26.4
PDI
19.1 mi
DISTANCE
4,710 ft
GAINED
4.6 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Todd Short, Scottsdale, AZ; Bruce Hamilton, La Quinta, CA; Stacy Topping, Tacoma, WA,
INTRO
"The south side of Grand Mesa is a very long and scenic climb. There is a bit of traffic at the start in town but not enough to ruin the ride. The vehicles and town are soon left in your rear view mirror as you begin over shallow grade which tends to gradually increase as you ride into thicker tree cover. An unspectacular lower end eventually gives way to ridge views in places and lakes once into the National Forest. The grade is quite steady throughout with no surprises and through a few big switchbacks. You pass Grand Mesa Lodge near the top and the listed climb ends soon after among thick trees at the Mesa County line at almost 11,000 feet of elevation." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in Colorado, pg. 126.)
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. 4.6% average grade - 52% of the climb is at grade 0-5% and 40% is at 5-10%. The steepest quarter-mile is 9.3% and steepest mile 6.8%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Two lane Scenic Byway Route 65 is in very good condition with an approximate 2' shoulder most of the climb.
Traffic: Mild to moderate traveling at highway speeds (45-55 mph) for the most part. If you are traffic averse, begin this climb about half-way up the mountain as traffic is milder the further we climb. We have ridden this climb and the route from the north twice each and have felt safe on each ascent.
Parking: In Cedaredge on Main Street at the start of the climb - Map; Street View.
Provisions: There are no provisions on the climb - there are markets and restaurants in Cedaredge at the start of the climb and in Mesa on the backside of the climb, 39 miles from the start - Map.
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.
A challenging out and back climb is to tack on Grand Mesa North to this climb - 80 miles and 10,440' of climbing - Map.
Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar above to see other bike climbs in this area. A fantastic climb not to miss if your are in the area is East Portal, about 50 miles south in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
We have stayed in Montrose when we have done this climb, but we would recommend staying in Cedaredge as it seems like a quainter town.
ROUTE MAP
MEMBER RATING
CURRENT WEATHER
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NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
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