Dunraven Pass

Overview

Dunraven Pass is a Category 3 climb in the US, running 10.9 km from a start elevation of 2319 m to a summit at 2698 m. Over that distance it delivers 379 m of net elevation gain, giving it a moderate average gradient that makes it a substantial but manageable outing rather than a summit test-piece.

The headline number to watch here is the gap between net gain and total ascent. While the road only lifts you 379 m from base to top, the total ascent across the profile is 575 m. That 196 m difference is climbing you do and then give back on descents and false flats. In practice it means the climb undulates: you pay for elevation you lose, and the average gradient understates the real work in your legs.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 3.49% average is a blend, not a constant. With 196 m of descending baked into a climb that nets only 379 m up, the road clearly rolls rather than steadily rises. The steepest recorded pitch hits 12.31%, far above the average, so expect the effort to spike well beyond what the mean suggests.

• Flatter and recovery sections where the road eases or tips slightly downhill, letting the average sit low
• Repeated short climbs that stack up to the 575 m total ascent
• A steepest ramp at 12.31% that demands a real change of gear and cadence

Pacing Notes

On a smooth, steady climb you can pace to even effort and hold it. Dunraven Pass is different. Because the gradient swings from downhill to over 12%, chasing even speed will blow you up on the ramps and waste energy on the descents. Instead, anchor your effort to your sustainable power output and let your speed float with the terrain: ease slightly on the false flats, and accept a higher wattage briefly on the steepest pitch rather than trying to keep a constant km-per-hour. If you do not know your ceiling, run the FTP estimator before you go so your target numbers reflect real capacity, not guesswork.

Gearing

Gear for the steepest gradient, not the average. At 12.31%, a standard road setup can leave you grinding at low cadence and burning matches you will want later. Fit a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette, something like a 34×32 or 34×34, so you can spin the ramps at a controlled effort. Check your setup before the ride: confirm the cassette and rear derailleur can handle the largest sprocket, and shift through the range to make sure nothing skips under load.

Summary

• Length: 10.9 km
• Average gradient: 3.49%
• Maximum gradient: 12.31%
• Net elevation gain: 379 m
• Total ascent: 575 m
• Category: 3

Dunraven Pass rewards riders who respect its undulation. Pace to effort, gear for the 12.31% ramp, and treat the 196 m of hidden climbing as the real story behind a modest-looking average.