Gila Mountains (Graham County) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gila Mountains |
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 Gila Mountains
Location in Arizona
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Slaughter Mountain (Arizona) (center range-(north)) |
| Elevation | 6,556 ft (1,998 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 35 mi (56 km) NW-SE |
| Width | 10 mi (16 km) NE-SW |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| Regions | Arizona transition zone ((southern)-White Mountains (Arizona)) ((northeast)-Sonoran Desert) |
| County | Graham County, Arizona |
| Cities | Fort Thomas, AZ, Thatcher, AZ, Safford, Az |
| Borders on | Gila Valley (Graham County) and Gila River-SW Santa Teresa & Pinaleno Mountains-SW Ash Flat, Natanes Mountains & Plateau-NNW Black Hills (Greenlee County)-ESE |
| Topo map | USGS Weber Peak, Arizona 7.5 minute quad |
The Gila Mountains are a cool mountain range found in central-east Arizona. They are located in Graham County. These mountains sit right next to the Gila River and the Gila Valley. They also share a border with the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
The Gila Mountains are part of a special area called the Arizona transition zone. This zone is where different types of land meet. They are also on the southern edge of the White Mountains.
Contents
Exploring the Gila Mountains
The Gila Mountains are about 35 miles long and 10 miles wide. They stretch from the northwest to the southeast.
Location and Neighbors
You can find the Gila Mountains northwest of a town called Safford. If you look southwest across the Gila Valley, you'll see the Santa Teresa Mountains. These mountains are like neighbors, each with their own unique features.
Slaughter Mountain: The Highest Point
The very top of the Gila Mountains is a peak called Slaughter Mountain. It stands tall at 6,556 feet (1,998 m) high! Imagine climbing to the top and seeing all of Arizona spread out below.
Fishhooks Wilderness
On the northwest side of the Gila Mountains, there's a special place called the Fishhooks Wilderness. A wilderness area is a protected natural space. It's a great spot for nature lovers to explore. You can find many plants and animals living freely here.
The Safford Mine
On the southern side of the Gila Mountains, there is the Safford Mine. This is a large copper mine. Copper is a very useful metal. It is used in many things, like wires and coins.
