Major Mountain Ranges in the Contiguous United States

One might think there are too many mountain ranges to list comprehensively, and indeed, there are numerous named mountain ranges in the contiguous United States. California, for instance, alone lists 352 named mountain ranges on Wikipedia. In the western states, this number is likely comparable or even higher.

Western Mountain Ranges

The central part of the mountain chain, running through the western states, is the Rocky Mountains, which stretch from British Columbia to New Mexico. Another significant range in the West is the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range in California and Nevada. North of the Sierra Nevada is the Cascade Range, which also stretches from British Columbia to California.

Eastern Mountain Ranges

The Appalachian Mountains, located in the eastern part of the United States, run from Canada to Alabama and form the core of the Appalachian system. Nearby, the Smoky Mountains and Ozark Mountains form part of the same system and extend from north to south.

The Appalachian and Rocky Mountain Ranges

The Appalachian Mountains, the Ozark Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Cascades are major ranges in the contiguous U.S. The Appalachian Mountains include sub-ranges such as the Blue Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains, Green Allegheny, White Mountains, and Black Cumberland mountains, among others. The Rocky Mountains include sub-ranges like the Sangre de Cristos, Front Range, Wind River Range, and Big Horn Mountains.

Other Notable Mountain Ranges

Other significant mountain ranges in the U.S. include the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington, the Sierra Nevada in California and Nevada, the White Mountains in the Southwest, and the Pacific Coastal Range, which includes sub-ranges such as the St. Elias, Coast Mountains, and Olympic Mountains. In Alaska, the Brooks Range, Alaska Range, and Aleutian Islands form part of the Aleutian Island chain. In the Southeast, the Ouachita Mountains can be found, and in Texas, the Guadalupe Mountains make a notable addition.

Conclusion

The mountain ranges of the contiguous United States are vast and diverse, each offering unique landscapes, flora, and fauna. While some are more prominent, such as the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, others, like the Appalachian mountains in California, play a crucial role in the landscape and biodiversity of the region. Understanding these ranges and their sub-ranges can enhance our knowledge of the North American landscape and its geological history.