Mt. Ashland Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

7.7
FIETS
16.2 mi
DISTANCE
4,502 ft
GAINED
5.1 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

An exceptional and must do climb! We try and save the superlatives for when they truly apply - and they apply to this climb! The climb is in the US Top 125 most difficult climbs, but offers much more than just a challenging ascent.
 
"The ascent begins by taking Old Siskiyou Highway up toward the Mount Ashland Ski Area. After 3.5 slowly increasing grade miles you will ride through a unique 270 degree turn to the left over moderate grade. A tree lined section soon follows as you continue up the hill past a few mountain homes. The route soon opens up and the grade increases a bit as you approach Interstate 5. At mile 6.7 cross under the interstate and turn left at the stop sign..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 209.)
5.1% average grade (5.8% for climb ony).  40% of the climb is at 0-5%, 40% is at 5-10%, and 11% is at 10-15%.  The steepest quarter-mile is 11.4% and steepest mile 8.2%.

 See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway  Two lane roadway in good condition with a two foot wide shoulder in many locations but which may contain debris such as sand and gravel from the winter. 

Traffic:  Minimal. 

Parking:  On the left side of Highway 66 just before the start of the climb - MapStreet View
Provisions:  There are no provisions on this ride. 
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While at first blush a bit of a trek to get to, it’s really not as “remote” as it seems on a U.S. map. The start of this climb is only 23 miles from Rogue Valley - Medford International Airport - see Map (however, beware of the bad reviews for this airport). We know Ashland to be a very popular town for many out-of-area visitors each year - if you are one of them (or fortunate enough to live in the area) and a cyclist, do not miss out on this exceptional climb. This is a climb that justifies a trip just to ride up Mt. Ashland, or certainly include it in your itinerary if you are in the area for other reasons.

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Challenging
4
Road
4.5
Traffic
4
Scenery

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Crater Lake
United States (OR)
10 ROUTES
29 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
258.3
mi
DISTANCE
29,750
ft
ELEV. GAIN

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

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Jun 9, 2022
difficulty: Challenging
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 4
Jun 9, 2022
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 4
This is a really fun climb! And equally fun descent. Not technical. Do it during the week and you'll have about zero cars. None passed me going down. It's long, but nothing is over 9%, and most is 5-7%. The first part, up Old Siskyou Pass road is pleasant, mostly shaded. Then, after crossing under the freeway (I5), turning on the Mt. Ashland road, it becomes more open and lots of views. The crux are 4 of the last 4.5 miles, which are 7-8%, and you're over 5,000 feet at this point, so less oxygen. Great views of Mount Shasta too.
May 1, 2021
difficulty: Challenging
scenery: 4
traffic: 4
road: 4
May 1, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 4
road: 4
The challenge on this climb is more in the distance than the gradient. It's an enjoyable ride through the lower part with trees, and then the upper part feels more like you are properly in the mountains. A great journey overall! I just parked off the road by the lake near the bottom, but you can also park at the top (or ride from Ashland).
ROUTE MAP
PROFILE TOOL
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Ride Summary

An Exceptional and Must Do climb! 

We try and save the superlatives for when they truly apply - they apply to this climb!   The climb is a valid Top 100 (#91 as of September, 2015), but offers much more than just a challenging ascent.  

From our perspective, this is a 2 part climb - the lower 7.4 (4.8% / 1,966’) and upper 8.8 (5.2% / 2,425’) mile sections.  The first 6 miles are up a narrow and well maintained road (Old Hwy 99) surrounded and covered by trees most of the way.  We cross bridges over train tracks twice and hear the crowing of roosters occasionally along the way.  This climb has a very homey and woodsy feel to it and by itself would warrant serious climb-consideration if you were in the Ashland area.

IMG_6346.JPG      IMG_6355.JPG

We cross under Interstate 5 at mile 6.6 and after a .8 miles loop parallel the freeway we turn right onto Mt. Ashland Ski Road at mile 7.4.  

IMG_6370.JPG      IMG_6368.JPG

It is a couple miles up this very wide and well-maintained road that it begins to offer exceptionally scenic views of Mt. Shasta (52 miles line-of-sight) and the peaks/ridges surrounding it  (photo / see slideshow above for some of those magnificent views).  The climb ends at Mt. Ashland Ski Area.  Once at the top, we have more great views of Shasta and its surroundings to the south and Ashland to the north.  

IMG_6390.JPG       IMG_6398.JPG

While at first blush a bit of a trek to get to, it’s really not as “remote” as it seems on a U.S. map.  The start of this climb is only 23 miles from Rogue Valley - Medford International Airport - see Map (however, beware of the bad reviews for this airport).  We know Ashland to be a very popular town for many out-of-area visitors each year - if you are one of them (or fortunate enough to live in the area) and a cyclist, do not miss out on this exceptional climb.   This is a climb that justifies a trip just to ride up Mt. Ashland, or certainly include it in your itinerary if you are in the area for other reasons.

Steepest ¼ mile begins at mile 7.9 (10.4%) and steepest mile at mile 12 (8.1%)

 This climb is just south of the quaint and popular town of Ashland (pop. 20,713 in 2013) and  ends at Mt. Ashland Ski Resort .  and can be done in conjunction with #85 Parks  Creek East  59 miles south and #58 Mt. Shasta which 70 miles to the south.  ​

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