How to calculate elevation gain for a route not recommended (by Google) for cycling I have a need to figure out elevation gain on a (United States) freeway (to compare options) to plan a cycling route. Google will NOT allow me to drag the points into the freeway route if cycling is the transportation method. If I switch it to a driving route, Google will not give elevation gain stats.

It appears that if a route is not recommended for cycling, Google will not let you route it (which I realize could be hazardous otherwise). IMO, it should only give a warning and let users make their desired route.

Anyhow, is there a way out there to get elevation gain stats on road/routes not recommended for cycling?

After some thought I feel strongly that this question is in the correct context here. True it’s a question also about software, but I doubt the software user base has as much to offer it as cyclists do. 

Whether or not it’s legal or safe is a bit irrelevant. Google’s safety and legal limitations are just examples of why I might need such a feature. And we know that software, the law, and road and highway planning aren’t perfect. For the purpose of just finding out if such a feature exists somewhere on this planet, we’ll say I’m using my best judgements about safety, and would not do something I felt was a risk for myself or others. Safety is another primary goal in using our own judgement for considering all possible routes. The law may in some cases be wrong, or many not regard changing conditions such as weather or road construction, and direct us through a more dangerous route. Also, say we’re out on the road and there’s some sort of emergency; elevation may become a critical consideration in finding the best way home.
I highly recommend https://brouter.de/brouter-web for bicycle route planning. It also calculates elevation gain/loss and tries to avoid elevation changes.

Keep in mind that elevation data can be inaccurate since it’s usually using Digital Elevation Models which are based on satellite data. For example it might miss things like bridges entirely and display a huge elevation gain/loss for crossing a gorge. See https://brouter.de/brouter/elevation.html