Grand Mesa North — Colorado's Hardest Road Bike Climbs

Summer is the height of cycling season in Colorado and a great time to test your legs and mettle in the mountains. And while our beautiful state has numerous mountain passes to climb, three routes are especially challenging, according to an international rating standard known as the FIETS index.

These climbs are Pikes Peak, Mount Blue Sky and Grand Mesa North. And while the south side of Grand Mesa doesn’t make the top three, it is ranked fifth most difficult, behind Trail Ridge Road.

The climb up the Grand Mesa, from either side, is stunning. Local cyclist Will Hays describes the ride as “incredible,” noting that it “starts out with a pretty steady grade in the desert environment. Then as you climb up the Mesa, it gets steeper — long, straight and steep. The switchbacks are long and steep, and at the top, it’s an alpine setting, a different world.”

NOTES FROM THE SADDLE

From Nate Buyon, Golden, Colorado-based cyclist

“This lightly-trafficked climb — in car density and relative popularity for cyclists — offers a sizable test for all inclined to embark on the task.

The road to the top of the Grand Mesa is paved with a lot of sweat, gear-mashing and a bit of cursing. This nearly 20-mile-long ascent boasting an elevation change of over 5,000 feet puts you at just shy of a total elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level. Outside of Pikes Peak and Mount Blue Sky, there are very few roads that offer such a continuous elevation rise. With a lower starting elevation, the Grand Mesa offers a great spring test of fitness or a late push in fall, while the two paved 14ers have a much narrower window of when the elements are less of an issue.

The steady gradient of this climb, around 5%, allows you to be able to settle into a rhythm as you ascend above Powderhorn Mountain Resort. When it comes time to flip it around, you will want to ensure you are well hydrated and fueled because, although not technical, the road surface to the town of Mesa is less than ideal, with some major potholes and road payment changes. Maintaining your focus is essential as you will be continuously descending for some time. I completed this test in two hours with an average heart rate of 144 bpm. There is no place to hide going up, but overall, this can be an enjoyable journey if you have good fitness. However, if you have been slacking, this will make for a long day out.”

Sparky Moir, who says she “loves to climb,” and has ridden many of the hardest rides in Colorado, agrees that the north side of Grand Mesa is “one of the hardest” climbs she’s done.

This doesn’t mean the ride is unattainable for recreational cyclists, as long as they’re prepared. So, to help you prep, here is a collection of the best tips for climbing Grand Mesa from four experienced cyclists — Will Hays, Sparky Moir, Jill Waugh and Brian Flaherty, the team director for the National Champion Colorado Mesa University (CMU) cycling team.

PREPARE + PLAN

All of our experts agree on the importance of preparation. Be mentally prepared for a long day. It’s a long ride and the mostly straight road from the town of Mesa to Powderhorn Mountain Resort is deceptively steep.

Also, be mindful about where you plan to start and end your ride. The FIETS-rated route begins at the intersection of Highway 65 and 45 ½ Road (the DeBeque cutoff), just north of the turn to Collbran and the town of Mesa. Many local riders begin closer to I-70 and ride along Plateau Creek, which extends the roundtrip by about 22 miles. Jill Waugh points out that if you do the longer ride, the ride back down Plateau canyon often features a hot, dry headwind. “It’s the worst part of the ride,” she cautions.

Sparky Moir suggests making a plan and sticking with the plan. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” she advises. “While it’s tempting to go up and over, then you have to climb back up. I’m guilty of doing that.”

Begin your ride early in the morning. Summer storms at altitude can be dangerous. You don’t want to get caught in a thunderstorm. Also, Moir suggests avoiding peak traffic times on the Grand Mesa. Although Highway 65 is usually a lonely road, fall colors bring out traffic and crowds on weekends.

Finally, CMU’s Brian Flaherty recommends training. “Build your climbing workouts over time. Don’t try and sit on a two-hour climb right away,” he says.

DRESS IN LAYERS

As Hays points out, you’ll be riding through numerous climate zones. You’ll get hot going up and cold coming down. Pack a jacket and gloves for the descent. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellant.

EAT + DRINK

Hydration and nutrition are critical to success on any ride. However, long climbs require extra vigilance.

“Hydrate more than you normally would,” advises Flaherty. “As your respiratory rate increases, you’ll need to consume more fluids both on the ride and throughout the day. Eat more than you normally would, as your caloric expenditure will be higher with a higher workload.”

At a minimum, eat something every hour and drink continuously.

RIDING TIPS

Flaherty recommends “standing every 10-15 minutes to stretch your legs,” as well as pacing yourself. He suggests setting an achievable pace, and if you can, choosing an optimal gear ratio for the climb by switching out the front chainring, rear cassette, or both.

No matter what your gearing, take Hays’ advice to stay in “a low enough gear where you can spin.” Don’t get bogged down.

Both Waugh and Moir suggest noting road damage as you climb, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises on your way back down. Look ahead, and don’t overuse your brakes.

Or as Waugh puts it, “just go with it.” Which is great advice for any ride.

COLORADO’S THREE HARDEST CYCLING CLIMBS

Pikes Peak

FIETS: 17.8

Rankings: 1 (CO), 4 (USA), 38 (WORLD)

Mount Blue Sky

FIETS: 12.5

Rankings: 2 (CO), 10 (USA), 153 (WORLD)

Grand Mesa North

FIETS: 11.1

Rankings: 3 (CO), 24 (USA), 245 (WORLD)

THE FIETS INDEX FORMULA H2/(10*D) + [(T-1000)/1000]*

H = ending elevation minus starting elevation in meters

D = total distance traveled in meters

T = peak elevation in meters

*Note: Only add (T-1000)/1000 when T is greater than 1000.

USING THIS FORMULA, THE HIGHER THE FIETS NUMBER, THE HARDER THE CLIMB.

Originally published in the Summer 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.