Where is California Located in the United States?

California is located on the West Coast of the United States, known for its diverse geography, from coastal beaches to towering mountains and expansive deserts. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, California is the most populous state in the U.S. and a global economic powerhouse, home to major industries like technology, agriculture, and entertainment. It is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, and Arizona to the southeast. It also shares a southern international border with Mexico. The postal abbreviation for California is CA, and it has a population of approximately 39.5 million people. Covering an area of 163,696 square miles, it is the 3rd largest state by area. The state capital is Sacramento, while the largest city is Los Angeles. California became the 31st state to join the Union in 1850. The state spans two time zones: Pacific Time (PT) for most of the state and Mountain Time (MT) for a small eastern section around the Arizona border.

Bordering States

Oregon

To the north, California shares a border with Oregon. The California-Oregon border runs approximately 340 miles, from the Pacific Ocean to the northeastern corner of California. The region where the two states meet is largely defined by the Siskiyou Mountains, a rugged range that separates California’s northern forests from the green landscapes of Oregon. Economically, the states share strong ties through agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The Klamath River flows across the border, offering recreational opportunities and contributing to both states’ water resources. Oregon’s influence on northern California is evident in shared environmental policies and natural conservation efforts, particularly with forests and protected areas along the border.

Nevada

To the east, Nevada shares a long border with California that stretches over 500 miles. The Sierra Nevada mountain range plays a significant role along this border, with peaks like Mount Whitney and Lake Tahoe defining much of the landscape. While California is known for its bustling cities and coastlines, Nevada’s side of the border features vast deserts and open spaces, with cities like Reno and Carson City just a short drive away from the California border. The Lake Tahoe area is a popular year-round destination for both states, known for skiing, hiking, and the natural beauty of the alpine lake. Economically, California’s proximity to Nevada influences trade, tourism, and recreation, especially with the city of Las Vegas drawing millions of Californians annually.

Arizona

To the southeast, California borders Arizona, with the Colorado River forming much of the boundary. This border is about 200 miles long, and the river provides vital water resources for both states, supporting agriculture, urban areas, and recreation. Cities like Yuma, Arizona, and Blythe, California, serve as key agricultural hubs along the river, benefiting from irrigation projects that allow the region to flourish despite the arid desert conditions. Interstate 10 runs between the two states, connecting major cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix, fostering economic and cultural exchange between the two. The border region is also known for its desert landscapes, including parts of the Mojave Desert that stretch into Arizona.

Mexico

To the south, California shares a 140-mile international border with Mexico, specifically the Mexican state of Baja California. This border is one of the busiest in the world, with millions of people and goods crossing between Tijuana and San Diego annually. The region is a hub of cultural and economic exchange, with deep historical ties between California and Mexico. The San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area is a vibrant cross-border community, where bilingualism and binational cooperation are essential to both sides. California’s relationship with Mexico influences its demographics, culture, and economy, particularly in terms of trade, immigration, and tourism.

GPS Coordinates

California’s geographical position spans between 32°30′ N and 42° N latitude and 114°08′ W and 124°24′ W longitude. These coordinates place California in the westernmost part of the contiguous United States, with the state extending from the southern deserts near Mexico to the northern forests near Oregon. The latitude range allows California to enjoy a variety of climates, from the Mediterranean climate of its coastal areas to the arid conditions of the southeastern desert regions and the alpine climates found in the Sierra Nevada.

California’s northernmost point, located near the Oregon border, sits at approximately 42° N, marking the division between the two states. This area is home to dense forests and the rugged mountains of the Pacific Northwest. The southernmost point, just north of the U.S.-Mexico border, lies at 32°30′ N, where the climate is hot and dry, dominated by the vast Sonoran Desert.

In terms of longitude, California’s easternmost point is located at 114°08′ W, where the state meets Arizona and Nevada along the Colorado River. The westernmost point, situated at 124°24′ W, lies along the Pacific Coast at Cape Mendocino, the westernmost point in the contiguous United States. This expansive range of longitude allows California to encompass everything from coastal cliffs to inland valleys and deserts.

These coordinates place California within the Pacific Time Zone (PT), though a small portion near the Arizona border operates on Mountain Time (MT). California’s positioning on the west coast also means it experiences long days during the summer and shorter daylight hours in the winter, contributing to its diverse agricultural output and recreational opportunities.

