 3pm so avoid those times. As mentioned the traffic on Cargo Rd can be a bit aggressive, there is more shoulder though if you join it at the Lake Canobolas turnoff.
Wildlife: watch for kangaroos on the descent, especially on the upper sections.
Variations / Extensions
Return via the Pinnacle. On the descent back down, don’t turn off on to Old Canobolas Road, continue around the bend. There is a flatter section to the lookout, then a steeper windy descent with the road in very poor condition. Turn right once you reached the bottom and follow Pinnacle Road back to town.
Mt Canobolas. The traditional way up the mountain which breaks the climb into 3 distinct sections, a steeper start, flatter mid section and steeper finish.
