Rockie mountain climbing and descending in 2026 Frontier 4x4 sv

Hi all. Driving from Pennsylvania to Nevada in the beginning of October. Looking for driving advice on the descents after the Eisenhower Tunnel. I will not be towing anything; just will have the usual stuff in the bed one has when traveling. Do people throw their vehicles into lower gears for the descents or just tap their brakes going down those long hills? I know the tractor trailers probably are in low gear, but having never experienced real mountain descents I just want to be prepared. Appreciate all friendly advice and experience. This is my first pickup, so it's going to be quite an experience making this trip.