Levels of Elevation

California is home to dramatic differences in elevation, from the highest point in the contiguous United States to some of the lowest. The lowest point in California, and in North America, is located at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park. At 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, Badwater Basin is part of the Mojave Desert and is known for its extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 120°F (49°C) during the summer. The low elevation, combined with the arid environment, creates one of the harshest climates on Earth, with only specialized plants and animals able to survive in the region.

At the other extreme, California’s highest point is Mount Whitney, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Mount Whitney rises to an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level, making it the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, with the Mount Whitney Trail offering access to the summit. The Sierra Nevada range, with its high elevations, is also home to several national parks, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon, where visitors can explore alpine environments, dense forests, and stunning granite cliffs.

In between these extremes, much of California’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and coastal plains. The Central Valley, which runs through the middle of the state, sits at a moderate elevation of around 300 feet (91 meters) above sea level and is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world. The state’s coastal areas typically range from sea level to about 500 feet (152 meters) in elevation, offering mild climates that are ideal for growing crops like grapes, citrus, and avocados.

Most Extreme Points of the State

California’s geographical extremities showcase the diversity of its landscape and climates.

• Northernmost point: California’s northernmost point is located in Del Norte County, near the small town of Smith River, close to the Oregon border. This area is part of the Pacific Northwest, known for its dense forests, rugged coastline, and cooler, wetter climate compared to much of the state. Redwood National and State Parks, home to the tallest trees in the world, are located nearby.
• Southernmost point: The southernmost point of California is at Border Field State Park, located just south of San Diego, along the U.S.-Mexico border. This region is part of the Sonoran Desert, known for its dry, hot climate and unique desert flora. The proximity to Mexico has a significant impact on the region’s culture and economy, with cross-border commerce and travel being a daily occurrence.
• Easternmost point: The easternmost point of California is near the town of Winterhaven, located along the Colorado River, just west of Yuma, Arizona. This area is part of the Imperial Valley, known for its agriculture made possible by extensive irrigation. The desert landscape is dominated by arid conditions, though the river provides a vital source of water for both California and Arizona.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point in California is located at Cape Mendocino, in Humboldt County. This rugged coastal area is part of the Lost Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs and remote wilderness. The region is sparsely populated and is famous for its natural beauty, including towering redwoods and scenic coastal views.

Major Mountains

California is home to several major mountain ranges, each contributing to the state’s dramatic and diverse topography. The most famous of these is the Sierra Nevada range, which runs along the eastern edge of the state. This range is home to Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet. The Sierra Nevada is also famous for its national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon, which attract millions of visitors each year. These parks are known for their towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and stunning waterfalls, making them some of the most iconic landscapes in the country.

The Coast Ranges run along California’s Pacific coastline, from the northern border with Oregon to the southern end near Los Angeles. These ranges include smaller subranges such as the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Diablo Range. While not as high as the Sierra Nevada, the Coast Ranges are still significant, with peaks like Mount Diablo and Mount Tamalpais offering spectacular views of the surrounding areas. The proximity of these ranges to the ocean creates a unique climate, with coastal fog and cooler temperatures prevalent in the summer months.

Further south, the Transverse Ranges and Peninsular Ranges dominate Southern California’s topography. The San Gabriel Mountains, part of the Transverse Ranges, rise dramatically just outside Los Angeles, with Mount Baldy (officially known as Mount San Antonio) reaching an elevation of 10,064 feet. These mountains are a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a natural escape from the urban environment of Southern California.

Major Rivers and Lakes

California’s rivers and lakes are critical to its economy, environment, and urban water supply. The most important river in the state is the Sacramento River, which flows from the northern part of the state through the Central Valley before emptying into the San Francisco Bay. The Sacramento River is the largest river in California and is a vital water source for agriculture, especially in the fertile Central Valley. The San Joaquin River is another major waterway in the Central Valley, flowing from the Sierra Nevada mountains to meet the Sacramento River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The Colorado River forms the eastern border of California and provides crucial water for agriculture and urban areas in both California and neighboring states. The river is heavily dammed, with Lake Havasu and Lake Mead being two major reservoirs that store water for the region. The Colorado River supports the vast agricultural operations of the Imperial Valley and provides water to major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego through the Colorado River Aqueduct.

California is also home to several significant lakes, both natural and man-made. Lake Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the California-Nevada border, is the largest alpine lake in North America. Known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings, Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including skiing, boating, and hiking. Shasta Lake, located in Northern California, is the largest reservoir in the state and an important water storage facility. Created by the Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River, it is a key component of the state’s water management system, providing irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power.