The top of the pass is a little less than 800 m above sea level. Traffic is known to have travelled over the Ricken as early as the 8th century. At that time the need for link was created by property owned by the St. Gallen Monastery around Uznach and for connections to Rapperswil and Central Switzerland. However, it was not until 1788 that a continuous wagon track was completed from Wattwil to Uznach.

Today, apart from the classic pass road from Wattwil via the village of Ricken (Wattwil Municipality) to Kaltbrunn, there is also a road from Rapperswil-Jona directly up to the Rickenpass. In addition the 8604-metre-long, single-track Ricken railway tunnel belonging to the Swiss Federal Railways runs beneath the Ricken, one of the SFR’s longest tunnels.

Hikers also head up the so-called «Schwabenweg», an important branch of the Route of St. James. The Toggenburger Höhenweg trail starting from Wildhaus goes as far as Wil via Ricken but remains on the Toggenburg side. In winter the Ricken is primarily a cross-country skiing area with numerous runs for classic and skating styles, including a night run. In addition there are two sledge runs (one at Alp Egg), a winter-walking trail and a short ski lift (Bildhus).