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List of mountain ranges of Arizona facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Arizona is a state in the southwestern United States, famous for its amazing landscapes. It's a place of vast deserts, deep canyons, and towering mountains. In fact, Arizona is home to over 210 named mountain ranges, which are groups of mountains or hills connected together. Some of these ranges even stretch into neighboring New Mexico and Sonora, Mexico. These mountains are super important to Arizona's environment, creating different climates and homes for many plants and animals.

Arizona Relief NED
Shaded relief map, Arizona.
Az county map-2
Arizona county index map

Arizona's Unique Mountains

Arizona's mountains are quite special! In the southeastern part of the state, you'll find what are called "sky island" mountain ranges. Imagine a tall mountain rising out of a desert, with forests and cooler temperatures at the top, like an island in the sky. These "Madrean Sky Islands" are home to plants and animals that you wouldn't normally see in the hot desert below.

Other mountains are part of the Sonoran Desert or the Arizona transition zone, which is where the desert meets higher, cooler areas. Even the northern and northeastern parts of Arizona have scattered mountain ranges that add to the state's diverse beauty.

Organ pipe cactus arches
Ajo Range, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Alamo Lake and Artillery Peak
Artillery Mountains above Alamo Lake
DragoonMountains
Dragoon Mountains
Galiuro Mts near San Manuel
View of the Galiuro Mountains from San Manuel, Arizona
Harquahala Mountains
Harquahala Mountains in spring, 2009
McDowell Mountains at sunset
McDowell Mountains at sunset
Low clouds on the Mohawk Mountains
Low clouds on the Mohawk Mountains
NavajoMtn
Navajo Mountain and Lake Powell, viewed from the north
Eagle Eye Arch
Eagle Eye Arch in the New Water Mountains
Ocotillo
Ocotillo below Lookout Mountain, Phoenix Mountains
Precarious pillar, Catalina hwy
A rock pillar (hoodoo) in the Santa Catalina Mountains
Mount Hopkins Santa Rita Mountains AZ USA.10247
Mount Hopkins and the Smithsonian Observatory, Santa Rita Mountains
Misty Morning
Misty morning in the Sierra Estrella
SUPERSTITIONS AZ15
Western Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchman State Park
Wasson
Wasson Peak in the Tucson Mountains
Virgin Mountains from Valley of Fire 2
Virgin Mountains from Valley of Fire State Park
Meadow & cabin near Big Lake, AZ
Meadow & cabin near Big Lake, White Mountains (Arizona)

Alphabetical List of Arizona's Mountain Ranges

Here is an alphabetical list of many of the mountain ranges found in Arizona, along with the counties where they are located. Some ranges might be in more than one county or even extend into other states or Mexico.

Associated Regional Landforms

Beyond the mountains themselves, Arizona has many other interesting landforms that are often found near these ranges. These include wide valleys, flat mesas, and dramatic canyons. They all contribute to the unique look of Arizona.

Black Mesa near Chilchinbito
Black Mesa west of Chilchinbito, Arizona.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley
SaltRivCan
Salt River Canyon
Cylindropuntia bigelovii in White Tank Mountains Reg Park - Vegetation and Peaks - 60164
Sonoran Desert plants in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park

See also

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List of mountain ranges of Arizona Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.