The Shirley Meadows climb westwards from Woody via CA-155 takes you through the Southern Sierra Nevada, demanding significant endurance over pure steepness. You'll gain approximately 5,500ft reaching the 6,100ft summit area near the ski resort, averaging a gentle 3.7% overall due to the length, but featuring long, grinding sections at steady 5-9% grades through foothills and forests. On this climb you'll feel the transition from potentially warm lower elevations to the cooler, high mountain environment.