Where is Arizona Located in the United States?

Arizona is located in the southwestern region of the United States, known for its desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and iconic natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon. It is bordered by four U.S. states: Utah to the north, New Mexico to the east, California to the west, and Nevada to the northwest, while it also shares an international border with Mexico to the south. Arizona has a rich cultural history influenced by Native American, Spanish, and Mexican traditions. Its postal abbreviation is AZ. As of the most recent census, Arizona has a population of approximately 7.4 million people, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the country. It covers an area of 113,990 square miles, making it the 6th largest state in the U.S. The capital and largest city is Phoenix. Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union in 1912, the last of the contiguous states to be admitted. Arizona falls within the Mountain Standard Time (MST) zone and does not observe Daylight Saving Time, except for the Navajo Nation, which does.

Bordering States

Utah

To the north of Arizona lies Utah, known for its diverse geography that includes arid deserts, mountain ranges, and the famous red rock formations. The border between Arizona and Utah is famously defined by the Four Corners Monument, where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico all meet. This region is rich in Native American history, with significant populations of the Navajo Nation extending into both states. Utah’s influence on northern Arizona can also be seen in shared tourism interests, such as access to Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon’s northern rim. Utah’s economy, largely driven by outdoor recreation and mineral extraction, impacts trade and travel with Arizona.

New Mexico

East of Arizona is New Mexico, a state with which Arizona shares significant cultural and historical ties, particularly through the influence of Native American and Hispanic cultures. The Arizona-New Mexico border is largely defined by a mix of mountainous and desert terrain, with key landmarks like the White Mountains stretching across the boundary. Both states are part of the larger Four Corners region and share similar economies based on tourism, natural resources, and agriculture. New Mexico’s major cities, like Albuquerque, provide a gateway to eastern Arizona, particularly through the Interstate 40 corridor.

California

To the west, California shares a long border with Arizona, marked primarily by the Colorado River, which provides a natural boundary between the two states. This region includes the famous desert areas, such as the Mojave Desert and the Imperial Valley. The border cities of Yuma and Blythe are important for trade, agriculture, and tourism, as they rely heavily on the water from the Colorado River. California’s economy, one of the largest in the world, has a significant influence on Arizona, particularly in the fields of technology, agriculture, and transportation. The shared border also allows for significant economic exchanges, especially in terms of goods transported along Interstate 10 and Interstate 8.

Nevada

Arizona’s northwestern border is shared with Nevada, with the Colorado River again serving as a major geographical feature. The famous Hoover Dam is located on the Arizona-Nevada border, providing water and hydroelectric power to both states and beyond. Nevada’s proximity to the booming Las Vegas metropolitan area has an impact on the northern regions of Arizona, particularly in terms of tourism and economic activity. The relationship between these two states is also shaped by their shared reliance on the water resources of the Colorado River, which is critical for both states’ agriculture and urban areas.

Mexico

To the south, Arizona shares a 389-mile international border with Mexico, specifically with the Mexican state of Sonora. This border is vital for trade, culture, and migration. The cities of Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, are twin border towns that act as major hubs for cross-border commerce. Arizona’s southern desert region, known as the Sonoran Desert, extends into Mexico, creating a shared ecosystem and climate. Arizona’s proximity to Mexico heavily influences its demographics, culture, and economy, with bilingualism and Hispanic traditions being prominent in the southern part of the state.

GPS Coordinates

Arizona’s geographic position places it between 31°20′ N to 37° N latitude and 109°03′ W to 114°50′ W longitude. These coordinates define Arizona’s location in the southwestern United States and contribute to its arid and semi-arid climates. The state’s northernmost point sits near the Arizona-Utah border, while its southernmost point lies on the border with Mexico, at the town of Lukeville. Arizona’s positioning gives it a unique geographical diversity, from high mountain ranges in the north to sprawling desert plains in the south.

The Four Corners Monument, located at 36.9993° N, 109.0452° W, is the only point in the U.S. where four states (Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico) meet, making it a geographical landmark of national significance. Arizona’s GPS coordinates are integral to understanding its climate zones, which range from the cool, alpine regions in the northern part of the state to the hot, desert areas in the southern region. The state’s longitude and latitude also influence its weather patterns, with northern Arizona experiencing colder winters due to its higher elevation, while southern Arizona has mild winters and extremely hot summers.

These coordinates also play a role in the state’s positioning relative to time zones. While Arizona remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round, the Navajo Nation, which occupies part of northeastern Arizona, follows Daylight Saving Time to align with New Mexico and Utah. This creates a unique time boundary within the state itself, based on geographic position.

Levels of Elevation

Arizona has significant variations in elevation, from its lowest point in the desert regions to its highest peaks in the northern mountains. The lowest elevation in Arizona is found at 72 feet (22 meters) above sea level at the Colorado River near Yuma, in the southwestern corner of the state. This region is part of the Sonoran Desert and is one of the hottest and driest areas in North America, experiencing scorching summer temperatures and sparse rainfall.

