Mentasta Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mentasta Pass |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,450 ft (747 m) |
| Traversed by | Glenn Highway |
| Location | Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, U.S. |
| Range | Alaska Range/Mentasta Mountains |
| Coordinates | 62°55′20″N 143°40′32″W / 62.92222°N 143.67556°W |
| Topo map | USGS Nabesna D-6 |
Mentasta Pass is a special place in Alaska, a state in the United States. It's like a natural gateway through tall mountains. This pass helps people and animals travel between different areas. It is an important route for connecting different parts of Alaska.
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What is Mentasta Pass?
Mentasta Pass is a major mountain pass in Alaska. Think of a mountain pass as a low point or a gap between mountains. It makes it easier to cross a mountain range. Mentasta Pass separates two big mountain ranges: the Alaska Range to the west and the Mentasta Mountains to the east.
Where is Mentasta Pass Located?
This pass is found in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area of Alaska. It's a key part of the landscape in this wild and beautiful state. The pass is a natural connection point in a rugged area.
The Glenn Highway Through the Pass
A very important road, Alaska Route 1, also known as the Glenn Highway, goes right through Mentasta Pass. This highway is vital for travel in Alaska. It connects the Copper River Valley with the famous Alaska Highway. This means it helps people get around and transport goods.
Connecting Giant Mountains
Mentasta Pass is also special because it's a "key col" between two of North America's highest mountains. A "col" is another word for a mountain pass. It links Mount Logan and Denali. Mount Logan is the highest point in the Saint Elias Mountains. Denali is the tallest peak in the Alaska Range. This pass is a low point between these two massive mountain systems.
