Southwestern United States facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Southwestern United States
Region
American Southwest, the Southwest
Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Monument Valley, AZ Cathedral Rock – Sedona, AZ Route 66 in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico Rio Grande Bosque near Bernalillo, NM Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, NM Arches National Park Hoover Dam Mojave Desert willow Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada Ysleta Mission in el Paso, Texas New Mexican cuisine: breakfast burrito
Though regional definitions vary from source to source, Arizona and New Mexico (in dark red) are almost always considered the core, modern-day Southwest. The brighter red and striped states may or may not be considered part of this region. The brighter red states (California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah) are also classified as part of the West by the U.S. Census Bureau, though the striped states are not; Oklahoma and Texas are classified as part of the South.
Country	United States
States	Core: Arizona New Mexico Others, depending on boundaries used: California Colorado Nevada Utah Oklahoma Texas

The Southwestern United States, also known as the American Southwest or simply the Southwest, is a geographic and cultural region of the United States that includes Arizona and New Mexico, along with adjacent portions of California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. The largest cities by metropolitan area are Phoenix, Las Vegas, El Paso, Albuquerque, and Tucson.

Geography

Panoramic view of the southwestern United States

The Chihuahuan desert terrain mainly consists of basins broken by numerous small mountain ranges.

Saguaro cactus in the Sonoran Desert.

The Delicate Arch at Arches National Park

Four Corners Monument

The Southwest has amazing landforms!

• Deserts: Much of the Southwest is covered in deserts like the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan Deserts. These deserts are hot and dry, but they are also home to unique plants and animals like cacti and lizards.
• Colorado Plateau: This is a large, high desert area with flat-topped hills called mesas and steep-sided canyons.
• Mountains: There are also mountains in the Southwest, like the Rocky Mountains. These mountains have cooler temperatures and lots of trees.
• Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon is a huge, deep canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona. It's one of the most famous landmarks in the United States! The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and one mile deep in some parts!
• Rivers: The two major rivers in the region are the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande is 1,885 miles long.

Climate

Sonoran Desert terrain near Tucson

Chihuahuan Desert terrain near Carlsbad

Monument Canyon, some of the high desert lands found in Colorado

The Southwest is known for its hot and dry climate.

The deserts in the Southwest get very little rain. Some areas get less than 10 inches of rain per year! Summers in the Southwest are very hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Many places in the Southwest have over 300 days of sunshine each year!

Vegetation and terrain

Vegetation of the southwest generally includes various types of yucca, along with saguaro cactus, barrel cactus, prickly pear cactus, desert spoon, creosote bush, sagebrush, and greasewood. Many native cacti grow throughout Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and west Texas. Steppe is also located all over the high plains areas in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. The mountains of the southwestern states have large tracts of alpine trees.

The High Plains in Eastern New Mexico, but also located in Eastern Colorado and West Texas

Landscape features include mountains, canyons, mesas, buttes, high broad basins, plateaus, desert lands, and some plains, characteristic of the Basin and Range Province. The entire southwestern region features semi-arid to arid terrain. The far eastern part of southwestern Texas, for example, the Texas Hill Country, consists of dry, tall, and rugged rocky hills of limestone and granite. South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley is mostly flat with many places consisting of scrub and bare topsoil, much like the deserts further west.

Wildlife

The region has an extremely diverse bird population, with hundreds of species being found in the American Southwest. In the Chiricahua Mountains alone, in southeastern Arizona, there can be found more than 400 species. Species include Canadian (Branta canadensis) and snow geese, sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis), and the roadrunner, the state bird of New Mexico and most famous bird in the region, is found in all states of the Southwest. Birds of prey include the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the gray hawk (Buteo plagiatus), the barn owl (Tyto alba), the western screech owl (Megascops kennicottii), the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), the elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi), and the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)

Other bird species include the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), the black vulture (Coragyps atratus), the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), the blue grosbeak (Passerina caerulea), the house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), the lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), the broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris), the black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri), Costa's hummingbird (Calypte costae), Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii), the common raven (Corvus corax), the Gila woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis), the gilded flicker (Colaptes chrysoides), the cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus), the rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), and the federally endangered Southwest willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). Four types of doves call the Southwest home: the white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), the common ground dove (Columbina passerina), and the Inca dove (Columbina inca).

