Gila Mountains (Yuma County) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gila Mountains |
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west flank of range-(~8-mi east)
(viewed from east Yuma agriculture fields, note constant elevation-ridgeline, north range terminus) |
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Sheep Mountain |
| Elevation | 3,156 ft (962 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 26 mi (42 km) – NW x SE |
| Width | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
| Geography | |
 Gila Mountains
Location in Arizona
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| Country | United States |
| Communities | Yuma, Fortuna Foothills, Dome, Ligurta and Wellton |
The Gila Mountains are a mountain range in Yuma County, located in southwestern Arizona. They stretch about 26 miles (42 km) long and are part of the northwest Sonoran Desert.
These mountains run from the northwest to the southeast. They are connected to the Tinajas Altas Mountains in the south. These mountains continue for another 30 miles into Sonora, Mexico. To the northwest, the Gila Mountains are next to the Laguna Mountains. The Gila River flows through the Gila Valley between the Gila and Laguna ranges. It then joins the Colorado.
The Gila Mountains are located southeast of where the Colorado and Gila rivers meet. The Gila River flows north around the northern end of the mountains. Then it flows west for six miles to the Colorado River. On the northeast side of the Gila Range, you'll find a low area called Dome Valley. This valley is between the Gila Mountains and the Muggins Mountains to the northeast.
The mountain range ends near where the rivers meet. The Muggins Mountains are at the southern end of a large flat area. This area stretches north towards the Castle Dome Plain and Castle Dome Mountains. This flat land is where the US Army Yuma Proving Ground is located.
The tallest point in the dry and rugged Gila Mountains is Sheep Peak. It stands at 3,156 feet (962 meters) high. The mountain range is east of Yuma. The town of Fortuna Foothills is on the foothills of the northwest part of the range. Its name comes from the Fortuna Mine. These mountains are also located in the western part of the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range. This area is used by the Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma.
Ecology
The Gila Mountains are home to many different plants and animals. Some trees found here include Dalea spinosa and Bursera microphylla.
Interstate 8
One of the oldest parts of the Interstate Highway System in the US runs through the Gila Mountains. It goes through a two-level highway section at Telegraph Pass, which is at the north end of the range. The road cuts for Interstate 8 near Telegraph Pass show some of the oldest metamorphic rocks in Arizona. These rocks are even older than most of the rocks seen at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra de Gila para niños
