where does interstate 40 cross the continental divide

Where can you cross the Continental Divide?

The Continental Divide of the Americas stretches from Cape Prince of Wales in Western Alaska to the Andes Mountains in South America. In the United States, it runs through Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. There are three places where you can cross the divide with ease in Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado.

Where does the historic segment of I-40 start and end?

See a Map of this segment. The historic segments continues all the way to the Continental Divide, west of Thoreau as the north Frontage road of I-40, but ends in a Dead End just west of Exit 43. So you will have to get on I-40 at that point and head west towards Gallup.

Where is Interstate 40 in New Mexico?

Aerial view, from the north, of Interstate 40 in western New Mexico between Grants and Albuquerque, with Laguna Pueblo, Mesita, and Rio San Jose, and tributaries Arroyo Conchas (left) and Rio Paguate (right, with Route 279) Interstate 40 at Rio Puerco just west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the Route 66 Casino by their intersection.

Where does Interstate 40 cross the Sandia Manzano Mountains?

East of Albuquerque, Interstate 40 crosses the Sandia-Manzano Mountains by traversing Tijeras Pass, reaching its highest point of 7,200 feet at Sedillo Ridge. Continuing east, I-40 descends out of the mountains and into the Estancia Valley while passing through the town of Edgewood (m.m. 187).

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Does Interstate 40 go through the Rocky Mountains?

In the U.S. state of Colorado, US 40 is a major east–west route. It crosses the Rocky Mountains, passing over the Continental Divide at Berthoud Pass before descending to the front range. It then traverses through the Denver Metro Area, then exits by following Interstate 70 (I-70) and US 287.

Where is the Continental Divide located in New Mexico?

The Continental Divide WSA is located in the west-central part of New Mexico. The landmark of this area is Pelona Mountain, rising to 9,212 feet.

How far is the Continental Divide from Albuquerque New Mexico?

There are 99.24 miles from Continental Divide to Albuquerque in southeast direction and 121 miles (194.73 kilometers) by car, following the I-40 route. Continental Divide and Albuquerque are 1 hour 41 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop . This is the fastest route from Continental Divide, NM to Albuquerque, NM.

Does I-40 go through mountains in New Mexico?

East of Albuquerque, I-40 crosses the Sandia–Manzano Mountains by traversing Tijeras Pass, reaching its highest point of 7,200 feet (2,200 m) at Sedillo Ridge.

Where does the Continental Divide Trail start and end?

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) stretches 3,100 miles from the Mexican border, winding through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana to reach the Canadian border in Glacier National Park.

Does the Continental Divide run through New Mexico?

It is a pass in the Rocky Mountains and marks the continental divide in this point of western-central New Mexico. The pass is not a sharp valley between towering peaks, instead it is a wide and easily accessible pass between low altitude mountains.

What trail goes from New Mexico to Canada?

The Continental Divide Trail The trail stretches across the United States some 3,100 miles between the borders of Mexico and Canada, twisting and turning to follow the spine of the continent.

What is the Continental Divide in Arizona?

The divide is along Interstate 40 at milepost 190, which is just west of the community of Riordan and roughly 5 miles west of downtown Flagstaff. It's even clearly marked, complete with elevation, by one of our spiffy highway signs, as you can see in this photo.

How long does it take to hike the Continental Divide?

How long is the Continental Divide Trail? The trail is about 3,100 miles long. To put that number into perspective, if you walked 20 miles every single day, it would take 5 and a half months to get from the Mexican border to the Canadian border along the Continental Divide Trail.

What is the steepest grade on Interstate 40?

Black Mountain is a steep mountain grade located in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina on Interstate 40. Black Mountain Summit is located approximately 15 miles east of Ashville, North Carolina....Base Elevation:2,375 ftCalculated Average Grade:2.3%Number of Lanes:Three westbound, Three eastbound4 more rows

Are Route 66 and I-40 the same?

Completed in 1926, Route 66 winds 2,448 miles from Chicago to L.A. Through most of the Western states, Route 66 follows Interstate 40, which eventually replaced much of the Mother Road.

Does Interstate 40 go through the mountains in Arizona?

About 15 miles into Arizona, I-40 turns to the north to head for Kingman; just before Kingman, the highway climbs a short but fairly steep (about 5%) grade. The next 25 miles or so east of Kingman are fairly flat, but around milepost 80, I-40 enters the mountains of north-central Arizona.

How long is the Continental Divide in New Mexico?

3,100 milesThe Continental Divide Trail The trail stretches across the United States some 3,100 miles between the borders of Mexico and Canada, twisting and turning to follow the spine of the continent.

What is the Continental Divide in Arizona?

The divide is along Interstate 40 at milepost 190, which is just west of the community of Riordan and roughly 5 miles west of downtown Flagstaff. It's even clearly marked, complete with elevation, by one of our spiffy highway signs, as you can see in this photo.

What is the significance of the Continental Divide?

It separates the water that runs toward the Pacific Ocean from the water that runs toward the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico.

