25.9
PDI
9.9 mi
DISTANCE
3,769 ft
GAINED
7.2 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ron Hawks, Las Vegas, NV; Dan Razum, Campbell, CA; Bruce Hamilton, Laquinta, CA; Stacy Topping, Tacoma, WA.
INTRO
"Glacier Lodge Road is another of the multiple and difficult Owens Valley climbs in eastern Califoria. This one begins in Big Pine, California that leads up the spectacular eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It carries a steep and fairly steady grade almost all the way up to a scenic alpine setting...A stout start soon eases and then a cattle guard just under two miles in announces solid grade for the majority of the remainder of the climb. A big switchback approximately 3 miles in will get your attention as it produces steeper climbing with views in places. Toward the top the grade finally eases and some trees begin to appear within the final segment..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in California, pg. 119.)
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The climb averages 7.1% with the majority (5.9 miles/59.6%) in the 5-10% gradient range, and 1.8 miles (17.9%) at 10-15%. The steepest quarter-mile is 11.4% and there is a continuous mile that averages 10%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Good shape other than the expansion joints (slight breaks across the roadway every ~10-20 yards on the upper part of the roadway). For road conditions see Inyo County Road Open/Closed Status.
Note: Check weather conditions with the Inyo National Forest Service for each climb you intend to do and the Inyo County road conditions website before traveling to Owens Valley to cycle anytime after September or before June.
Information Not Available
If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Click the CONTRIBUTE button to share your thoughts with us.
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 normally stay in Bishop or Lone Pine for our Owens Valley climbs, but if you would like to have a unique high altitude experience, stay at the Glacier Lodge at the finish of this bike climb (See Full Summary for more details). There are also many vacation home rental options in the area.
ROUTE MAP
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CURRENT WEATHER
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NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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Skotscott
July 20, 2024
A stout spin on a terrible road. Wide and deep cracks across the road, every 15 ft, almost the entire way. Some short sections with minimal cracks. Full sun exposure, gusty winds, climbing the whole way - a wonderful climb ! But a jarring, slow, lots of breaking descent. I'm on a stiff, carbon, climbing bike with 28x700 tires so rough pavement and cracks rattle my bones. Would be a fun descent on a full suspension MTB !
dfergusonpm
As others have stated, the middle section is a good challenge with steep grades. There are a lot of expansion cracks but the descent wasn't too bad overall. There was some gusting winds which created a bit of a challenge on the descent but not too bad. Nice challenging ride.
DBlondfield
Big steeps in the middle. I think it was more than 2 miles at 10%
whitoriginals
This road is a pain in the a**, with no switchbacks. Like riding a swift for two hours.
Chaddad
Nice hard climb to pair with White Mountain Road. Once it tips up it is very sleep for most of its length along the ridgeline. Pretty little valley at the end. Lots of expansion cracks, so a high-volume road tire is nice.
Psteffenson
If you can survive the middle of this ride it's not bad. The road has cracks across it the entire ride making it a sketchy descent.
carlinguernsey
Lesser known than some of the neighbors, but still tough. You can park near the start. There isn't much at the top - only camping and some toilets. Bring water and clothing - I got snowed on at the top in late May. The descent is fast (if your hands aren't frozen).