In contrast, the highest point in Arizona is Humphreys Peak, which stands at 12,633 feet (3,851 meters) above sea level. Humphreys Peak is located in the San Francisco Peaks near the city of Flagstaff, in the northern part of the state. This region is part of the larger Colorado Plateau, which experiences cooler temperatures and is home to pine forests and snow-capped mountains during the winter months. The elevation in this area contributes to Arizona’s ski industry, with Arizona Snowbowl being a popular winter destination.

Central Arizona features more moderate elevations, with regions like Phoenix situated at around 1,086 feet (331 meters) above sea level. The central and southern regions consist mostly of desert landscapes and valleys, with elevations typically between 1,000 and 4,000 feet. The higher elevations in the north create a cooler climate zone, while the lower elevations in the southern desert experience hotter, arid conditions.

Most Extreme Points of the State

Arizona’s geographic extremities include the state’s most northern, southern, eastern, and western points, all of which contribute to its unique landscape.

• Northernmost point: Arizona’s northernmost point is located near the town of Fredonia, in Coconino County, just below the Utah border. This area is characterized by its proximity to the Kaibab Plateau and the Grand Canyon, making it one of the most scenic regions in the state. Fredonia is part of the larger Colorado Plateau, which has high elevations and cooler temperatures compared to the southern part of the state.
• Southernmost point: The southernmost point of Arizona lies at the town of Lukeville, in Pima County, directly on the U.S.-Mexico border. Lukeville is a small border crossing town that serves as a gateway to Sonoyta, Sonora, in Mexico. This area is part of the Sonoran Desert, known for its unique desert flora, including the iconic Saguaro cacti. Lukeville’s southern location means it experiences some of the highest temperatures in the state.
• Easternmost point: Arizona’s easternmost point is found near the town of Hannagan Meadow, located in Greenlee County. This region is part of the White Mountains, a high-elevation area that experiences cooler temperatures and is known for its alpine forests. The area is also home to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, offering outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The eastern part of Arizona borders New Mexico and shares many geographical features with its neighboring state.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point of Arizona is located along the Colorado River, near the town of San Luis in Yuma County. This point marks the border with California and is part of the Lower Colorado River Valley. The region is characterized by its hot, arid climate and is a major agricultural center due to irrigation from the Colorado River. San Luis also serves as a major crossing point into Mexico, connecting Arizona with the state of Sonora.

Major Mountains

Arizona is home to several prominent mountain ranges, each contributing to the state’s diverse topography and outdoor recreational opportunities. The San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona are perhaps the most famous. Located near Flagstaff, this volcanic range includes Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest point at 12,633 feet. The San Francisco Peaks are remnants of an ancient stratovolcano and are part of the Coconino National Forest. In addition to being a popular hiking destination, the area is also home to the Arizona Snowbowl, a well-known ski resort.

Another significant mountain range is the Superstition Mountains, located east of Phoenix. This range is steeped in legend, particularly due to the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, a mythical mine said to be hidden in the rugged terrain. The Superstition Mountains are characterized by dramatic cliffs and rugged peaks, with Weaver’s Needle being one of the most iconic landmarks in the area.

Further south, the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson are part of the Coronado National Forest and include Mount Lemmon, which rises to an elevation of 9,159 feet. This range is a popular destination for outdoor activities, offering everything from hiking and camping to skiing in the winter months. The Santa Catalinas provide a stark contrast to the desert landscapes that dominate much of southern Arizona.

The Mogollon Rim is another prominent geological feature in Arizona. It forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau and extends for approximately 200 miles across the state. The rim is known for its dramatic cliffs and offers panoramic views of the lower elevations to the south. The area is covered in dense forests of Ponderosa pine and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Arizona’s rivers and lakes are crucial to its ecosystem, providing water to a largely arid state. The most significant river is the Colorado River, which runs along the western border of the state, forming a natural boundary between Arizona and California. The river is vital for agriculture, urban water supplies, and recreation. The Hoover Dam on the Colorado River creates Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S., and provides hydroelectric power and water storage for Arizona and neighboring states.

Another important waterway is the Gila River, which flows through southern Arizona. The Gila River is a major tributary of the Colorado River and historically served as a lifeline for Native American communities and early settlers. Although much of the river has been diverted for irrigation and urban use, it still plays a key role in Arizona’s water management systems.

Arizona’s largest natural lake is Lake Havasu, located on the Colorado River along the Arizona-California border. This reservoir is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water-based recreational activities. Lake Powell, another reservoir formed by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, straddles the Arizona-Utah border and is one of the state’s most visited natural attractions, known for its scenic beauty and houseboat vacations.

In central Arizona, Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake entirely within the state. Formed by the Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River, this lake is a crucial water source for the Phoenix metropolitan area and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The Salt River itself flows through the Phoenix area, although much of its water has been diverted for irrigation and urban use.