Arizona’s physical geography is marked by its diverse landscapes, spanning from vast deserts to high plateaus and rugged mountain ranges. The state is divided into three main regions: the Colorado Plateau in the north, the Transition Zone in central Arizona, and the Basin and Range Province in the south. Notable features include the Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River, and the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona’s highest point at 12,637 feet. Covering approximately 113,990 square miles, Arizona’s varied terrain supports unique ecosystems and attracts millions of visitors each year for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Area | Approximately 113,990 square miles, making Arizona the sixth-largest state in the United States. |
| Highest Point | Humphreys Peak in the San Francisco Peaks, with an elevation of 12,637 feet. |
| Lowest Point | Colorado River at 70 feet above sea level, near the Arizona-California border. |
| Main Geographic Regions | Colorado Plateau, Transition Zone, and Basin and Range Province. |
| Major Deserts | Sonoran Desert, covering southwestern Arizona, and Mojave Desert in the northwest. |
| Longest River | Colorado River, which runs along Arizona's western border for approximately 1,450 miles. |
| Notable Canyon | Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, measuring up to 277 miles long and over a mile deep. |
| Largest Man-Made Lake | Lake Mead, formed by Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, covering approximately 247 square miles. |
| Significant Plateau | Colorado Plateau, which occupies much of northern Arizona and is characterized by high desert and mesas. |
| Mountain Ranges | Major ranges include the San Francisco Peaks, Mogollon Rim, and Chiricahua Mountains. |
| Major National Park | Grand Canyon National Park, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. |
| State Capital and Largest City | Phoenix, located in central Arizona, and part of the Sonoran Desert. |
| Climate Zones | Includes desert, semi-arid, and alpine climates due to the state's varied topography. |
| Average Annual Rainfall | Approximately 12.5 inches, though it varies greatly by region (from as low as 3 inches in the desert to over 30 inches in the mountains). |
| Prominent River Systems | Colorado River, Gila River, Salt River, and Verde River, all essential for water supply and irrigation. |
| Unique Flora | Saguaro cactus, found primarily in the Sonoran Desert, can live up to 200 years and reach heights of over 40 feet. |
| Bordering States | Arizona shares borders with California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and the Mexican state of Sonora. |
| Popular Natural Landmark | Monument Valley, known for its iconic sandstone buttes, located on the Arizona-Utah border within the Navajo Nation. |
| Major Economic Resource | Copper mining, with Arizona producing around 60% of the United States' copper supply. |
| Unique Geological Feature | Painted Desert, located within the Colorado Plateau, is known for its colorful, stratified rock formations. |
| Significant Forest | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, covering over 2.76 million acres in eastern Arizona. |
| Notable Monument | Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the only place in the U.S. where the organ pipe cactus grows naturally. |
Arizona, located in the southwestern United States, is known for its diverse geography, ranging from vast deserts to high plateaus, rugged mountains, and deep canyons. Covering an area of approximately 113,990 square miles, Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the U.S. Its geography is split into three main regions: the Colorado Plateau, the Transition Zone, and the Basin and Range Province. Each of these areas has distinct physical characteristics, ecosystems, and natural resources.
The Colorado Plateau occupies the northern third of Arizona and extends into Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. This elevated region is characterized by high desert landscapes, mesas, and deep canyons, including the world-renowned Grand Canyon, which stretches approximately 277 miles in length and over a mile deep. The plateau is also home to the Painted Desert, known for its vivid, multi-colored rock layers. Major rivers such as the Colorado River and the Little Colorado River flow through the plateau, carving out intricate landscapes. The Colorado Plateau’s climate varies from semi-arid to arid, with cold winters and hot summers, supporting hardy vegetation like pinyon pine and juniper woodlands.
The Transition Zone lies between the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province, running diagonally from northwest to southeast Arizona. It features mountainous terrain, with significant ranges like the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains. The Mogollon Rim, a dramatic 200-mile escarpment, separates the high plateau from lower elevations and creates a variety of ecosystems. This region supports dense pine forests and a cooler, wetter climate than the desert regions. Elevations in the Transition Zone range from 4,000 to 8,000 feet, with high points in the San Francisco Peaks, including Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest point at 12,637 feet.
