U.S. Route 160

U.S. Route 160 is a major east–west highway that traverses the southern tier of the central United States, spanning approximately 1,465 miles from southwestern Missouri to northeastern Arizona. The route cuts across diverse landscapes, connecting small towns and major junctions while passing through five states: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. It is one of the lesser-known transcontinental routes but serves as a vital regional corridor for travelers navigating the Four Corners region and the Great Plains.

The highway begins in Tuba City, Arizona, within the Navajo Nation, where it intersects U.S. Route 89. From there, it travels northeast into New Mexico and crosses into southern Colorado, providing access to notable landmarks such as Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan Mountains. In Kansas, U.S. Route 160 cuts across the state’s southern half, passing through communities like Medicine Lodge and Wellington before continuing into Missouri. It terminates in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where it meets U.S. Route 67, not far from the Ozark Mountains.

Along its route, U.S. 160 offers a mix of scenic drives and practical access to rural towns and regional hubs. Notable designations include the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway in Colorado and segments that parallel or overlap with historic trails and other U.S. Highways. Despite not being part of the Interstate system, U.S. Route 160 remains an important route for both tourism and local travel, especially in the southwestern states where it provides access to tribal lands and natural landmarks.