Gerlos Pass

Overview

Gerlos Pass is a category 2 climb that runs 11.7 km from a base at 855 m to a summit of 1526 m. That is a net gain of 671 m, with the total ascent measuring 664 m once the small dips along the way are accounted for. The average gradient sits at 5.76%, a number that reads as steady and honest on paper but hides a sharper character in the middle: the road bites back with pitches as steep as 12.83%. It is long enough to matter and steep enough in places to demand respect, but never so relentless that it becomes a pure survival grind. This is a climb you can ride well if you read it correctly.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline figure is 5.76%, but the story of Gerlos Pass is written in the gap between that average and the 12.83% maximum. A climb that averaged its way to the top would gain 671 m across 11.7 km without ever threatening you. This one does not. The presence of double-digit ramps means there are stretches noticeably shallower than 5.76% to balance the maximum out — likely runs where you can recover and roll before the road tilts up again. Expect a rhythm that alternates: sustained middle-gradient work punctuated by short, sharp efforts where the gradient more than doubles the average. The total ascent of 664 m sitting just below the 671 m net gain confirms the profile is almost entirely upward, with only minor relief thrown in.

Pacing Notes

The 5.76% average makes Gerlos Pass a tempo climb for most riders — hard enough to sit near threshold, forgiving enough to hold that effort for the full 11.7 km. Anchor your pacing to your FTP and aim to spend the shallower sections just under it, banking a little headroom for the 12.83% ramps where you will surge well above threshold. If you do not know your number yet, run the FTP estimator before you commit to a plan. The classic mistake here is treating the steep pitches as the whole climb and going too deep early; instead, ride the average, absorb the spikes, and let the flatter runs bring your heart rate back down. Over 671 m of climbing, disciplined pacing beats bravado every time.

Gearing

For a 671 m climb topping out at 12.83%, gearing is about protecting your cadence on the steep ramps. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette gives most riders enough range to spin the average comfortably and survive the pitches. If you are carrying fatigue, riding heavier, or simply prefer to keep the legs fresh for the summit at 1526 m, step up to a 34×34. The difference between 34×32 and 34×34 is small in numbers but real on the 12.83% sections, where an extra cog can be the margin between smooth spinning and grinding. Err toward the easier ratio — you will not regret it.

Summary

Gerlos Pass rewards a rider who respects the average and prepares for the spikes. Ride the 5.76% steadily, gear low enough for the 12.83% ramps, and the 671 m of ascent unfolds as a satisfying tempo effort rather than a suffer-fest.

Length: 11.7 km
Average gradient: 5.76%
Max gradient: 12.83%
Start: 855 m
Summit: 1526 m
Net gain: 671 m
Total ascent: 664 m
Category: 2