The Basin and Range Province covers the southern and western parts of Arizona, known for its wide valleys separated by rugged mountain ranges. This region includes the Sonoran Desert and portions of the Mojave Desert, characterized by arid conditions, extreme temperatures, and unique desert flora like the saguaro cactus. Phoenix, Arizona’s capital and largest city, is located in this region. The Basin and Range Province also features major river systems like the Gila River and the Salt River, which provide water for agriculture and urban areas. Elevations vary greatly, with low-lying deserts at 70 feet near the Colorado River and peaks rising above 7,000 feet in certain mountain ranges.
Despite its arid climate, Arizona is home to several important rivers. The Colorado River is the longest, running along the western border of Arizona for approximately 1,450 miles. It supplies water to seven U.S. states and two Mexican states, making it a vital resource for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. The Salt River and Verde River flow through central Arizona and supply the Phoenix area with water. The Gila River, a tributary of the Colorado, flows across southern Arizona and supports agricultural communities in the Gila Valley. Rivers like the San Pedro River and Santa Cruz River provide critical riparian habitats, though they are often seasonal or intermittent in flow.
The Sonoran Desert covers much of southern Arizona and is one of the hottest deserts in North America. Known for its unique plant life, the Sonoran Desert is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 40 feet tall and live for over 150 years. This desert receives between 3 to 15 inches of rainfall annually, making it more biodiverse than typical arid regions. The Sonoran Desert supports species such as desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and numerous bird species.
The Mojave Desert, located in northwestern Arizona, has a harsher environment with extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall, often less than 5 inches per year. The Mojave is home to Joshua trees, which thrive in its sandy soils, and animals adapted to the challenging conditions, like the desert tortoise and kit fox.
Arizona’s geography includes several notable mountain ranges that add to the state’s varied landscape. The San Francisco Peaks, located near Flagstaff, are remnants of an ancient volcano and include Humphreys Peak, the state’s highest point. The White Mountains in eastern Arizona are popular for outdoor activities and support lush forests and cool temperatures. The Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona contain unique rock formations and diverse ecosystems due to their elevation changes, supporting wildlife from desert species to forest-dwelling animals.
Arizona is known for numerous natural landmarks. The Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most famous, attracting millions of visitors annually to its spectacular vistas and geological formations. The Painted Desert, named for its colorful stratified rock layers, and Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border, known for its sandstone buttes, are other significant features. The Petrified Forest National Park is another unique landmark, featuring fossilized trees from the Late Triassic period, around 225 million years old.
Arizona’s climate varies from desert to alpine conditions, influenced by its diverse elevations and geographic regions. Low-lying areas, such as the Sonoran Desert, experience high summer temperatures that often exceed 110°F and mild winters. In contrast, the high-altitude Colorado Plateau and mountain areas like Flagstaff have colder winters, with snow common at higher elevations. The state’s average annual rainfall is around 12.5 inches, but it ranges widely, from as low as 3 inches in arid regions to over 30 inches in mountainous zones.
Arizona is rich in mineral resources, particularly copper, which has earned it the nickname “The Copper State.” Arizona produces approximately 60% of the copper mined in the United States. Other minerals found in the state include silver, gold, and uranium, as well as unique gemstones like turquoise. Mining continues to be a significant part of Arizona’s economy, with active mines in areas such as Bisbee, Morenci, and Globe.
