A girlfriend and I want to ride the pass in late may/early June. We're both in decent shape, but haven't been on the bikes a lot yet this year. How long does a ride up to the pass and back take? Is it safe? how do we find out if there is snow up there still?
The snow is usually not gone from the pass until the week before it opens, Some years it's just a few inches right at the pass so its not a huge problem. I'd call the parks office for updates. It's not unusual to see bears on the road that time of year, so ride with a group and keep your head up! Keep an eye open for rocks on teh road on the way up, cause on the way down they'll come up on you way faster! Should take around an hour to ride to the top of the pass.
I agree with the bear comment, I encountered a grizzly on the side of the road (halfway between the winter gate and pass) while on a solo ride this time of year a few seasons ago. He wasn't too concerned about me, but still, travel in a group, make some noise and carry some bear spray.
Since it's an out-and-back (up and down?) it depends where you start from, and how long it takes varies
If you park at King Creek (winter gates), IIRC it's ~30km to the top and back.
From the Barrier Visitor Centre, ~120km round trip. Plenty of places to park in between, pick your distance.
Is it safe? Depends, when the pass is closed, there is often gravel and run-off across the road, which can be sketchy on a road bike on the way down. Plus watch for wildlife (bears, sheep, elk etc).
maybe by June. There was
Submitted by 2wheeler on
maybe by June. There was lots of snow out there this year.
Bump!
Submitted by mateid on
Did anybody try this yet? I was hoping to ride it before it opens to traffic on June 15th.
- Matei
3 day old report on PinkBike
Submitted by brodie on
3 day old report on PinkBike near the bottom of page http://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=246&pagenum=606 says it is good to ride
My wife's coworker's friend
Submitted by pinkrobe on
My wife's coworker's friend says it's clear to the top... and beyond.
Early
Submitted by ryker on
I guess it must be the mild winter. This would be the earliest in years... definitely going to check it out.
Highwood Pass 2013
Submitted by lchutny on
A girlfriend and I want to ride the pass in late may/early June. We're both in decent shape, but haven't been on the bikes a lot yet this year. How long does a ride up to the pass and back take? Is it safe? how do we find out if there is snow up there still?
Thanks,
Laura
Highwood pass
Submitted by 2wheeler on
The snow is usually not gone from the pass until the week before it opens, Some years it's just a few inches right at the pass so its not a huge problem. I'd call the parks office for updates. It's not unusual to see bears on the road that time of year, so ride with a group and keep your head up! Keep an eye open for rocks on teh road on the way up, cause on the way down they'll come up on you way faster! Should take around an hour to ride to the top of the pass.
Bears
Submitted by SpeedyJ on
I agree with the bear comment, I encountered a grizzly on the side of the road (halfway between the winter gate and pass) while on a solo ride this time of year a few seasons ago. He wasn't too concerned about me, but still, travel in a group, make some noise and carry some bear spray.
how long?
Submitted by bike-run on
Since it's an out-and-back (up and down?) it depends where you start from, and how long it takes varies
If you park at King Creek (winter gates), IIRC it's ~30km to the top and back.
From the Barrier Visitor Centre, ~120km round trip. Plenty of places to park in between, pick your distance.
Is it safe? Depends, when the pass is closed, there is often gravel and run-off across the road, which can be sketchy on a road bike on the way down. Plus watch for wildlife (bears, sheep, elk etc).