San Augustin Pass is a gap in the Organ Mountains, San Augustin Mountains and San Andres in Dona Ana County east of Las Cruces. San Augustin Pass lies an elevation of approximately 5,600 feet above sea level and was originally traversed by New Mexico State Route 3. US Route 70 would be realigned over San Augustin Pass during 1934 when it was extended to Los Angeles, California. During 1963 US Route 82 would be extended through San Augustin Pass to Las Cruces. Since the early the early 1990s signage of US Route 82 has been withdrawn to Alamogordo. San Augustin Pass and US Route 70 are largely known for the numerous closures due to test firings originating from the White Sands Missile Range. Part 1; the history of highway designations over San Augustin Pass San Augustin Pass traditionally has been the easiest from the Rio Grande in Las Cruces east to the Tularosa Basin. The terrain conditions at San Augustin Pass allowed for an easy crossing in the gap between the Organ Mountains
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