FAQs - Baker Hill Climb

Q: Where is the start/finish line located?

Race day check-in is at Chair 9 Pizza, located at 10459 Mt Baker Hwy on the east side of Glacier. The official start line is approximately a quarter mile east near Snowater Road. The finish line is at Artist Point, about 22 miles from the start with roughly 4,500 feet of climbing.

Q: How do I get back down the mountain after the race?

Riding your bike back down is the quickest way to leave Artist Point after you finish. Highway 542 will be closed to general traffic in both directions from 7 am – 12 pm. Cyclists may begin descending from Artist Point once race staff arrive, typically by 9:30 am. Please do not begin your descent until the flagger at Artist Point lets you know it is safe to do so. Keep in mind that the race consists solely of the eastbound ascent along Highway 542 from Glacier to Artist Point. Any travel westbound after finishing the race is not part of the event and is at the rider's own risk. While the highway is closed to general traffic, authorized vehicles, race support vehicles and shuttles may still be traveling on the course. After 12 pm, the highway reopens to general traffic. If you do not plan to ride back down, we strongly recommend arranging for a support person to stage a vehicle at Artist Point. A return shuttle is also available on a first come, first served basis, but capacity is extremely limited. Riders should not rely on the shuttle as their primary transportation plan. Please see our Transportation and Bag Drop Details for information about support vehicle access, Artist Point parking, shuttle times and bike transportation.

Q: Is the Mt Baker Hill Climb a race or a ride?

The Mt Baker Hill Climb is a timed event with three divisions designed for different riding styles. The Social and Recreational Divisions are intended for riders who want to take on the climb without competing for awards, while the Competitive Division is for riders who want to race for overall and age group awards. E-bike participants are welcome in the Social Division but are not timed.