United StatesTexas Panther Pass
Panther Pass Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

10.8
PDI
5.1 mi
DISTANCE
1,748 ft
GAINED
6.5 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
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Page Contributor(s): Dan Razum, Campbell, CA, USA

INTRO

"Likely the most difficult Texas climb, and perhaps the most isolated climb in this guide, Panther Pass is also quite scenic as it heads towards Chisos Basin within Big Bend National Park. The first 4 miles are over moderate grade and desert scenery. The last mile is double digit and will challenge you. The climb ends as the grade eases at the obvious pass and the trailhead to the Lost Mine Trail. There is a campground a short distance further down the road...This is isolated territory so make sure you have what you need." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 211.)

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Big Bend National Park
United States (TX)
12 ROUTES
36 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
458.4
mi
DISTANCE
30,275
ft
ELEV. GAIN

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Panther Pass

Ride 5.2 miles gaining 1,750’ at 6.2% (6.7% climb only).

Climb summary by PJAMM ambassador Dan Razum, Campbell, CA

This climb starts out with a gentle gradient for the first mile or two and slowly gets steeper  as we go further.  It never gets too steep, though, we are still able to enjoy the scenery.

This ride takes us up and into Chisos Basin, which is a popular destination within Big Bend park. The road is mostly straight with gentle curves along the way except near the end, where there is  a hairpin curve.  At the beginning there are low lying shrubs and small plants which give way to oak and pine trees near the top.  Due to the altitude and vegetation it feels slightly cooler than in the valley below although it can still get hot.

Chisos Basin and the surrounding mountains are all part of a prehistoric volcano. It is not obvious on the climb, we are too close, but from several miles away, near the north entrance to Big Bend, for example, we can see how the entire area used to be a single mountain. The visitor centers in the park provide more details about the history of the area.

The road is in good condition and traffic is light.  There are no provisions along the climb but after a short descent into Chisos Basin there are restrooms and a visitor center, as well as a campground, so we aren't actually as isolated as it first appears at the beginning of the climb.

Thank you Dan!!