Desert bighorn sheep

Mammal species include the bobcat, coyote, black bear, black-tailed jackrabbit, desert cottontail, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, gray fox, mountain lion, river otter, long-tailed weasel, western spotted skunk, pronghorn, raccoon, cactus mouse, and Ord's kangaroo rat, all of which can be found in parts of every southwestern state. Elk are found in parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. White-nosed coati and collared peccary—or javelina—in the Southwest are normally found in southern areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas near the Mexican border. Jaguars can be found in the bootheel region of Southwestern New Mexico. The Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) was reintroduced to Arizona and New Mexico in 1998. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study reported a minimum population of 241 Mexican wolves in southwest New Mexico and southeast Arizona at the beginning of 2023.

There is a large contingent of snakes native to the region. Among them include the rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata); several sub-species of the glossy snake (Arizona elegans); the Trans-Pecos ratsnake (Bogertophis subocularis); several sub-species of shovel-nosed snakes; several sub-species of kingsnake, including the desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula splendida) and the Arizona mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana); the Arizona coral snake (Micruroides euryxanthus); the western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox); the Trans-Pecos copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster); the Sonoran sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cercobombus); the Arizona black rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus cerberus); the western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis); the Grand Canyon rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus abyssus), found only in Arizona; several sub-species of the ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi), the most recent rattlesnake species to be discovered in the United States, including the New Mexico ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi obscurus), and the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake, the state reptile of Arizona; and the desert massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii).

Other reptiles in the region include lizards and turtles. Lizards are highly represented in the region, the most distinctive denizen being the Gila monster, native only to the American Southwest and the state of Sonora in Mexico. The New Mexico whiptail is the state reptile of New Mexico. Other lizards include: Sonoran collared lizard (Crotaphytus nebrius); several types of geckos, including western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus), the common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), and the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), the last two species being non-native to the region but have been introduced; the desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis); the chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater); the greater earless lizard (Cophosaurus texanus scitulus); several sub-species of horned lizards (Phrynosoma); numerous species of spiny lizards (Sceloporus); Gilbert's skink (Plestiodon gilberti); the western skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus); Trans-Pecos striped whiptail (Aspidoscelis inornata heptagrammus); and the Arizona night lizard (Xantusia arizonae). Turtles are less numerous than their other reptilian counterparts, but several are found in the region, including: the western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii); the Rio Grande cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi); the desert box turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola); the Big Bend slider (Trachemys gaigeae gaigeae); the Sonora mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense); and the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii).

Amphibians include numerous toads and frogs in the American Southwest. Toads which can be found in the region include the Great Plains toad (Anaxyrus cognatus); the green toad (Anaxyrus debilis); the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus); the New Mexico spadefoot (Spea multiplicata stagnalis); and the Colorado River toad (Incilius alvarius), also known as the Sonoran Desert toad. Frog representation includes: western barking frog (Craugastor augusti); the canyon tree frog (Hyla arenicolor); the Arizona treefrog (Hyla wrightorum); the western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata); Chiricahua leopard frog (Lithobates chiricahuensis); and the relict leopard frog (Lithobates onca). There are quite a few salamanders throughout the region, including: the Arizona tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum) and the painted ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii picta).