What is continental divide us?

Continental Divide, fairly continuous ridge of north-south–trending mountain summits in western North America which divides the continent's principal drainage into that flowing eastward (either to Hudson Bay in Canada or, chiefly, to the Mississippi and Rio Grande rivers in the United States) and that flowing westward ...

Where is Interstate 40 in California?

Main article: Interstate 40 in California. A sign showing the distance to Wilmington, North Carolina at the start of I-40 in Barstow; this sign has been stolen several times. I-40 in California crosses through the lightly populated western part of the Inland Empire region of the state. Its western end is in Barstow, California.

Which state has the longest section of I-40?

The state of Tennessee has the longest segment of I-40 at 455 miles (732 km). The Interstate goes through all of the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee and its three largest cities, Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville. Jackson, Lebanon, Cookeville, Crossville, and Newport are other notable cities through which I-40 passes.

What is the third longest interstate in the US?

It is the third-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, behind I-80 and I-90. Much of the western part of I-40, from Oklahoma City to Barstow parallels or overlays the historic US 66, east of Oklahoma City the route generally parallels US 64 and US 70.

Why was Interstate 30 renumbered?

In 1957, the California Department of Highways proposed that the route be renumbered to Interstate 30 instead, because of the already existing U.S. Route 40 in the state. Then, U.S. Route 40 was decommissioned in California in 1964, as a part of a major revamping of California's overall highway numbering system, so the problem was resolved.

How many miles is I-40 in New Mexico?

I-40 covers 374 miles (602 km) in New Mexico. Notable cities along I-40 include Gallup, Grants, Albuquerque, Santa Rosa, and Tucumcari. I-40 also travels through several different Indian reservations in the western half of the state. It reaches its highest point in the state of 7,275 feet (2,217 m) at the Continental Divide in western New Mexico between Gallup and Grants.

What happened to the I-40 bridge?

The I-40 bridge disaster occurred on May 26, 2002 when a barge collided with a bridge foundation member near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, causing a 580-foot (177 m) section of the I-40 bridge to plunge into the Arkansas River. Automobiles and semi-trailers fell into the water, killing fourteen people.

How high is I-40 in Flagstaff?

Just west of exit 190, west of Flagstaff, is its highest elevation along I-40 in the U.S., as the road crosses just over 7,320 feet (2,230 m). I-40 also passes through the Navajo Nation, the largest Indian reservation in the U.S.

How high is the Continental Divide?

The Indian Trading Post at the site claims, 7,295. so its fairly safe to say the Continental Divide is at an elevation of over 7,200 feet, making it the highest point on The National Road & Route 66.

What is the elevation of junction 47?

There are several unofficial elevation markers, signs, and an official New Mexico historic marker, confirming the elevation, at over 7,200 feet. This makes it of significant interest to the National Road traveller, as it makes it a "Must-Stop" and perhaps a photo opportunity at the location at the highest point

What Makes the Continental Divide So Hard to Cross?

Crossing the Continental Divide means encountering some steep elevations. Whether you’re crossing in a vehicle with road dangers or hiking in mountainous conditions, you’ll face some challenges crossing the divide.

Why do so many travelers cross the Continental Divide?

But perhaps it’s due more to the breathtaking views and landscapes all along the divide. Photos can’t do the divide justice. Have you ever crossed it?

What is the hardest place to cross the divide?

The Hardest Places to Cross the Divide. The crossing isn’t always as easy as Craig Pass, Marias Pass, and Loveland Pass. These two crossings will put up a fight.

What is the Continental Divide?

The Continental Divide of the Americas, or Great Divide, is the most noteworthy divide in the U.S. It runs through much of North and South America and divides the water that runs into the Pacific Ocean on one side and water that goes into the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico on the other side.

How high is Marias Pass in Montana?

Marias Pass in Montana rises 5,213 feet above sea level when it crosses the Divide. It’s located in Glacier National Park on U.S. Highway 2. You can pull off to take in the views of the Lewis Mountain Range. Many people like to watch trains cross the divide here. You can also stop to enjoy the Autumn Creek Trailhead.

Where is Craig Pass in Wyoming?

Craig Pass, Yellowstone National Park. Craig Pass in Wyoming is one of the easiest places to cross the Continental Divide. The pass is located inside Yellowstone National Park on U.S. 191, east of Old Faithful. This paved mountain pass rises a little more than 8,000 feet above sea level.

Where is Loveland Pass?

Loveland Pass, Colorado. Loveland Pass in Colorado is one of the most photographed Continental Divide crossings as well as easiest. It climbs a massive 11,990 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains. It’s located about 60 miles west of Denver on U.S. Highway 6.

Where is the Continental Divide in New Mexico?

Across the New Mexico Continental Divide on Route 66. Continental Divide. As you continue your journey westward from Grants, New Mexico on Route 66, you’ll head on out to several small villages including Milan, Bluewater, Prewitt, and Thoreau before reaching the Continental Divide. This 31.4-mile segment was designated as State Highway 6 in 1914 ...

