United StatesCalifornia Carson Pass East
Carson Pass East Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

14.5
PDI
14.3 mi
DISTANCE
3,015 ft
GAINED
3.8 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
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INTRO

This climb begins about 90 miles into the Death Ride (after about 12,100' of climbing).  This is a very busy highway and I do not recommend doing it unless it's during the Death Ride (as the fifth climb). 

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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3.9% average grade (4.6% climb only).  13% of the climb is descent, 49% is at 0-5% grade, 36% is at 5-10%, and 2% is at 10-15% grade.  The steepest quarter-mile is 10.3%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  The roadway is in good condition, mostly two lanes but with some passing lanes along the way.  There is a narrow shoulder that you can ride in as needed most of the climb.

Traffic:  Moderate traffic, including big rigs, passing at highway speeds. 

Parking:  You can park on the side of Old Pony Express Way at its junction with Highway 88 (Map;  Street View).
Provisions:  The closest place for food and beverages is in Markleeville which has an ice cream store, market, and two restaurants (Map), or the restaurant at Wylder Hotel (formerly Sorenen's) 4.8 miles up the climb on the left.  We have always eaten breakfast at Sorenen's (now Wylder) on our way back to the north coast after the Death Ride. 
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.
There are many great bike climbs in this area (Carson East is the worst of them).  See our Markleeville - Death Ride page for more information.  See also our Lake Tahoe climb area page for climbs around Lake Tahoe. 

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Lake Tahoe
United States (CA,NV)
18 ROUTES
32 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
245.7
mi
DISTANCE
35,240
ft
ELEV. GAIN

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Carson Pass East.

Ride 14.3 miles gaining 3,030’ at 4% average grade.

Photo:  Last mile to the summit (pass is upper middle of photo).

This climb begins about 90 miles into the Death Ride (after about 12,100' of climbing). Visit our Death Ride page for detailed information on each route and climb in this ride.

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This is the one pass that is not closed to motor vehicles during the Death Ride. You will likely be climbing into a moderate to strong headwind the entire 14 miles or so up the pass, so be prepared. While the "average grade" is only 3.7%, be mentally prepared for a long steady slog into the wind; you will be rewarded with ice cream at the top. The 3.7% average grade is misleading because there are several miles of flat riding which makes the remaining climb much steeper than 3.7% -- more in the 6% range, but never anything extreme (although it surely may seem that way after so much riding and climbing).

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Although not marked on the Death Ride course map for 2014, there has been a rest stop half way up Carson Pass the years we have participated (2009-2015).

We pass Red Lake near the finish.


Roadway Surface and Traffic Report: The roadway surface is very good and there is a clear and wide bike lane most of the climb. However, this is clearly a highway which will be very obvious to you as cars, trucks, trailers (even cyclists by this time, depending on how you feel) will whiz by. The Death Ride’s organizers put out signs in many locations warning drivers of the event, and drivers would have to be completely unconscious of their surroundings to under-appreciate the presence of cyclists on Carson Pass during the Death Ride.

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Sorenson’s Resort halfway up the ride is a wonderful place to stay, we recommend it.

That’s a wrap!!