United StatesUtah Francis Peak
Francis Peak Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

37.5
PDI
13.2 mi
DISTANCE
4,974 ft
GAINED
7.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
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Page Contributor(s): Steve Larsen, West Jordan, UT; Jack Beyer, Matt Wilden, WA

INTRO

Th number 1 rated climb in Utah is a real adventure that will really test you. It starts on smooth pavement before turning to rough gravel that winds through steep canyons and along sharp ridges. The road surface is mostly a 2 out of 5, but sand, ruts, and summer dust make it challenging. The final stretch is straight, steep, and fully exposed, with the radar domes at the summit pulling you in the whole way, but great views of the Great Salt Flats are your reward!

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The climb is steady and manageable on a gravel bike, with a road surface that starts around a 2 out of 5 but roughens as you ascend, becoming drier, dustier, and softer through the summer. OHV traffic leaves some switchbacks sandy, and occasional ruts bump the difficulty up to around a 3. Snow patches can linger into early summer, requiring short hike-a-bike sections. About halfway up, riders can choose to detour to Bountiful Peak for a 50 km loop with a bit more pavement, but a rougher 3.5 surface rating. Both descents are fast and loose.

View the Images tab in our Profile Tool for more detailed information on the road surface.


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CLIMB SUMMARY

Francis Peak - Farmington//Class 2

Climb begins in the well kept town of Farmington. The climb is paved for a few miles, then turns to well kept gravel. This route is heavily traveled by ATV’s, motos, trucks, and the like. On the day PJAMM rode this, there was consistent traffic for the entire climb.

As the climb turns to gravel, switchbacks bring you up a magnificent canyon. Here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views and steep drop offs.

After the switchbacks, the climb follows canyons and gradients mellow out. Road quality is decent for the entire climb. There are a few areas of shade on the upper section of the road, but most of the climb is exposed to the hot sun of Salt Lake City (summertime temps that is.)

This climb branches off from the “Skyline Bountiful Peak North” with about 2,000 feet still to climb. The final 2k feet of the climb is exposed and almost dead straight. The road quality is decent up to the summit and can be comfortably ridden on any gravel bike.

The summit of the climb, notable for its large radar domes, is in view for the last 2 miles of the climb. There is a gate about one mile from the summit, which was locked on the day PJAMM rode the climb.

The gate appears to be for cars though, as there was no signage prohibiting vehicle traffic.

 At the summit, there is a sign (shaped like a grave) explaining the name ‘Francis Peak.’

It’s a wrap!

Notes from other PJAMMers:

Steve Larsen (7-30-20) This is rideable on a gravel bike - it’s one of my favorite local gravel rides. I would give it a 2 on the 1-5 road surface scale. It’s fairly heavily used by OHV traffic so some of the switchbacks are a bit sandy. The climb is steady and occasionally steep but never for long. About halfway up you can opt for Bountiful Peak (same distance and climb) which you can ride as a 50 km loop (about 30% pavement). That climb is more like 3.5. Both descents will make you wish for suspension.

Jack Beyer (6-15-24) - It’s mostly rideable there are some snow patches you have to hike over. The roads probably like a 3 (on 1-5 scale) cause there’s lots of ruts but smooth for the most part.

Matt Wilden deteriorates as you ascend and varies quite a bit throughout the season, becoming drier, dustier, and soldier as the summer passes