Think San Francisco holds the crown for the most challenging hills in the United States? Prepare to have your assumptions turned upside down. While the City by the Bay is famous for its vertiginous inclines, the title of “Steepest Street In Us” actually belongs to a lesser-known location, far from the iconic Californian cityscape.
Many automatically associate extreme hills with San Francisco, picturing dramatic car commercials navigating seemingly impossible slopes. However, a recent study by Fixr, a network for small businesses, compiled an infographic revealing the top ten steepest streets in the U.S., and the results are surprising. San Francisco barely makes the list, claiming only the ninth and tenth positions. The undisputed champion, in terms of gradient, is a restricted access road in Hawaii.
This Hawaiian road, Waipio Road, located in Honokaa on the Big Island, ascends a staggering 800 feet in just six-tenths of a mile. Its incredible 45% gradient is so severe that access is limited to pedestrians and 4-wheel drive vehicles. This extreme incline sparks debate about its inclusion as a “street” due to its restricted nature, but its gradient is undeniable. The list of steepest streets showcases a diverse geographical spread, with California, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii represented, proving that challenging inclines are not exclusive to one region. While some might question the limited state representation, the heart-pounding gradients of these roads are certainly not up for debate.
Let’s explore some of these formidable inclines that make up the top contenders for the steepest street in the US:
Waipio Road, Honokaa, HI – 45% Gradient
Waipio Valley Road in Hawaii with lush green cliffs
Waipio Road is the undisputed king of steep streets in the US. Its gradient is so intense it even intimidated cycling legend Lance Armstrong, who famously remarked, “You know it’s steep when the people walking down are walking backwards.” This road provides access to the breathtaking Waipio Valley, but its extreme incline demands respect and appropriate vehicles.
Canton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA – 37% Gradient
Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh showcasing a very steep uphill climb with houses on either side
Moving away from tropical Hawaii, Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, claims the second spot with a formidable 37% gradient. Pittsburgh, known for its hilly terrain, features multiple entries on the list, proving its claim as a city of seriously steep streets. Canton Avenue is a testament to this, challenging drivers and cyclists alike.
Eldred Street, Los Angeles, CA – 33.30% Gradient
Eldred Street in Los Angeles showing a residential street with a very steep incline
Los Angeles, often associated with sprawling landscapes and freeways, surprisingly harbors several of the steepest streets in the US. Eldred Street takes the third position with a 33.30% gradient. This residential street in LA demonstrates that even within a major metropolis, extreme inclines can be found nestled within neighborhoods.
28th Street, Los Angeles, CA – 33% Gradient
28th Street in Los Angeles with parked cars on an extremely steep hill
Closely following Eldred Street, 28th Street in Los Angeles also boasts a 33% gradient. Located between Gaffey Street and Peck Avenue, this street adds to Los Angeles’s unexpected reputation for challenging hills.
Baxter Street & Fargo Street, Los Angeles, CA – 32% Gradient
Baxter Street in Los Angeles with a car parked sideways on a very steep slope
Sharing the fifth and sixth spots are Baxter and Fargo Streets, both in Los Angeles and both featuring a daunting 32% gradient. Fargo Street is particularly famous for the annual Fargo Street Hill Climb, where cyclists test their limits against its punishing slope. You can even watch a windy video showcasing a ride down this 130-year-old street.
Maria Avenue, Spring Valley, CA – 32% Gradient
Maria Avenue in Spring Valley, California, a very steep residential road
Further solidifying California’s presence on the list, Maria Avenue in Spring Valley also registers a 32% gradient. This street, located in San Diego County, demonstrates that steep inclines are not limited to Los Angeles or San Francisco within California.
Dornbush Street, Pittsburgh, PA – 31.98% Gradient
Waipio Valley Road in Hawaii with lush green cliffs
Returning to Pittsburgh, Dornbush Street nearly matches the 32% gradient, coming in at 31.98%. This street reinforces Pittsburgh’s reputation as a city built on hills, presenting daily challenges for residents and visitors alike.
22nd Street & Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA – 31.50% Gradient
Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh showcasing a very steep uphill climb with houses on either side
Finally, San Francisco makes an appearance at the bottom of the list with 22nd and Filbert Streets, both registering a 31.50% gradient. While steep, these iconic San Francisco streets are shown to be less extreme than others across the US. Filbert Street, in particular, is famous for its picturesque landscaping, often drawing tourists eager to experience its unique incline.
While San Francisco is undoubtedly hilly, the quest to find the steepest street in the US reveals a broader landscape of extreme inclines across the country. From the restricted access Waipio Road in Hawaii to the residential streets of Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, these locations offer a different perspective on challenging urban and natural terrains. So, next time you think of the steepest street in the US, remember it’s a title contested across several states, with the crown currently residing in Hawaii.
