Sierra La Esmeralda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra La Esmeralda |
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|---|---|
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Width | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Mexico |
| Cities | Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora |
| Range coordinates | 31°10′N 111°07′W / 31.17°N 111.11°W |
The Sierra La Esmeralda (which means Emerald Mountains) is a mountain range. It's located in northern Sonora, Mexico. This range is part of the larger Sierra Madre Occidental mountain system.
This area is known for its special "sky island" mountains. These are like tall, green islands rising out of the desert. They are called the Madrean Sky Islands. Some of these "sky islands" are found in the northeastern Sonoran Desert and the western Chihuahuan Desert. Many of them are also in southeastern Arizona.
Sierra La Esmeralda is at the southern end of an area called the Tumacacori Highlands. Scientists are studying wild cats here as part of a project called Cuatros Gatos, which means "Four Cats." The cities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora are located northeast of these mountains.
Exploring the Tumacacori Highlands
The Tumacacori Highlands is a group of connected mountain ranges. You can find them in western Santa Cruz County, Arizona. These Highlands are northwest of Nogales.
To the east, the Highlands are bordered by the Santa Cruz River Valley. This valley has I-19 running through it from north to south. Across the valley to the east are the tall Santa Rita Mountains in the northeast. You'll also find the smaller San Cayetano Mountains east of Nogales.
Mountains in the Highlands
The Tumacacori Highlands stretch from north to south. Here are the main mountain ranges and areas you'll find there:
- Tumacacori Mountains
- Peck Canyon (with Peck Canyon Road)
- Atascosa Mountains (about 6 miles by 9 miles)
- Ruby Road (which leads to Ruby, Arizona) and Pena Blanca Lake
- Pajarito Mountains
- The Mexico-Arizona border
- Sierra La Esmeralda (the Emerald Mountains)
A part of Santa Cruz County, shaped like a "bootheel," extends to the southwest. This area includes Cobre Ridge. It connects northwest to a small range called the San Luis Mountains. These mountains are in the southeast of the Altar Valley and border the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.
You can also find historical mission communities near the foothills of the Tumacacori Mountains. These are part of Tumacacori National Historical Park in Tumacacori, Arizona.