Arizona’s diverse ecosystems are preserved through national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges. Grand Canyon National Park protects one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, while Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument preserves unique desert flora. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area protects one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Southwest, providing crucial habitats for migratory birds and wildlife. These conservation efforts help maintain Arizona’s natural beauty and support its ecological diversity.
| River | Length (miles) | Source | Outflow | Significance | Key Areas Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado River | 1,450 | Rocky Mountains, Colorado | Gulf of California, Mexico | Primary water source for Arizona, crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. | Lake Mead, Grand Canyon, Yuma |
| Gila River | 650 | Gila National Forest, New Mexico | Joins Colorado River near Yuma | Important for irrigation and agriculture in central and southern Arizona. | Phoenix, Florence, Safford |
| Salt River | 200 | Confluence of Black and White Rivers, Arizona | Joins Gila River near Phoenix | Key water supply for Phoenix; contains multiple reservoirs and dams for water management. | Phoenix metro area |
| Verde River | 170 | Mogollon Rim, Arizona | Joins Salt River near Phoenix | Supports wildlife habitats, recreation, and water resources for nearby communities. | Camp Verde, Scottsdale |
| Little Colorado River | 315 | White Mountains, Arizona | Joins Colorado River in the Grand Canyon | Provides water to northeastern Arizona and contributes to the Grand Canyon ecosystem. | Winslow, Holbrook |
| San Pedro River | 140 | Near Cananea, Mexico | Joins Gila River near Winkleman, Arizona | One of the last undammed rivers; important for biodiversity and migratory birds. | Sierra Vista, Benson |
| Santa Cruz River | 184 | San Rafael Valley, Arizona | Seasonal flow into Gila River | Seasonal river important for groundwater recharge and riparian habitats. | Tucson, Nogales |
| Bill Williams River | 46 | Confluence of Big Sandy and Santa Maria Rivers, Arizona | Colorado River near Parker | Supports riparian habitats within Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. | Parker, Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Hassayampa River | 113 | North of Wickenburg, Arizona | Disappears into desert near Hassayampa | Intermittent river important for desert ecosystems and groundwater recharge. | Wickenburg |
| Black River | 114 | White Mountains, Arizona | Salt River | Supports recreational fishing and contributes to the Salt River system. | Fort Apache Indian Reservation |
| Blue River | 50 | White Mountains, Arizona | San Francisco River | Supports wildlife habitats and is a popular spot for fishing. | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests |
| Mountain | Elevation (feet) | Mountain Range | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humphreys Peak | 12,637 | San Francisco Peaks | Near Flagstaff | Highest point in Arizona; popular hiking destination and significant in Native American culture. |
| Agassiz Peak | 12,356 | San Francisco Peaks | Near Flagstaff | Second-highest peak in Arizona; part of the San Francisco Peaks volcanic field. |
| Fremont Peak | 11,969 | San Francisco Peaks | Near Flagstaff | Part of the highest mountain range in Arizona; provides scenic views of northern Arizona. |
| Doyle Peak | 11,460 | San Francisco Peaks | Near Flagstaff | Part of the San Francisco Peaks, known for hiking and its alpine environment. |
| Mount Baldy | 11,409 | White Mountains | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest | Sacred to the Apache tribe; popular for hiking and fishing, and home to diverse wildlife. |
| Escudilla Mountain | 10,912 | White Mountains | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest | Third-highest peak in Arizona; important for local ecology and home to the endangered Mexican gray wolf. |
| Mount Graham | 10,724 | Pinaleño Mountains | Near Safford | Site of the Mount Graham International Observatory; sacred to Native American tribes. |
| Chiricahua Peak | 9,759 | Chiricahua Mountains | Chiricahua National Monument | Known for unique rock formations and biodiversity; popular with hikers and bird watchers. |
| Miller Peak | 9,466 | Huachuca Mountains | Near Sierra Vista | Southernmost peak over 9,000 feet in Arizona; part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. |
