Altamont Pass, Rail mountain pass in Diablo Range, California.
Altamont Pass is a mountain crossing in the Diablo Range that connects two valleys in Northern California using two different elevation levels. The lower railway corridor sits at about 230 meters (755 feet) elevation, while Interstate 580 runs through the higher passage at about 310 meters (1,020 feet).
The area was originally called Livermore Pass after landowner Robert Livermore until it became known as Altamont Pass during California's Gold Rush era. The name changed as the location grew into an economic crossroads between two major valleys.
Two railroad lines traverse the lower crossing at 226 meters, while Interstate 580 runs through the higher crossing at 308 meters elevation.
The passage sees daily use by Union Pacific freight trains and commuter trains that run multiple times daily between the valleys. Visitors should know that access to the railway corridors is restricted, but the area is visible from the highway.
Hundreds of wind turbines from the Altamont Pass Wind Farm harness the strong winds flowing through this natural passage to generate electricity. These wind farms shape the landscape and make the pass an important renewable energy location in the region.
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