Scammell Pass is a climb of 8.7 kilometers (hors catégorie). Scammell Pass tops out at 1,033 m above sea level. It is located in Geehi, New South Wales, Australia. The average gradient is 6.9% with a maximum of 16.3%. The climb has 597 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: The Scammell Pass, reached from Geehi, covers 8.7 km for 597 m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 6.9%, which earns it its HC (beyond category) rating. The real challenge is the consistency of the effort: the first 2.5 km string together gradients between 8% and 12%, peaking at 12% between km 2.0 and km 2.5. After the flat section from km 2.5 to km 3.0 (0%), the climb stays punchy between 7% and 9% up to km 5.5, and it slowly grinds your legs down.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Pace yourself from the bottom. Don't get carried away by the adrenaline in the first 500 m at 11%, and keep a steady cadence so you roll calmly into the 12% section from km 2.0 to km 2.5.
2. Make the most of the flat from km 2.5 to km 3.0. This 0% section is the perfect place to recover, drink, get some food in and find your rhythm again before the second half of the climb.
3. Recharge your batteries between km 5.5 and km 7.0. The gradient drops to 4, then 5%, before a short descent at -5%. Use these easier stretches to recover and save something for the final push at 9% from km 7.5 to km 8.0.
For cyclists who've bagged the climb up to Scammells Ridge Lookout, the effort pays off big time. The access is described as super easy, with a sealed road and a car park just a few metres off the main road. The lookout platform itself, a few steps from the cars, makes an ideal spot to flop down for a well-earned break.
What sticks with cyclists most is the jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind view over the western side of the main Snowy Mountains range. Riders describe an almost emotional experience looking out over the snow-capped peaks, Abbott Peak and Mount Townsend included, with a sense of total serenity. On a clear day it's simply unforgettable, especially at sunrise or when the mist fills the gorges.
The spot is well set up for riders, with a long-drop toilet and a picnic table, making it a perfect place to refuel. That said, some riders warn there can be plenty of flies and mozzies, and it's wise to bring your own toilet paper.
Cyclists sharing their experience warn about the traffic on the Alpine Way. The road is described as twisty, with the occasional car or caravan that can make things tricky. Caution is advised, especially for anyone not used to this kind of mountain road.
Despite all that, the overall verdict in the reports comes down to a simple exclamation: "Worth the stop!". Whether it's a quick breather or a long soak in the scenery, Scammells Ridge Lookout remains a must-visit that sums up the wild beauty of the region on its own.
8.7 km • 597 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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