Overview
Garden City sits at the edge of Bear Lake at about 5,900 feet, which sounds like a head start until you realize Sink Road climbs to roughly 7,700 feet and does most of that work in a short distance. This is not a long ride — 12.9 miles round trip — but it packs in nearly 1,850 feet of gain and delivers it in a way that makes the gradient feel honest rather than punishing. It's the kind of climb you knock out before the heat hits, then spend the rest of the morning trying to justify a second raspberry shake.
The route heads south from Garden City along Bear Lake Boulevard, following the lake's western shoreline before turning onto the paved road that climbs toward Sink Road. As you gain elevation, the lake drops into the background — that particular shade of blue-green that looks photoshopped until you've seen it enough times to believe it. At altitude, you're in Cache National Forest country: limestone ridges, scrub oak giving way to fir and aspen, and the dry, thin air that makes every September afternoon feel like a gift.
This is a solid moderate climb for road riders comfortable with sustained effort. It's not technical, it's not remotely dangerous, and the shoulder is workable. What it is: a satisfying piece of singletrack-on-asphalt geometry that earns its descent. Come down the way you went up and you'll be back in Garden City in time for a late breakfast.
The Route
Starting from Garden City Park at 450 South Bear Lake Boulevard, the route runs south along the lake before climbing toward the Sink Road summit.
Miles 0–4: Garden City to the Base The first few miles are essentially flat, following Bear Lake Boulevard south along the western edge of the lake. Traffic can be present in summer — RVs and trailers mostly — so ride alert. The pavement here is good, the grade is almost nothing, and Bear Lake is right there on your left, doing its thing. This section is your warm-up; use it. Spin easy, get the legs moving, and let your breathing settle before the road tips up.
Miles 4–6.5: The Climb Begins Once the road turns away from the lake, the gradient picks up and doesn't let go. Expect sustained pitches in the 6–9% range as the road climbs through open terrain with expanding views north toward Bear Lake. The pavement is clean here, the shoulder narrows but remains rideable, and there's not much to distract you from the work. Your legs are going to ask what happened to the easy part. Tell them this is why you came.
Miles 6.5–6.45 (Turnaround): Sink Road Summit The turnaround sits near the Sink Road summit at approximately 7,700 feet. The ride takes its name from the Peter Sinks area just inland — a remarkable limestone basin that holds the distinction of being one of the coldest spots in the continental United States due to cold air drainage. You won't see it from the road, but knowing it's there is a good excuse to pause at the top, eat something, and take in the view before pointing the wheels back down. There's no services up here. Carry everything you need from the bottom.
The Descent Six-plus miles of pavement back to the lake. The road surface is consistent and the grades are long enough that you can carry real speed without doing anything reckless. Watch for traffic on the busier lower section near the lake and brake early for the junction with Bear Lake Boulevard. Arrive back in Garden City with legs that feel like they did something and a clear conscience about what comes next.
What to Bring
- 2 water bottles minimum — there are no resupply points on the climb, and the altitude makes you drink faster than you expect
- A layer — the summit sits nearly 1,800 feet above the lake; descent temperatures can drop fast, especially mornings
- Food for the top — the climb takes 45–75 minutes and the summit is not a cafe
- Sun protection — the upper section is exposed and Utah UV at altitude is not subtle
Local Tips
- Best window: Early morning in summer, before the RV traffic picks up on Bear Lake Boulevard — aim for a 7 a.m. start in July and August. May–June and September offer more forgiving temperatures and emptier roads.
- Combine it: Strong riders can link this with the Bear Lake loop — do the climb first while legs are fresh, descend back to Garden City, then add part or all of the 50-mile lake circuit for a proper day.
- Peter Sinks detour: If you have a car, the Peter Sinks sinkhole is worth a quick drive after the ride. It's a geologic oddity that doesn't quite look real.
- Post-ride: LaBeau's Drive Inn on Bear Lake Boulevard has been making raspberry shakes since 1981. The line is usually long and always worth it. Hometown Drive-In, a block south, does burgers if you need actual calories first.