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. Rocky Mountain Range, foothills of the Rockies, High Deserts and Intermountain Basins. Highland climate found throughout the Rockies Highland climate found throughout the Rockies Desert and Steppe climates found in Southwest and Basin area. Desert and Steppe climates found in Southwest and Basin area. Mostly arid. Farming is done with irrigation. Mostly arid. Farming is done with irrigation.

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

Population Geography Not densely populated. Not densely populated. Major urban centers include: Denver, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City. Major urban centers include: Denver, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City.

Economic Activity Grazing Grazing Mining Mining Tourism Tourism Lumber Lumber

Cultural Heritage of the West Old Mining ghost town exemplify the culture of the mountain states. When mining diminished, tourism took over. 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. 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. 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. Foothills of the Rockies, High Deserts and Intermountain Basins. Coastal plains along the Gulf Coast. Diverse physical region, including landforms and climates. Diverse physical region, including landforms and climates. Desert and Steppe found most of the Southwest. Humid Subtropical found in Eastern Texas. Desert and Steppe found most of the Southwest. Humid Subtropical found in Eastern Texas. Mainly arid. Farming is done with irrigation. Mainly arid. Farming is done with irrigation.

Cultural Heritage of the Southwest Strong Spanish and Native American influences in the Southwest. Strong Spanish and Native American influences in the Southwest. Unique foods, art, architecture, and music. Unique foods, art, architecture, and music.

Population Geography Population density varies greatly. Population density varies greatly. Major urban centers include: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Major urban centers include: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Phoenix.

Economic Activity Grazing and Ranching Grazing and Ranching Mining Mining Oil/Petroleum Oil/Petroleum Tourism Tourism Fishing along the Gulf coast Fishing along the Gulf coast