Cycling Colorado's Mountain Passes by Kurt Magsamen lists Vail Pass as 10,600 feet. It says the east side is 6.1 miles from Wheeler Junction (Copper Mountain), with a 3.0% grade for 2.2 miles, a 3.5% grade for 3.2 miles and a maximum grade of 6.0%. It's listed as a comparative Difficulty = 1. The west side is 9.7 miles from Gore Creek Campground, with 5% for 4.3 miles, 6.6% for 2.6 miles and a maximum grade of 7%. It's listed as a comparative Difficulty = 2.
"Vail Pass is the most civilized and recreational pass in the state. It is the only one with a bike path. Vail Pass is a meandering ride in the woods instead of a long push up a big hill." (2002)
could be but I don’t think so. There’s a sign just as you leave Copper Mountain that lists the specs and that was my recollection.
but that doesn’t tell the story - if you were fully acclimated to 11,000’ then I agree most could ride over it with little problem. But if you’re not acclimated to the altitude then that adds a lot of difficulty. Most estimates will tell you full acclimation takes a day per 1000’ of elevation change (give or take). While a
couple of thousand feet is inconsequential for acclimation, going from near sea level to 10,000’ is consequential amd has a big impact
on difficulty.
it is a gorgeous ride and being on a bike path is nice. The scenery is incredible.