Last updated: May 8, 2025
Place
#16 East Auto Tour
NPS photo
The Steepest Grade
You are now descending the steepest mile of railroad in Utah. The Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 authorized construction of and stipulated that grades were not to exceed 2.2%, or 116 feet of elevation per mile. This stretch measures 1.7% or 90 feet per mile, a hard pull for steam locomotives of the day. Yet, in the entire 1,776 miles of the transcontinental railroad, the grade seldom exceeded 1.5%.
After the line was completed, the Central Pacific stationed "helper" locomotives at the base of the grade to assist heavy trains up the hill.
You are now descending the steepest mile of railroad in Utah. The Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 authorized construction of and stipulated that grades were not to exceed 2.2%, or 116 feet of elevation per mile. This stretch measures 1.7% or 90 feet per mile, a hard pull for steam locomotives of the day. Yet, in the entire 1,776 miles of the transcontinental railroad, the grade seldom exceeded 1.5%.
After the line was completed, the Central Pacific stationed "helper" locomotives at the base of the grade to assist heavy trains up the hill.