Originally Posted by
mtnmn
How does the East Grade compare?
+1 what Calamarichris said. Here are some numbers:
Hwy 76 (from the taco shop) + South Grade is about 12 miles. South Grade alone is about 7 miles, 7% average grade. No downhills, just a short (0.3 mi) flat section before you veer left from Hwy 76 onto South Grade. East Grade is 11.5 miles (from Hwy 76), just over 4% average grade. There are a couple of downhills though, so when you climb, it is more like 5% avg. Don't underestimate it, it's pretty hard especially after climbing South Grade.