In his book The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in California 2nd ed., John Summerson gives a great overview of the 100 hardest climbs in California.
He developed his own rating method, which is similar to the rating method used at TourOfCalifornia.org with additional adjustments for altitude, average grade, grade variability, and road surface.
Eastern Sierra
Below is an overview of the top ten climbs (* indicates not in the book). The book covers additional categories as well as many more climbs with relevant details.
Most Difficult Climbs
1. The Bear (private road, east of Arvin, southeast of Bakersfield)
3. Onion Valley
5. Sherman Pass
7. Mount Baldy
9. Shirley Meadows
10. South Lake
Greatest Elevation Gained
1. Mount Baldy Notch (Multi-Surface) - 6,784 feet *
2. Dawson Saddle - 6,428 feet
3. Horseshoe Meadows - 6,234 feet
4. 190 - 6,199 feet
5. White Mountain - 6,158 feet
6. Breckenridge Road - 5,799 feet
7. J21/245/180 - 5,750 feet
8. Mosquito Flat (aka Rock Creek) - 5,548 feet
9. Dantes View - 5,475 feet
10. South Lake - 5,445 feet
Highest Elevation Attained
1. White Mountain Peak (Multi-Surface) - 14,252 feet *
2. Mosquito Flat (aka Rock Creek) - 10,220 feet
3. White Mountain - 10,106 feet
4. Horseshoe Meadows - 10,034 feet
5. Tioga Pass (Highest Pass) - 9,945 feet
6. South Lake - 9,852 feet
7. Sonora Pass - 9,624 feet
8. Kaiser Pass - 9,184 feet
9. Onion Valley - 9,163 feet
10. Lake Sabrina - 9,141 feet
Most Scenic/Spectacular Climbs
By: B. Straehle
See Also: Top Bike Climbs in America