The Atacama Desert is part of the western coastal plain. The Atacama is considered the driest region in the world. The average rainfall is about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) a year, and some parts of the Atacama have never had rain in recorded history.

The driest place on earth officially is in the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile and southern Peru, in western South America (Figure SM4. 3). There are locations in the Atacama that have not received measurable rainfall in decades.

The Andes are very rugged while the rest of the highland regions are very eroded.

South America can be divided into three physical regions: mountains and highlands, river basins, and coastal plains. Mountains and coastal plains generally run in a north-south direction, while highlands and river basins generally run in an east-west direction.

US 50 Monarch Pass is OPEN!

Monarch Pass is located in south-central Colorado, on US Hwy 50, just to the west of the Monarch Ski Area. At an elevation of 11,312 feet (3,448 m), the pass sits directly on the Continental Divide of the Americas.

Despite rising to 11,312 feet, Monarch Pass can be reached fairly easily during all seasons via the three lane US Highway 50. Although there are many tight turns and steep grades of up to 7%, most passenger vehicles will have no issue safely reaching the summit during good conditions.

Is Monarch Pass dangerous? The pass is generally open year-round; however, 7% grades exist, and the area is prone to heavy winter snowfall, often resulting in temporary closures during severe winter storms. The west grade is the more dangerous because of no shoulder and fatal drop offs.

10,856′

41.7 miles