Despite the Southwest being mostly arid, various fishes are found where water is available, including various species unique to the region. Apache trout and Gila trout are two salmonids endemic to the area, with the former found only in Arizona and the latter only in Arizona and New Mexico. Desert pupfishes are several closely related species of fish in the genus Cyprinodon, many of which are found in isolated spring-fed ponds hundreds of miles from each other, ranging from far West Texas to Death Valley in California. These pupfishes often thrive in water considerably higher in temperature and dissolved solids than most fish can tolerate. Many of these desert fish species are endangered due to their limited and tenuous habitat, as well as loss of habitat due to human consumption of groundwater and diversion of surface water, as well as the introduction of species such as sportfish for recreation (see: Rio Grande Silvery Minnow v. Bureau of Reclamation).

National parks, monuments and forests

Grand Canyon from the South Rim

The southwestern United States contains many well-known national parks including Grand Canyon in Arizona, Death Valley in California, Great Sand Dunes in Colorado, Arches in Utah, Big Bend in Texas, Great Basin in Nevada, and White Sands in New Mexico.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Arizona parks and monuments include Grand Canyon, Monument Valley (a Navajo Nation park), Petrified Forest, and Saguaro national parks; the national monuments of Agua Fria, Canyon de Chelly, Casa Grande Ruins, Chiricahua, Ironwood Forest, Montezuma Castle, Navajo, Organ Pipe Cactus, Pipe Spring, Sonoran Desert, Sunset Crater, Tonto, Tuzigoot, Vermilion Cliffs, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki. Other federal areas include the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forests and Tumacacori National Historical Park.

Southern California parks and monuments include Death Valley and Joshua Tree national parks; the national monuments of Castle Mountains, Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and San Gabriel Mountains; and Mojave National Preserve.

Colorado parks and monuments include Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde national parks; the national monuments of Browns Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients, Colorado, Hovenweep, and Yucca House. Other federal areas include Curecanti National Recreation Area and Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site; as well as the national forests of San Isabel, San Juan, and Uncompahgre.

Little Finland in Gold Butte National Monument, Nevada

Nevada has one national park at Great Basin, and the national monuments of Basin and Range, Gold Butte, and Tule Springs Fossil Beds. Other federal areas include Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

New Mexico has two national parks, at Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands. National monuments include Aztec Ruins, Bandelier, El Malpais, El Morro, Gila Cliff Dwellings, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks, Petroglyph, Rio Grande del Norte, and Salinas Pueblo Missions. Other federal park areas include Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Pecos National Historical Park, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, and the national forests of Apache, Carson, Gila, Lincoln, and Santa Fe.

West Texas has two national parks, at Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. Other federal park areas include Chamizal National Memorial and Fort Davis National Historic Site.

Mountains in Zion national park, Utah

Utah national parks include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. National monuments include Bears Ears, Cedar Breaks, Grand Staircase–Escalante, Hovenweep (also in Colorado), Natural Bridges, and Rainbow Bridge. Other federal areas include Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Dixie National Forest, and Manti–La Sal National Forest.

Cities and urban areas

The area contains many of the nation's largest cities. Phoenix is the fifth most populous city in the country, and Albuquerque and Las Vegas were some of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

The largest metropolitan areas are centered around Phoenix (with an estimated population of more than 5 million as of 2020^[update]), Las Vegas (more than 2.2 million), Tucson (more than 1 million), Albuquerque (more than 900,000), and El Paso (more than 840,000). Those five metropolitan areas have an estimated total population of more than 9.6 million as of 2017^[update], with nearly 60 percent of them living in the two Arizona cities—Phoenix and Tucson.

• 

  1. Phoenix (also the largest MSA)

• 

  2. El Paso (5th largest MSA)

• 

  3. Las Vegas (2nd largest MSA)

• 

  4. Albuquerque (also the 4th largest MSA)

• 

  5. Tucson (3rd largest MSA)

Runningback Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team

T. J. McFarland pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks professional baseball team.

Largest cities and metropolitan areas (2020 census)

History

The Southwest has a long and interesting history.

