United StatesArizona Buffalo Pass South
Buffalo Pass South Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

4.7
FIETS
6.2 mi
DISTANCE
1,849 ft
GAINED
5.5 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
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Page Contributor(s): Chris Monson, Blanding, Utah, USA

INTRO

In the quiet North East corner of Arizona, nestled in the heartland of the Navajo Nation lies a beautiful rise of mountains called the Lukachukai Range. Buffalo Pass sits atop this range at 8,400’. On the West side starting from the town that bears its name you will gently start up HWY N-13. Passing beautiful red cliffs the road twists and turns in a scenic panorama of sandstone cliffs and tall Ponderosa pines.

"The south side of Buffalo Pass is an isolated and scenic climb within the Navajo Indian Reservation in the northeast portion of the Grand Canyon State.  A moderate grade greets you to begin the ascent as well as red rock views.  Soon the road gets twisty and enters a canyon..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 124.)

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Parking:
Along the side of the road at the start of the climb
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ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Moderate
3
Road
5
Traffic
4
Scenery

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May 1, 2021
difficulty: Moderate
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 3
May 1, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 3
You have to work to get to this one but worth it. Easy start among red rock formations leads into more solid grade (steepest half mile in AZ) through a few switchbacks and then to surprising alpine terrain (and cooler temps) near the top.
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Climb Summary

Contributed by Chris Monson, Blanding, Utah, USA

From the West:


In the quiet North East corner of Arizona, nestled in the heartland of the Navajo Nation lies a beautiful rise of mountains called the Lukachukai range. Buffalo Pass sits atop this range at 8,400’.  On the West side starting from the town that bears its name you will gently start up HWY N-13. Passing beautiful red cliffs the road twists and turns in a scenic panorama of sandstone cliffs and tall ponderosa pines. Climbing about 1,800 feet in approx. 6 miles you will find 15% switchbacks and gentle 6%-8% long hauls. At the top you will find a nice place for picnicking and a glorious view of the Red Valley to the East - location of the famed Shiprock. This is a wonderful high elevation treat rising high of the red desert that is Arizona.

     

Steepest ¼ mile and mile begin at mile 3.7 (15% and 10.8% respectively)


From the East:


In the quiet North East corner of Arizona, nestled in the heartland of the Navajo Nation lies a beautiful rise of mountains called the Lukachukai range. Buffalo Pass sits atop this range at 8,400’. On the East starting in the Red Valley you will have a very gentle rise heading to the bluffs of Lukachukai East. Other than a couple of 10% switch turns, this side of the hill is a pleasant ride up two thousand feet over approx. 7 miles. Don't forget the picnic for the views at the top.


     

Steepest ¼ mile and mile begin at mile  3.8 (13.%/9.1% respectively)