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Physical Map of Arizona - Geographical Features of Arizona

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Arizona showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Arizona physical features.

Arizona Physical Map

Physical Features of Arizona

Arizona is known for its striking desert landscapes, deep canyons, and rugged mountain ranges. The state is divided between the Colorado Plateau in the north and the Basin and Range region in the south, creating sharp contrasts in elevation and terrain. Iconic features like the Grand Canyon dominate the landscape, while vast deserts such as the Sonoran Desert cover much of southern Arizona. Major rivers, including the Colorado River, carve through the land, and scattered mountain ranges rise abruptly from the desert floor, adding to the state’s dramatic scenery.

Major Landforms in Arizona

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Colorado PlateauPlateauNorthHigh flat elevated region
Grand CanyonCanyonNorthwestDeep carved river canyon
Sonoran DesertDesertSouthHot arid desert region
Mogollon RimEscarpmentCentralSteep plateau edge
Basin and RangeRegionSouthAlternating valleys and mountains
Petrified ForestBadlandsNortheastFossilized wood landscape
Painted DesertDesertNorthColorful eroded terrain
San Francisco Volcanic FieldVolcanic fieldNorthAncient volcanic cones
Little Colorado BasinBasinNorthRiver drainage basin
Gila River ValleyValleySouthFertile agricultural region

Major Mountain Ranges in Arizona

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
San Francisco PeaksNorthHumphreys Peak12,633 ft
White MountainsEastMount Baldy11,403 ft
Santa Catalina MountainsSouthMount Lemmon9,159 ft
Superstition MountainsCentralWeavers Needle area5,057 ft
Huachuca MountainsSouthMiller Peak9,466 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Arizona

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Colorado RiverRiverWestForms Grand Canyon
Gila RiverRiverSouthMajor southern river
Salt RiverRiverCentralFlows through Phoenix
Verde RiverRiverCentralTributary of Salt River
Little Colorado RiverRiverNorthFeeds Colorado River
Lake MeadLakeNorthwestLargest reservoir nearby
Lake PowellLakeNorthColorado River reservoir
Lake HavasuLakeWestRecreation and water supply
Roosevelt LakeLakeCentralLargest lake fully in state
San Carlos LakeLakeEastReservoir on Gila River

Elevation and Terrain in Arizona

Arizona’s elevation varies widely, from low desert basins in the southwest to high mountain peaks in the north and east. Humphreys Peak is the highest point, while the lowest point lies along the Colorado River. The terrain includes plateaus, deserts, canyons, and forested highlands.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointHumphreys Peak – 12,633 ft
Lowest PointColorado River – 70 ft
Average Elevation4,100 ft
Terrain TypeDeserts, plateaus, mountains

Arizona Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateArizona
Total Area113,990 sq mi
Land Area113,594 sq mi
Water Area396 sq mi
Highest PointHumphreys Peak
Lowest PointColorado River
Longest RiverColorado River
Largest LakeRoosevelt Lake
Major LandformsColorado Plateau, deserts
Main Water BodiesColorado River, Lake Powell
Terrain TypeArid deserts and highlands
CoastlineNo coastline