• Native Americans: Native Americans have lived in the Southwest for thousands of years. Some of the major tribes include the Navajo, Pueblo, Apache, Hopi, Tohono O’odham, Paiute, and Ute. Hundreds of years ago the Ancestral Pueblo and Hohokam peoples built large houses out of mud bricks and stone. They built some of them on the sides of cliffs. Ruins of those buildings can be seen today at Mesa Verde National Park and other sites.
• Spanish Explorers: Spanish explorers arrived in the Southwest in the 1500s. They claimed the land for Spain and built missions and settlements.
• Mexican Territory: Later, the Southwest became part of Mexico.
• American Southwest: In the mid-1800s, the United States acquired much of the Southwest after a war with Mexico. The United States acquired much of the Southwest under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
• Statehood: Over time, the territories in the Southwest became states in the United States.

Demographics

Hispanic Americans can be found in large numbers in every major city in the Southwest such as El Paso (80%), San Antonio (63%), Los Angeles (48%), Albuquerque (47%), Phoenix (43%), Tucson (41%), Las Vegas (32%), and Mesa (27%). Over 60 percent of the Latino population in the Southwest is Mexican American.

The largest Asian American populations in the southwest can be found in California and Texas, with some significant Asian population in Phoenix. The most significant American Indian populations can be found in New Mexico and Arizona.

More than 20% of Native Americans live in the Southwest.

Before 1700, the only permanent Spanish settlements in the Southwest were along the valley of the upper Rio Grande in New Mexico.

Culture

The Southwest has a unique culture that is a mix of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican traditions.

• Food: Southwestern food is known for its bold flavors and use of chili peppers. Some popular dishes include tacos, enchiladas, and chili.
  
• Music: Southwestern music is a mix of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican styles.
  
• Art: Southwestern art includes pottery, weaving, and painting. Many of the designs are inspired by nature and Native American traditions.
  
• Architecture: Southwestern architecture often features adobe buildings with flat roofs and courtyards. The Spanish brought the distinctiveness of Baroque architecture with them, particularly in the areas of New Mexico. This led to the evolvement of the unique style known as the Churrigueresque, which is a mixture of Baroque elements.

Places to Visit

The Southwest has many amazing places to visit!

• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): A massive canyon carved by the Colorado River, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.
• Arches National Park (Utah): Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches.
• Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado): Ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people.
• White Sands National Park (New Mexico): A vast landscape of white gypsum sand dunes.
• Death Valley National Park (California): The hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States.
• Big Bend National Park (Texas): A remote park with mountains, desert, and the Rio Grande River.
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah): Known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos.
• Zion National Park (Utah): Features steep red cliffs and the Virgin River.

Fun facts about the southwest

• The Grand Canyon is so big that it can have different weather at the top and the bottom!
• The Sonoran Desert is the only place in the world where the saguaro cactus grows.
• The city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was founded in 1610 and is the oldest capital city in the United States.
• The Hoover Dam is a huge dam on the Colorado River that provides water and electricity to the Southwest.
• The Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico has 83 caves and is home to over a million bats!

Images for kids

• 

  Chaco Canyon

• 

  Map of Paleo-Indians in the American Southwest and Mexico

• 

  Oraibi pueblo

• 

  Narváez expedition (1528–36)

• 

  1846 map: Mexican Alta California (Upper California) in pink.

• 

  United States 1849–1850

• 

  United States 1850–1853

• 

  1860 Colorado Territory map

• 

  Utah Territory evolution 1850–1868

• 

  Confederate Arizona (outlined in blue)

• 

  Split of Arizona and New Mexico territories, in 1866, after small portion ceded to Nevada

• 

  The second transcontinental railroad: the "Santa Fe Route" – 1891.

• 

  Sandia Peak Ski Area, New Mexico

• 

  The Wigwam. A dwelling used by various Native American tribes among the Southwestern US.

• 

  Fanciful drawing by Marguerite Martyn in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of October 21, 1906, headed "Passing of the Country Store in the Southwest"

• 

  A Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia)

See also

In Spanish: Suroeste de Estados Unidos para niños

• Pacific Southwest
• Southwest Conference (for a different division of the US for sports)
• Water Education Foundation
• Western United States