Santa Fe 5205 West roars up the steep grade on the eastern slope of Tehachapi Pass. Compared to the 30+ miles it takes for eastbounds to reach the summit of the mountain, trains coming west reach it in only 18. As soon as trains depart Mojave Yard and head up the hill, they hit a stiff grade that doesn't relent until they reach the Tehachapi Valley at the top of the pass.