San Francisco Pass

Overview

San Francisco Pass is a long, steady Category 2 ascent that trades brutal ramps for sheer altitude. Over 19.8 km the road averages just 3.72%, a gradient most riders would shrug off at sea level. But this climb never sees sea level: it begins at 4018 m and finishes at 4755 m, a summit high enough that thin air becomes the defining challenge. The net elevation gain is 737 m, with 714 m of total ascent — numbers that confirm this is a climb you win with patience and oxygen management, not explosive power.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape here is remarkably even. With a 3.72% average and a max of only 6.74%, there are no wall-like pitches waiting to snap your rhythm. The gap between average and maximum is small, which tells you the road holds a consistent tilt for long stretches rather than swinging between flat recovery and steep kicks. The near-identical net gain (737 m) and total ascent (714 m) confirm the profile barely dips — this is almost pure, uninterrupted climbing. Expect to settle into one gear and one cadence early, then hold it. The single steepest section, at 6.74%, is the moment to stay seated, breathe deep, and resist the urge to surge.

Pacing Notes

At altitude, your usable power drops even though the gradient stays gentle, so pace by feel and breath rather than the numbers you'd trust lower down. A modest, sustainable effort well below your threshold is the winning strategy across all 19.8 km. If you train with power, anchor your target to a fraction of your FTP and then shade it downward to account for the 4755 m ceiling — the same wattage costs far more here. Not sure of your threshold? Run the FTP estimator before you travel and build your climbing zones from that figure. The golden rule: start easier than feels necessary. The final kilometres near the summit are where the altitude bites hardest, and a rider who paced conservatively low down will ride straight past those who went out too hot.

Gearing

Because the gradient tops out at 6.74%, you don't strictly need ultra-low ratios — but altitude changes the math. Thin air robs you of power, so treat this climb as harder than its percentages suggest and gear accordingly. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear gives most riders comfortable, spinnable options for the steadier sections. If you know you struggle above 4000 m, or simply want insurance for the final stretch, drop to a 34×34. The extra range lets you keep cadence high and torque low, which protects your legs and your breathing on the long haul to 4755 m.

Summary

San Francisco Pass rewards the disciplined climber: 19.8 km of even, honest gradient crowned by genuinely serious altitude. Pace it patiently, gear it generously, and let the mountain's 4755 m summit come to you.

Length: 19.8 km
Average gradient: 3.72%
Max gradient: 6.74%
Start: 4018 m
Summit: 4755 m
Net gain: 737 m
Total ascent: 714 m
Category: 2