This year the USA Pro Cycling Challenge kicks off in Steamboat Springs, which is a favorite year-round vacation spot forColoradans. In the winter, Steamboat regularly records the some of the state's highest snowfall, and its dry, champagne powder attracts ski bums from across the globe.

In warmer months, road cyclists flock to Steamboat to spin long miles along the area's network of gravel roads and hilly terrain. They also come to Steamboat to test their mettle against the area's punishing climb: Rabbit Ears Pass. 

As all U.S. high school students must read To Kill A Mockingbird, all cyclists traveling to Steamboat Springs must ride up Rabbit Ears Pass. The 7.2-mile slog up U.S. Hwy 40 is a proving ground for locals, and also one of the most scenic rides in Colorado.

Flatlanders beware: The western ascent up Rabbit Ears Pass climbs 2,967 total feet, and tops out at 9,400 feet above sea level. We advise you to take your time up the big mountain. While pro cyclists can reach the summit in 35 minutes, most mere mortals are lucky to break an hour. The entire out-and-back trip from Steamboat clocks in at about 32 miles, and can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 hours. 

For a handy resource on riding Rabbit Ears Pass, we recommend picking up 75 Classic Rides Colorado: The Best Road Biking Routes by Jason Sumner. We've provided some images and info from the book in this post. 

Getting There
From the transit center in downtown Steamboat Springs, ride to the Yampa River Core Trail, and proceed south for 4.5

miles along the Yampa River. Riding along Hwy 40 is another option, but we recommend the pav

ed bike path, especially

during high traffic hours. Keep your eyes peeled for Howelsen Hill Ski Area, which is the oldest continuously operating ski area in Colorado, having opened its doors in 1915.

The trail ends at Weiss Drive, and you must ride along Hwy 40 for 4 more flat miles until you reach the base of the climb at approximately the 9-mile mark. Trust us, you'll know it when you see it. The road pitches upward at a steady 7 percent gradient from the valley floor.

Going UP
The first half-mile of the climb is the steepest, so don't let it ruin your motivation. After the initial sting, the climb eases off for the remainder of the journey. You're bound to see plenty of fast-moving vehicles buzzing by on your left, but be sure to glance over your right shoulder regularly. The valley floor drops below you as you steadily climb up. At the 11-mile mark, stop for a great photo of Lake Catamount below.

Perhaps the best spot for viewing the race is at mile 14, where the road bends back on itself in a sizable switchback.Crowds are sure to be thick in this spot, so we recommend getting there early.

The western summit is at mile 16, and for many cyclists, this marks the turnaround spot. If you're feeling adventurous, the true summit is another 7.5 miles up the road. Those additional miles are undulating, however they provide great views of the ear-like rock formation that gives the pass its name.

To get back to Steamboat Springs, simply retrace your pedal strokes.

Planning Your Route
If you're following this year's race, you have two opportunities to ride up Rabbit Ears Pass. Steamboat hosts the Stage 1circuit race on Monday, August 17. That route does not include the climb.

The town also hosts the start of the Stage 2 stage to Arapahoe Basin on Tuesday, August 18. The route climbs the western slope of Rabbit Ears Pass that day, and the peloton will pass up and over between approximately 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

If you're aiming to ride Rabbit Ears on Monday, we recommend heading out before 7 a.m., to give yourself plenty of time to get back before the 11:40 a.m. start: Tackling the mountain in the afternoon is another option, but Northern Colorado regularly sees afternoon thunderstorms crop up after 3 p.m.

If you're heading up the pass on Tuesday, beware that westbound Hwy 40 will be closed to automobile traffic starting at 8:30 a.m. and then closed to cyclists and spectators starting at 10:30 a.m. Again, we recommend heading out early, perhaps at 8 a.m. in order to get up the climb before the race starts at 10:55 a.m.

And once you get back, Steamboat Springs' collection of restaurants and craft breweries will provide your well-deserved lunch.

About the author: 
Fred Dreier is a journalist living in Denver, Colorado. 
He has written about professional bicycle racing since 2004, and his work has appeared in a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Dreier has covered the USA Pro Cycling Challenge since its debut in 2011. He regularly rides his bicycle on many of the roads used by the race.