Paso Ratón

Overview

Paso Ratón is a short, high-altitude category 4 climb that packs its work into just 3.6 km. From a start already sitting at 1815 m, the road lifts you to a summit of 1960 m — a net gain of 145 m over a total ascent of 134 m. The average gradient is a moderate 4.04%, but that figure hides a steeper reality in places, with the road tilting up to 7.86% at its hardest. This is the kind of climb that rewards a strong, controlled effort: too short to hide in, long enough to punish an over-cooked start.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The math tells the story of a climb that isn't relentlessly steep but also isn't a gentle drag. A 4.04% average across 3.6 km means most of the road sits in comfortable tempo territory, yet the 7.86% maximum — nearly double the average — signals at least one genuine ramp that forces a change of rhythm. Expect the profile to flow between easy stretches and sharper kicks rather than holding a single steady angle. Because the net gain (145 m) slightly exceeds the total ascent figure (134 m), the grade is fairly consistent in direction, climbing throughout without meaningful descents to break your momentum or hand back free elevation.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this short, pacing is about not blowing up before the top. Because it's only 3.6 km, you can afford to ride slightly above your all-day sustainable power, but the steepest pitch at 7.86% is where riders lose composure — surge too hard there and the final metres to 1960 m will feel far longer than they are.

Anchor your effort to your FTP. For a climb of this length, sitting just above threshold on the moderate sections and pressing harder over the steep ramp is a sound plan. If you don't know your number yet, use the FTP estimator to set a target before you go. Remember that the 1815 m to 1960 m altitude band means the thin air can quietly clip your power, so ride to feel as much as to a fixed wattage.

Gearing

The 4.04% average is manageable in almost any gearing, but the 7.86% maximum is what dictates your setup — especially at altitude, where every pitch feels a little steeper than the number suggests. A compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the smart choice here.

A 34×32 will comfortably cover the steep ramp for most fit riders, letting you spin rather than grind over the 7.86% section. If you tend to climb seated at a lower cadence, or you're tired from earlier climbing, a 34×34 buys extra insurance and keeps your legs fresh for the top.

Summary

Paso Ratón is a compact, high-altitude test: short enough to attack, steep enough in places to respect. Set your effort by threshold, gear for the 7.86% ramp, and ride steadily from 1815 m to the 1960 m summit.

Length: 3.6 km
Average gradient: 4.04%
Max gradient: 7.86%
Start: 1815 m
Summit: 1960 m
Net gain: 145 m
Total ascent: 134 m
Category: 4