Regions of the United States

The Mountain West

Colorado (CO), Wyoming (WY), Montana (MT), Idaho (ID), Utah (UT), Nevada (NV),

Physical Geography Rocky Mountain Range, foothills of the

Rockies, High Deserts and Intermountain Basins.

Highland climate found throughout the Rockies Desert and Steppe climates found in Southwest

and Basin area. Mostly arid. Farming is done with irrigation.

Historical Geography

Mining towns Outlaws (Wild West) Cattle/Sheep Grazing Reservation Lands Las Vegas and Reno- Gambling towns National Park Service

Population Geography Not densely populated.

Major urban centers

include: Denver, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City.

Economic Activity

Grazing Mining Tourism Lumber

Cultural Heritage of the West

Old Mining ghost town exemplify the culture of the mountain states. When mining diminished, tourism took over.

Mountain towns are known for their transient population, seasonal employment, and influx of tourists.

Likewise, the Basin states are home to the largest number of National Parks.

States included: Texas (TX), New Mexico (NM), Arizona (AZ) and Oklahoma (OK).

Regions of the United States

The Southwest

Physical Geography Foothills of the Rockies, High Deserts and Intermountain Basins. Coastal plains along the Gulf Coast.

Diverse physical region, including landforms and climates.

Desert and Steppe found most of the Southwest. Humid Subtropical found in Eastern Texas.

Mainly arid. Farming is done with irrigation.

Cultural Heritage of the Southwest Strong Spanish and Native American

influences in the Southwest. Unique foods, art, architecture, and music.

Population Geography Population density varies greatly. Major urban centers include: Dallas,

Houston, San Antonio, and Phoenix.

Economic ActivityGrazing and RanchingMiningOil/PetroleumTourismFishing along the Gulf coast