San Cristobal Valley facts for kids
The San Cristobal Valley is a flat area of land in southwestern Arizona, a state in the USA. It's part of the big Sonoran Desert, but it's a bit lower down and close to the Gila River. A small stream, called the San Cristobal Wash, flows through the southern part of the valley towards the northwest.
Where is the San Cristobal Valley?
The San Cristobal Valley is located in southwestern Arizona. It runs alongside the Mohawk Valley and the Mohawk Mountains to its west. This valley is not as dry as some other desert areas, which makes it a good place for farming.
At the northern end of the valley, you'll find the Gila River and Interstate 8, a major highway. This area is between the small towns of Mohawk and Dateland.
Mountains Around the Valley
The San Cristobal Valley is surrounded by mountains on its eastern side. These include:
- The Aguila Mountains: These mountains are mostly in Yuma County, but a part of them reaches into southwestern Maricopa County.
- The Granite Mountains: These are located in the very western part of Pima County.
Special Areas in the South
The southern parts of the San Cristobal Valley are home to two important areas:
- The Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range: This is a large area used by the United States Air Force for training.
- The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge: This is a protected area for many different kinds of desert plants and animals. It helps keep the natural environment safe.