The World’s Most Extreme Uphill Climbs

The Steepest Road in the World: A Guide to the Darkest Inclines

Measuring Up: The Science Behind the Steepest Streets

The Guinness World Records has an award for the steepest road in the world, and Baldwin Street of New Zealand is the current title holder. But what makes a street steep? How do they measure it? And which streets around the world are worth a visit?

1. Baldwin Street, Dunedin, New Zealand (34.8%)

Constructed in the 1860s, Baldwin Street has become a popular tourist attraction. To celebrate their steepest street in the world, New Zealanders host an annual event called the Baldwin Street Gutbuster. Fitness enthusiasts race to the top of the street and back.

2. Ffordd Pen Llech, Harlech, Wales (37.5%)

From the top of Ffordd Pen Llech, you can see panoramic views of the hilly Welsh countryside, the Irish Sea, and the rugged peaks of Snowdonia National Park. You can also see Harlech Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Canton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA (33.3%)

Considered the steepest street in the United States, Canton Avenue hosts the annual Dirty Dozen bike race, making the cobblestoned climb a bucket-list challenge for bike enthusiasts.

4. Vale Street, Bristol, England (33%)

The steepest residential street in the U.K., Vale Street in Bristol is home to the annual Easter egg-rolling competitions that awards the child and adult who can roll their egg the farthest. It’s housed in a residential area called Totterdown, which is known for its colorful houses.

5. Eldred Street, Los Angeles, CA (33%)

This residential street in Los Angeles’ Highland Park neighborhood has a sign daring tourists to climb up the super steep road that was built in 1922. Streets this steep are less common in L.A. because the city has limited street grades to about 15 percent since the 1950s.

6. Baxter Street, Los Angeles, CA (32%)

Located in the neighborhood of Echo Park, Baxter Street is known for its sharp angles and dramatic drops. There was a viral video in 2022 of a Tesla launching into the air on Baxter Street and crashing into two cars. The dangerous stunt angered residents.

7. Bradford Street, San Francisco, CA (31.5%)

Bradford Street is nestled in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, a famously hilly city. Drivers and cyclists tackling this road are rewarded with views of the San Francisco skyline.

8. Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA (31.5%)

Located in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood, Filbert Street matches Bradford’s 31.5 percent gradient and is one of the city’s most iconic inclines. It’s served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions, including 1972 comedy “What’s Up, Doc?” and the TV series “Monk.”

9. Waipi’o Valley Road, Big Island, Hawaii (25%)

This treacherous road on Hawaii’s Big Island averages to a 25 percent gradient with parts of it reaching 45 percent. It offers views of Waipi’o Valley’s cliffs, waterfalls, and tropical vegetation.

10. Signal Hill Road, Cape Town, South Africa (20.8%)

Signal Hill Road offers a steep climb to one of Cape Town’s most scenic viewpoints, providing panoramic views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It also has a famous tradition dating back to the 1880s called the “Noon Gun,” where a cannon fired at precisely noon every day.

The Science Behind Measuring Steepness

The Guinness World Records determines the steepest street by measuring the maximum gradient over a 32.8-foot (10-meter) horizontal distance. This method ensures a fair assessment by focusing on the steepest continuous section, rather than averaging the incline over the entire length, which could dilute the extremity of the slope.

A Changing Definition of Steepness

In 2020, Guinness World Records updated its measurement criteria to base the gradient on the central axis of the road. This change affected the ranking of Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Wales, and Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand. Under the revised method, Ffordd Pen Llech’s was determined to be 28.6 percent, and Baldwin Street regained its title as the world’s steepest street in April 2020.

Conclusion

The world of steep streets is a fascinating one, with some places boasting gradients that will leave even the most seasoned adventurers breathless. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a unique perspective on your daily commute, these roads are sure to impress.

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