Just before reaching former SR-181, SR-171 becomes much steeper than at any point to the west (other than when it ducks under the Union Pacific-FrontRunner right-of-way), and from there it continues to climb the East Bench foothills until its terminus at I-215 in Millcreek.
Just before reaching former SR-181, SR-171 becomes significantly steeper than at any point to the west (excluding when it briefly skirts under the Union Pacific-FrontRunner right-of-way), and from there it continues to ascend the East Bench foothills until its terminus at I-215 in Millcreek.