9.8
FIETS
16.9 mi
DISTANCE
4,992 ft
GAINED
5.4 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Bruce Hamilton, La Quinta, CA, USA; Stacy Topping, Tacoma, WA, USA
INTRO
This climb takes us us through Big Cottonwood Canyon towards Solitude and Brighton Resorts. Just before Solitude at mile 13.8 we turn left onto Guardsman Pass Road for the final three miles at 6.7% to Guardsman Pass. This is the fourth most difficult bike climb in Utah behind Powder Mountain, Guardsman Pass (Midway - the other side of the mountain), and Little Cottonwood Canyon which begins about three miles south of the start of Big Cottonwood Canyon. The first 12 miles are through a canyon with nice forest and river views but no distant views. We have some nice views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.
The average grade of this climb is 5.5% (6.1% climb only) but the grade does vary frequently, ranging from slight descents (approximately seven brief descents) and a healthy 13% quarter-mile during the last mile of the climb which averages 9.7%. 44% of the climb is at grade 5-10% and 12% at 10-15%. The steepest quarter mile is 13%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.
Roadway: Excellent as of 2019.
Traffic: There is moderate traffic along much of the Big Cottonwood segment of the climb but very little after turning onto Guardsman Pass Road.
Parking: There is a park and ride at the beginning of the climb - Map; Street View.
Check the PJAMM Weather Tool to determine the weather at the top around the time you expect to finish and pack clothing to account for any adverse weather. Since you are climbing to nearly 10,000' and will finish 5,000' higher than where you began, the weather could be quite a bit different at the top than at the bottom, particularly if you arrive at the top late in the day - the descent can be miserable and freezing, depending on conditions.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
We suggest staying in Park City and enjoying the many HC and scenic climbs in that area during your cycling trip to or around this part of Utah - Park City, UT
Park City has many resort and hotel options and for longer cycling adventures (which we highly recommend in this area) you can rent one of the many great villas and condos in this popular ski town.
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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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akbean
The first few miles are fairly challenging, but the road flattens out (and even gives you a very short downhill) for the middle section. Ramps up in difficulty significantly once you hit Guardsman Pass.
The shoulder on the uphill is wide, but large sections of the descent have little to no shoulder. There can also be rocks and debris on the road, so be alert. It's a very popular canyon for hiking, so there will be heavy car traffic. Be aggressive (and safe!) and take your lane on that descent when you lose the shoulder. Recommend riding on a weekday if possible to avoid weekend traffic.
Scenery is incredible. Narrow sections right up on the creek and trees give way to big open fields with breathtaking views of the canyon. Rode it in late September, so got to see the changing leaves.
HakenBaconator
Beautiful climb! I did not go all the way to Guardsman Pass, but the scenery was still pretty good. The traffic was pretty heavy, but to be fair I did go on a holiday weekend. The roads are in great condition and the descent was (for the most part) flowey and fast.
manatee44
A classic Utah ride. This is a super accessible climb. The shoulder going up is large and the climb itself isn't super hard(but still challenging) as there are lots of breaks in the gradient where you can recover. To make it easier you can skip Guardsman and just finish at Brighton. In my opinion, the climb up to Guardsman is by far the hardest section, though the view from the top is so worth it. There's also the Brighton General Store that is a great mid ride refueling stop.
