I-25 NM Glorietta Pass

[crstrm]

Greetings,

We are heading from Albuquerque to Las Vegas, NM. Could anyone give me information on I-25 Glorietta Pass (% grade, length)? My Streets and Trips indicates a pass but Mountain Directory doesn’t mention anything about it.

If I don’t go via I-25, is US 84 near Edgewood, NM an option?

Thank you

Connie

[Kirk W]

1 hour ago, carstrom said:

If I don’t go via I-25, is US 84 near Edgewood, NM an option?

It is slightly farther that way. The Glorietta Pass elevation is 7500'. Interstate highways are seldom much more than 3 - 4%.

[JRP]

Glorieta Pass is fairly minor, its a gradual climb then gradual descent. Its significant for historical reasons, but nothing significant to drive through.  Hwy 40 & 84 are certainly a viable alternate to Las Vegas, but not worth the extra 30 mins drive unless you just want to avoid I-25. It could also depend on which side of Albq you're starting from.   The US 84 to Las Vegas NM is closer to Santa Rosa than Edgewood.

[trailertraveler]

We have driven from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and Las Vegas a number of times. I don't remember anything particularly taxing about I-25. Las Vegas and Santa Fe  are at higher elevation than Albuquerque and there are ups and downs along the way. We prefer the more scenic routes like NM-14 (the Turquoise Highway), US-285 and US-84.

Not sure what the low end for inclusion in the Mountain Directory is but there are lots of mentions of 5% grades. 

Edited May 3, 2019 by trailertraveler

[2gypsies]

Interstates can go up to 6% grades and there are a few 7% grades.  This one is a baby & that's why it's not in the 'Mountain Directory'.  Here you can read about it and look at the pictures of your drive.  It's an easy one!

https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-025-north-santa-fe-nm/

[crstrm]

Thank you all for your replies, links and for insight onto how the Mountain Directory book works. Looks like we'll go the I-25 route.