| Mount Lemmon | 9,159 | Santa Catalina Mountains | Near Tucson | Popular for skiing, hiking, and the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory. |
| Wasson Peak | 4,687 | Tucson Mountains | Saguaro National Park West | Highest peak in the Tucson Mountains; known for views of the Sonoran Desert and Saguaro cacti. |
| Kendrick Peak | 10,418 | Kendrick Mountain Range | Near Flagstaff | Known for hiking and forested landscapes; habitat for diverse wildlife including elk and mule deer. |
| Brown Mountain | 4,524 | Brown Mountain Range | Saguaro National Park West | Popular hiking destination with views of Saguaro National Park’s desert landscape. |
| Lake | Surface Area (square miles) | Location | Source | Primary Uses | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Mead | 247 | Along Arizona-Nevada border | Colorado River | Water supply, recreation, hydroelectric power | Hoover Dam, boating, fishing, camping |
| Lake Powell | 254 | Along Arizona-Utah border | Colorado River | Recreation, water storage | Glen Canyon Dam, boating, fishing, scenic landscapes |
| Lake Havasu | 31 | Near Lake Havasu City, western Arizona | Colorado River | Recreation, water supply | London Bridge, boating, fishing, swimming |
| Roosevelt Lake | 21 | Tonto National Forest, central Arizona | Salt River | Water storage, recreation, irrigation | Theodore Roosevelt Dam, fishing, camping, hiking |
| Apache Lake | 2.6 | Tonto National Forest, central Arizona | Salt River | Recreation, water storage | Boating, fishing, scenic views |
| Canyon Lake | 0.9 | Tonto National Forest, central Arizona | Salt River | Recreation, water storage | Boating, fishing, camping, cliff diving |
| Saguaro Lake | 1.2 | Tonto National Forest, near Phoenix | Salt River | Recreation, water storage | Fishing, boating, scenic desert views |
| Alamo Lake | 17 | Western Arizona, Bill Williams River | Bill Williams River | Flood control, recreation | Fishing, camping, bird watching |
| Horseshoe Lake | 2 | Near Cave Creek, central Arizona | Verde River | Water storage, recreation | Fishing, kayaking, bird watching |
| Bartlett Lake | 2.8 | Tonto National Forest, near Phoenix | Verde River | Water storage, recreation | Fishing, boating, picnicking |
| Lake Mohave | 26 | Along Arizona-Nevada border, downstream from Lake Mead | Colorado River | Recreation, water storage | Fishing, boating, scenic views, wildlife observation |
| Watson Lake | 0.4 | Near Prescott, Arizona | Granite Creek | Recreation | Rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, hiking |
| Plateau | Location | Average Elevation (feet) | Geological Significance | Key Features | Major Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Plateau | Northern Arizona, extends into Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico | 5,000 to 7,000 | One of the largest plateaus in North America, known for its layered sedimentary rock formations | High deserts, mesas, canyons, volcanic fields | Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Monument Valley, Petrified Forest National Park |
| Kaibab Plateau | Northern Arizona, within the Colorado Plateau | 8,000 to 9,200 | Part of the Colorado Plateau, home to unique forested ecosystems | Forested highlands, limestone formations | North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Kaibab National Forest |
| Mogollon Plateau | Central Arizona, along the Mogollon Rim | 7,000 to 8,000 | Formed by volcanic activity, significant transition zone between the Colorado Plateau and lower elevations | Pine forests, steep cliffs, scenic overlooks | Mogollon Rim, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests |
| Black Mesa | Northeastern Arizona, within the Navajo Nation | 5,000 to 8,000 | Rich in coal deposits, significant to Native American communities | High desert, mesas, coal fields | Hopi and Navajo cultural sites, scenic desert landscapes |
| Coconino Plateau | North-central Arizona, south of the Grand Canyon | 6,000 to 7,500 | Forms part of the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, known for diverse ecosystems | Grasslands, pine forests, volcanic fields | Walnut Canyon, Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument |
| Aubrey Cliffs Plateau | Western Arizona, near the Hualapai Reservation | 5,000 to 6,000 | Part of the Colorado Plateau, characterized by its dramatic cliffs and arid landscape | Cliffs, canyons, rugged terrain | Grand Canyon West, Hualapai cultural sites |
| Hualapai Plateau | Northwestern Arizona, within the Hualapai Reservation | 5,000 to 6,000 | Known for its cultural significance to the Hualapai Tribe and proximity to the Grand Canyon | Canyons, mesas, desert vegetation | Hualapai Hilltop, Grand Canyon Skywalk |