What is the name of the cliffs that parallel the Arizona border?

From Prewitt westward, Entrada sandstone cliffs parallel the road to the north, offering a stretch of spectacular unbroken red sandstone extending to the Arizona border. This roadbed remained gravel until the 1930s when Federal funding resulted in projects to realign and pave the highway.

What is the elevation of Route 66?

As the road begins to climb toward the Continental Divide, the highest point on Route 66 with an elevation of 7,263 feet, pastures give way to a pinyon and juniper landscape with Navajo homesteads, trading posts, and other businesses periodically lining the roadside. From Prewitt westward, Entrada sandstone cliffs parallel the road to the north, offering a stretch of spectacular unbroken red sandstone extending to the Arizona border. This roadbed remained gravel until the 1930s when Federal funding resulted in projects to realign and pave the highway. Among these improvements was the elimination of two grade crossings by realigning the highway entirely south of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway line. As a result, Thoreau and other villages, which prospered with roadside commerce in the 1920s, saw businesses disappear or relocate in the late 1930s when Route 66 no longer passed along the towns’ main streets.

What was Thoreau's home on Route 66?

During Route 66′ heydays, Thoreau was home to several trading posts, a gas station, a garage, and about 375 people. One popular stop during these times was Roy T. Herman’s Garage and Service Station. Built in 1937 on Route 66, the building remains today and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the name of the motel on Route 66?

One Route 66 classic in this small town is the Milan Motel. Situated on the south side of Route 66 between Milan Street and Airport Road, this log cabin style motel was built in 1946. It had 12 units, a snack shop and gas pumps.

What was the area known for its irrigated agriculture, especially carrots, in the 1940s?

The road’s climb out of the Rio San Jose drainage toward Continental Divide takes motorists out of an area that was known for its irrigated agriculture, especially carrots, in the 1940s. The discovery of uranium and development of nearby mines in the 1950s is evident in distant tailing piles and settling ponds near Bluewater.

Where is the lava flow on Route 66?

As visitors continue the journey westward, there are several lava flows in the region, associated with the much larger deposits of the nearby El Malpais National Monument south of Grants.

Where is the Continental Divide?

Continental Divide is a tiny village with a few scattered houses, gas station and post office located in McKinley County, New Mexico on Route 66.

Where does Route 66 cross the Great Divide?

It marks the spot where Route 66 crosses the watershed that divides North America; known as the Great Divide. To the west, the water flows to the Pacific Ocean, to the east, into the Atlantic Ocean. See the remains of the Whiting Brothers Service Station and Motel, the Sign that Marks the Divide.

What is a drainage divide?

A drainage divide (or water divide, divide, ridgeline, watershed or water parting) is an imaginary line that separates two neighbouring drainage basins.

What tribes lived on the Continental Divide?

Whittall. The hills and valleys at Continental Divide have been inhabited for almost 11,000 years. During the last millennia Native Americans of the Diné (Navajo) group have lived in the mountains to the north and south of it. The Navajo were farmers that used the rivers to irrigate their crops of maize and squash.

How long did Thoreau's road take?

The road crossed the town of Thoreau along 1st Street and then 1st Ave for 1.2 miles as shown in the Map of Route 66 through Thoreau (1926-37).

Where does the Great Basin Divide end?

And it enters the Great Basin Divide between Needles, and Goffs in California, leaving it at Cajon Pass.

Which states were pushed south by the Mexican-American War?

America then focused towards the Southwest, the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848 and pushed Mexico south of the Rio Grande, incorporating California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and parts of Colorado, and, the whole of New Mexico, where Campbell Pass crosses the Continental Divide.

How high is the Continental Divide?

This section of the trail is through a montane and subalpine environment at elevations between 8,000 to 11,500 feet.

What is the highest point on the Continental Divide?

The highest point of the Continental Divide Trail is at Colorado’s Grays Peak, towering at 14,270 feet above sea level.

What is the best place to see the Continental Divide?

8. Loveland Pass. Loveland Pass is a gateway for skiers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts of all seasons. The mountain pass over the Continental Divide gives access to Loveland Ski Resort, Arapahoe Basin, and Keystone Resort. This is a great place to see the Continental Divide for those wanting to avoid a hike.

How many feet does Independence Pass cross?

The narrow, winding mountain road of Independence Pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen crosses the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet.

How high is Hoosier Pass?

Another Continental Divide spot that visitors can drive to, Hoosier Pass reaches an elevation of over 11,000 feet outside of Breckenridge.

Overview

Interstate 40 (I-40) is a major east–west Interstate Highway running through the south-central portion of the United States. At a length of 2,556.61 miles (4,114.46 km), it is the third-longest Interstate Highway in the country, after I-90 and I-80. From west to east, it passes through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Its western end is at I-15 in Barstow, California, while its eastern end is at a concurrency of U.S. Route 117 (US 117) …

Route description

History

Major junctions

Auxiliary routes

In popular culture

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