Chad's Gap

Overview

Chad's Gap is a Category 1 road climb in the United States. At 13.4 km long with 751 m of net elevation gain and a 5.62% average gradient, it sits firmly in the territory that demands respect from even experienced climbers. Starting at 2,152 m and finishing at 2,903 m, the altitude alone adds a layer of difficulty — the air is noticeably thinner at the summit than at the base, which compounds fatigue in the final kilometers.

The total ascent figure of 1,234 m — significantly more than the 751 m net gain — signals that this is not a simple straight-line grind. Elevation is lost and regained along the route, meaning your legs never fully recover, and your FTP is under sustained stress for far longer than the net numbers suggest.

Gradient Breakdown

The 5.62% average is deceptive. A climb with a maximum gradient of 31.96% is not one where the gradient stays politely near that average. Expect the profile to swing sharply — extended moderate pitches punctuated by brutal short ramps that can briefly destroy your rhythm and blow your legs open if you're not prepared.

What 31.96% Actually Means

A pitch of nearly 32% is not a gradient you power through in the saddle. At that angle, most riders — regardless of fitness — will need to stand, and gear selection becomes critical. A compact chainset (50/34) or subcompact (46/30) paired with a wide-range cassette (32T or larger) is not optional on a climb with ramps like this; it's basic self-preservation. If you're unsure whether your current gearing is adequate, use the FTP estimator to calculate what power output the steep sections will demand relative to your current form.

Pacing Strategy

The combination of a long approach (13.4 km), high starting elevation (2,152 m), and irregular gradient profile means pacing by feel alone is unreliable. Power-based targets are strongly preferred.

• Bottom third: Resist the urge to push hard. The moderate early pitches feel easy relative to what's coming. Ride 5–10 watts below your target effort and let your body adjust to the altitude.
• Middle section: This is where the total ascent figure starts to make itself felt. Undulating terrain means you'll be climbing cumulative meters well beyond what the net gain suggests. Hold a steady power output rather than chasing gradient changes.
• Final ramps: With 1,234 m of total ascent in the legs and altitude near 2,903 m, the steep ramps in the upper section are where climbs like this are won or lost. Shift early — before the ramp bites — and spin a high cadence rather than grinding.

Gear Recommendations

There is no prize for arriving at the 31.96% sections in too hard a gear. Blow up there and the final kilometers to the 2,903 m summit become a sufferfest rather than a controlled effort.

Altitude Considerations

At a starting elevation of 2,152 m, some degree of altitude effect is present from the very first pedal stroke. Riders coming from sea level should expect reduced aerobic capacity and slower recovery between hard efforts. If you are not acclimatized, factor in an additional perceived effort of roughly one gradient percentage point across the whole climb — the body is working harder than the numbers on the screen suggest.

For further context on how altitude and sustained gradient interact with your power targets, see the Category 1 climb guide.