Hayden Mountain Summit

Overview

Hayden Mountain Summit is a Category 4 climb in the US, running 8.4 km from base to top. It gains 256 m of net elevation over that distance, starting at 1,184 m and topping out at 1,440 m. The average gradient sits at a modest 3.03%, which puts it firmly in the category of a climb you ride steadily rather than one you survive.

Look closer, though, and the profile is less friendly than the net numbers suggest. While the net elevation gain is 256 m, the total ascent is 315 m — a 59 m gap that has to be paid back somewhere. That difference means the road undulates: you climb, give some height back on descents or false flats, then climb again. Undulation like this taxes your legs more than a single smooth grade, because every dip forces you to rebuild momentum on the rise that follows.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 3.03% average is a blend, not a constant. With a maximum gradient of 9.92% and 59 m of hidden extra climbing, the road clearly alternates between easy sections and sharper ramps. The average is dragged down by the flatter and downhill stretches, meaning the pitches that actually count are noticeably steeper than 3%.

Expect the profile to break down roughly like this:

• Flatter and recovery sections where the grade drops well below average, letting you spin or even freewheel
• Repeated short climbs that each reset your effort and account for the total-ascent surplus
• A steepest ramp approaching 9.92%, where you'll need to shift down and hold power without surging

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chasing an even speed is a trap — you'll spike your effort on every ramp and burn matches you can't afford. Aim instead for even effort. Hold a steady sustainable power output through the steep pitches and let your speed rise naturally on the flatter recovery sections rather than pushing to keep the pace constant.

If you don't know your target number, run the FTP estimator first and set a ceiling for the ramps. The 9.92% max is short enough to ride slightly above threshold, but only if you've backed off on the descents in between.

Gearing

The steepest pitch dictates your setup, not the average. At close to 9.92%, a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette keeps your cadence sane on the ramps. A 34×32 will cover most riders here; a 34×34 gives you extra margin if you tire late or prefer to spin. Check your chainrings and cassette before the ride — the flatter average can lull you into under-gearing for a climb that has genuine double-digit moments.

Summary

• Length: 8.4 km
• Average gradient: 3.03%
• Maximum gradient: 9.92%
• Net elevation gain: 256 m
• Total ascent: 315 m
• Category: 4

Hayden Mountain Summit rewards riders who read the profile rather than the average. Pace by effort, gear for the steepest ramp, and treat the undulation as the real challenge — the numbers are gentle, but the rhythm is not.