Lizard Head Pass

Overview

Lizard Head Pass is a Category 4 climb in the US, running 6.4km from a start elevation of 2901m to a summit of 3121m. Its net elevation gain is 220m, and its average gradient of 3.42% places it firmly in the shorter, gentler tier of categorized climbs. On paper, those numbers read as a manageable haul at altitude.

The paper numbers hide the real work. While the net gain is 220m, the total ascent is 341m — meaning you actually climb roughly 121m more than the elevation profile's endpoints suggest. That gap is undulation: the road rises, gives some back, then rises again. For pacing, it means the effort is lumpier than a 3.42% average implies. You cannot settle into one rhythm and hold it; you repeatedly spend energy regaining metres you've already surrendered.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 3.42% average is an artifact of that undulation. Flatter and downhill stretches drag the number down, which masks the fact that the steepest ramp bites at 12.26% — well over three times the average. The climb is not a smooth incline but a sequence of pitches separated by lulls.

Expect the following across the profile:

• Flatter or slightly descending recovery sections that let the average sit low
• Repeated short climbs where you burn matches regaining lost elevation
• At least one steep ramp reaching 12.26% — the pitch that governs your gearing choice

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chase even effort, not even speed. Holding a constant pace forces you to surge on every steep pitch and coast through the flats, spiking your load and draining you before the summit. Instead, anchor your ride to a sustainable power output: let speed rise on the descents and fall on the ramps while your effort stays flat.

Ease off slightly on the recovery sections rather than hammering them — those metres cost little. Save the reserve for the 12.26% ramp, where holding target power matters most. If you do not know your ceiling, run the FTP estimator before you go so your pacing has a real anchor.

Gearing

Gearing on Lizard Head Pass is dictated by the steepest gradient, not the average. A 12.26% ramp at this altitude will punish a road-race setup. Fit a compact (50/34) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 gives you a bailout gear to spin the steep pitch instead of grinding it.

Check your setup before the ride. Confirm the cassette and chainset are what you think they are, and that the rear derailleur can handle the largest sprocket. Sorting gearing at the trailhead is too late.

Summary

• Length: 6.4km
• Average gradient: 3.42%
• Maximum gradient: 12.26%
• Net elevation gain: 220m
• Total ascent: 341m
• Category: 4

Lizard Head Pass rewards riders who read past the average. The 3.42% figure suggests an easy tempo, but the 121m gap between net gain and total ascent, plus a 12.26% ramp, make even-effort pacing and a bailout gear the smart calls.