32.5
PDI
7.2 mi
DISTANCE
3,672 ft
GAINED
9.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Powder Mountain is worth the trek to get to - this is one of the steepest and most challenging bike climbs in the United States. The scenery isn't much to speak of, but you will not regret taking a run (or slow crawl) at this beast.
"There is a monster loose in northern Utah. One of the most difficult overall climbs and with perhaps the most difficult finish in the United States, Powder Mountain will slam you along long stretches of double digit grade, particularly over its 2nd half. Leading to a ski area, it is a tale of two climbs in a sense..." (This quote provided with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, 50 Climbs (by Bike) in Utah, pg. 54.)
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Powder Mountain is all about STEEEEP! This brute averages 9.7% for an entire 7.2 miles (10% if we adjust to remove the very brief descent). The steepest quarter-mile is 15.4% and there is a full mile that averages 14.6%. After Mt Washington Auto Rd (12.7%), Powder Mountain has the steepest 5 mile segment (11.5%) of any paved road open to cyclists in the US.
Roadway: Excellent condition as of 2019.
Traffic: Negligible - not an issue.
Parking: We have parked near the start (Map; Street View) on a visit during the weekday and in a nearby business parking lot on our weekend climb. Parking is not a problem.
Provisions: If the Hidden Lake Lodge is open, you will have food and beverages at the top - Google Map + Reviews.
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.
Twice we have travelled from Salt Lake City International Airport the day we flew in to climb Powder Mountain. It is only 51 miles from the airport to the start of the climb. We have also stayed in Ogden, Utah which is near the start and there are a few hotel options there. There are several other climbs in the area that you could consider doing while in the area (Routes in Area).
If your cycling adventure has you staying for a longer time house and condo rentals are also an option.
ROUTE MAP
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NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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rejortho
Did pikes peak and mount evans in one day last Saturday and then did three repeats up powder this week. It’s legit. Roads are good quality, although they are doing a bit of road repair currently-caution.
Although you ride up the narrow canyon, I still found it to be beautiful and the summit’s views on a clear day are amazing.
higinio
I have done this climb a few times. It's always hard. I wanted to climb it after riding from Salt Lake. From Immigration Canyon I rode up East Canyon and then to Morgan. From there to Huntsville and Eden through Snow Basin. It's about 70 miles to the bottom of Powder Mountain. The climb was very hard after all that riding. I really enjoyed it a lot more when I was still fresh, but it was a great ride.
Skotscott
August 30, 2023
Yep - very steep ! Fantastic !
I parked at the NorthArm Trailhead. There is a bike path across the road that takes you up about 2 miles past the golf course and past most of the traffic. You'll need compact gearing and good brakes for this climb. No summit sign at the top but you'll know when you get there. Lots of residential construction at the top so there were a few trucks going up and down and some gravel on the road in the turns. You'll be on the brakes most of the way down and still going very fast.
Urthious
I just rode this on July 17th 2021. I don't think disc brakes are must for this ride. People have been riding this for years without them. Just know your ability and your brake's limitations. I hadn't been to Powder Mountain this year since February for my last ski day. I don't remember the road being this perfect; I think they might have repaved it recently!! It was a blast for the descent.
I noticed they have the parking listed here further up the canyon than I normally do. I prefer the North Arm Trailhead linked below. It has a restroom and typically has plenty of space. It also gives you about 2-3 miles of warm up before the climb.
https://goo.gl/maps/9h8i58ThG2b82f4m7
manatee44
I've ridden almost all of the big climbs in Northern Utah and Powder Mountain is on a whole different level. It is absolutely relentless. Also of note, I have rim brake carbon wheels and the descent was almost worse than the climb. Highly recommend disc brakes for this one.
jsummers
Climbing Powder Mountain is somewhat like having a bomb go off near you. You will likely survive it but perhaps not without consequences. One of the most challenging in the US, it contains what may be the most difficult 3 mile stretch in American cycling. Around mile 6 you turn right for the finishing 1.5 miles on a fairly new paved road. The descent is hair raising, could be the fastest in the US, and has taken lives. All in all a good day in the saddle.
ArtTyczka
wow, thanks for the tips, my sister-in-law lives in Layton, was thinking of doing this the next time we visit, maybe I need a bike with disc brakes for this one???
jsummers
If its a warm day it couldn't hurt....
