Colorado River and more..

On the west the Colorado River flows for almost the entire length of the state.  The river separates Arizona from California and part of Nevada. 

The Grand Canyon State is almost square.  From north to south its greatest length is 395 miles, and its greatest width is 343 miles.  The surface of Arizona rises from a low point of about 100 feet above sea level, in the southwestern corner of the state, to a high point of more than 12,000 feet in the northern part. 

Almost the entire state is drained by the Colorado River and its chief tributaries the Little Colorado, the Bill Williams, and the Gila.  After entering Mexico, the Colorado drains into the Gulf of California.

With 113,417 square miles Arizona is the sixth-largest state.  Divided into three distinct regions, the northern plateaus, the central mountains, and the southern deserts, there is a variety of climates as well as unique plants and animals in each region.

The Northern plateau is noted for its many canyons and there are outstanding examples of volcanic activity in the Flagstaff area.  Humphrey's Peak, an extinct volcano within the San Francisco Mountains is the highest point in the state at 12,633 feet.

The Central Mountains start at the Mogollon Rim with the upper reaches covered by pine forest.  From here they run diagonally across Arizona in a NW-SE direction and some of the peaks rise above 10,000 feet. 

The region is rich in minerals and the area has many recreational areas in its lakes and ski resorts.  Arizona has sixty-seven natural and man-made lakes. 

The Southern Deserts in the lower third of the state are part of the Sonoran Desert, containing some of the most unique plants and animals, more than in any other desert area.  The beautiful Saguaro Cactus grows here, growing to heights of up to 60 feet when they reach maturity, which is at about 100 years old! 

The Colorado, the Gila and the Salt River partially water this area and man-made canals dot the landscape.   Areas of the southern deserts are cultivated with orange groves or  vegetables and grain, providing food for the nation.  Arizona's two largest cities, Phoenix and Tucson are located in the southern deserts