Stevens Pass

Overview

Stevens Pass is a Category 2 climb in the US, running 9.6 km from a start elevation of 676 m to a summit of 1229 m. The net elevation gain is 553 m, and the average gradient across the full length sits at 5.74%. On paper, those numbers describe a steady, mid-length ascent that a fit rider can hold at tempo without drama.

The profile is more complicated than the net figure suggests. Total ascent is 751 m, nearly 200 m more than the 553 m net gain. That extra 198 m of climbing comes from undulation: sections where the road dips and forces you to re-climb ground you already gained. The practical effect is that you do meaningfully more vertical work than the start-to-summit difference implies, and any downhill or false-flat stretch you enjoy is paid back later.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 5.74% average is a blended figure, and it hides both the recovery breaks and the sharp ramps. Because total ascent exceeds net gain, expect the road to lose altitude in places, which means the climbing pitches are steeper than the average to compensate. The steepest pitch reaches 12.76%.

• Flatter and slightly downhill recovery sections that lower the running average
• Repeated short climbs where you regain lost elevation
• A steepest ramp of 12.76% that demands a real gear change

Pacing Notes

On a smooth climb you can chase even effort and let speed float. Here, the undulation makes even-speed pacing a trap: holding a fixed speed over the dips wastes energy, and grinding the steep ramps at that same speed spikes you over threshold. Pace to even effort instead. Anchor your climb to a sustainable power output you can hold for the full 9.6 km, let speed rise on the flatter sections, and accept a slower crawl on the 12.76% ramp rather than surging. If you do not know that number, run the FTP estimator before you go.

Gearing

The steepest gradient governs your gearing choice, and at 12.76% you want low gears in reserve. Fit a compact (34-tooth inner ring) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette. A 34×32 gives most riders enough margin to spin the steep ramp seated; a 34×34 adds a further safety gear if you tire late or carry extra weight. Check your actual chainring and cassette before the ride, not at the trailhead.

Summary

• Length: 9.6 km
• Average gradient: 5.74%
• Maximum gradient: 12.76%
• Net elevation gain: 553 m
• Total ascent: 751 m
• Category: 2

Stevens Pass rewards riders who respect its undulation. Pace to effort, gear for the 12.76% ramp, and remember you are climbing 751 m of work for 553 m of net gain.