[1] From pre-Columbian times, the pass provided the most direct trading route through the mountains between Plains tribes such as the Abó, Gran Quivira, Quarai, and others located in the Estancia Valley to the east, and the Pueblo cultures of the Rio Grande to the west.

[2] The route these traders took led past Abo Pueblo, dating from the 14th century, strategically located near a cluster of springs on the eastern slope of the pass.

[3] Now part of the BNSF system and known as the Clovis subdivision of the Southern Transcon, the rail corridor is one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the western US.

[5] The BNSF project to expand this section of the railroad was scheduled to take 2.5 years and was completed ahead of time with zero reported injuries.

[2] Abo Pass Trail experienced high traffic in the 17th and 18th centuries as it connected traders and missionaries to the main route between Mexico and Santa Fe, the Camino Real.