Marshall Pass

Overview

Marshall Pass is a Category 2 climb in the United States, running 8.7 km from a start elevation of 2851 m to a summit at 3320 m. Over that distance it delivers a net elevation gain of 469 m at an average gradient of 5.39%. On paper that reads as a steady mid-range grind, and the length puts it firmly in territory where pacing decisions matter more than raw power spikes.

The number to watch is the gap between net gain and total ascent. You climb 469 m net, but the road actually makes you gain 772 m in total — 303 m of that is climbing you do twice because the profile dips and rolls along the way. That undulation means the real effort is heavier than the net figure suggests, and every descent you enjoy is a ramp you have to reclimb. Treat this as a 772 m day, not a 469 m one.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 5.39% average hides both the recovery sections and the sharp pitches. Because 303 m of ascent is "extra," long stretches must sit below the average to make room for ramps that sit well above it. Do not settle into the average and assume it holds.

• Flatter or slightly descending recovery sections where the average pulls the number down.
• Repeated short climbs stacked through the middle, each one asking for a fresh surge.
• A steepest ramp far above the average — the pitch that dictates your gearing choice.

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chase even effort, not even speed. If you hold a fixed pace, you will overspend on every roller and arrive at the summit cooked. Anchor your ride to a target power band around your sustainable power output: ease slightly on the ramps and let the flatter sections carry your speed rather than forcing it.

If you do not know your ceiling yet, run the FTP estimator before you go. With 772 m of total ascent to absorb, holding 5–10 watts too high early will cost you far more on the repeated climbs late.

Gearing

The steepest ramp — not the average — governs your gearing. On pitches this far above 5.39%, a compact (50/34) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette gives you the escape gears you need. A 34×32 or 34×34 low will let you spin the steep sections at cadence instead of grinding them. Check your setup before the ride: confirm the cassette and rear derailleur can actually handle the largest sprocket. Discovering a missing bail-out gear mid-climb is the fastest way to blow a pacing plan.

Summary

• Length: 8.7 km
• Average gradient: 5.39%
• Net elevation gain: 469 m
• Total ascent: 772 m
• Category: 2

Marshall Pass is a Category 2 climb that punches above its net numbers. The 303 m gap between net gain and total ascent is the whole story: pace for effort, gear for the steepest ramp, and respect the rollers, and 8.7 km of undulation becomes a controlled ride rather than a slow unraveling.