| Desert | Location | Size (square miles) | Climate Characteristics | Key Flora and Fauna | Notable Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoran Desert | Southern and southwestern Arizona, extending into California and Mexico | 100,000 | Hot desert climate with two rainy seasons; summer highs often exceed 110°F | Saguaro cactus, palo verde, desert bighorn sheep, Gila monster | Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Sonoran Desert Museum |
| Mojave Desert | Northwestern Arizona, extending into California, Nevada, and Utah | 47,877 | Hot and arid with minimal rainfall; extreme temperatures, cold winters, dry summers | Joshua tree, creosote bush, desert tortoise, kit fox | Mojave National Preserve, Lake Mead National Recreation Area |
| Chihuahuan Desert | Extreme southeastern Arizona, extends into New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico | 140,000 (total, including other states) | High desert with hot summers and cold winters; rainfall mainly during summer monsoon | Creosote bush, lechuguilla, pronghorn, black-tailed jackrabbit | Chiricahua National Monument, Coronado National Forest |
| Painted Desert | North-central Arizona, primarily within the Colorado Plateau | 7,500 | Arid climate with wide temperature fluctuations between day and night | Low shrubs, grasses, and scattered juniper; habitat for small mammals and birds | Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert Visitor Center |
| Flora/Fauna | Type | Habitat | Characteristics | Significance | Notable Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saguaro Cactus | Flora | Sonoran Desert | Can reach heights over 40 feet and live up to 200 years; blooms white flowers in late spring | Iconic symbol of the American Southwest; provides habitat and food for desert species | Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument |
| Joshua Tree | Flora | Mojave Desert | Unique, twisted branches; grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years | Endemic to the Mojave Desert; important for local ecosystems | Mojave National Preserve, Northwestern Arizona |
| Palo Verde | Flora | Deserts and arid regions | Green bark capable of photosynthesis; blooms with yellow flowers in spring | Arizona’s state tree; important for desert ecosystems as a shade and food source | Sonoran Desert, Phoenix area |
| Creosote Bush | Flora | Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan Deserts | Produces resin with a strong odor; drought-tolerant and can live for thousands of years | Dominant desert shrub; supports desert soils and wildlife habitats | Across Arizona’s desert regions |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | Fauna | Desert mountains and rocky terrain | Stocky build, curved horns; adapted to steep, rocky environments | Key species for desert ecosystems; symbols of desert wildlife conservation | Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Grand Canyon |
| Mexican Gray Wolf | Fauna | Forested regions, Transition Zone | Smallest subspecies of gray wolf; coat varies from gray to brown | Critically endangered species; part of Arizona’s reintroduction programs | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests |
| Gila Monster | Fauna | Sonoran Desert | Venomous lizard; slow-moving with black and pink markings | One of the only venomous lizards in the world; significant in native desert lore | Sonoran Desert Museum, Southern Arizona |
| California Condor | Fauna | Cliffs, canyons, and forested highlands | Largest bird in North America; wingspan up to 9.5 feet | Critically endangered; subject of successful reintroduction efforts | Grand Canyon, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument |
| Pronghorn | Fauna | Grasslands, open plains, desert edges | Fastest land mammal in North America; unique branched horns | Important for Arizona’s grassland ecosystems; indicator species | San Rafael Valley, Northern Arizona plains |
| Apache Trout | Fauna | Clear, cool mountain streams | Golden body with black spots; Arizona’s state fish | Native to Arizona; conservation efforts to protect this endangered species | White Mountains, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest |
| Chiricahua Leopard Frog | Fauna | Riparian areas, springs, and mountain ponds | Greenish body with dark spots; adapted to a wide range of freshwater habitats | Threatened species; essential for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems | Chiricahua National Monument, Coronado National Forest |
