The United States is home to a vast and diverse landscape, with states varying greatly in size and geography. Here, we explore the ten largest states by land area, highlighting their unique landscapes, historical significance, and natural landmarks.
- Alaska – 665,384 mi²
Alaska is by far the largest state in the U.S., covering 665,384 square miles—almost twice the size of Texas. This immense landmass accounts for one-fifth of the entire country’s land area. The state is dominated by rugged terrain, with over half of its surface covered by mountains, while glaciers blanket more than 5% of its land.
Alaska’s two primary mountain ranges include the Brooks Range in the north and the Alaska Range in the southeast. It shares a border with Canada, stretching from Ivvavik National Park to the Gulf of Alaska, while its westernmost boundary meets Russia across the Bering Strait.
One of Alaska’s most famous landmarks is Denali National Park & Preserve, home to Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. The park draws thousands of visitors annually who come to experience its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, and bald eagles.
- Texas – 268,596 mi²
Known as the Lone Star State, Texas is the second-largest state, spanning 268,596 square miles. Originally part of Mexico, Texas declared independence in 1836 and later joined the Union in 1845. Its borders have undergone several adjustments over time, shaping the Texas we know today.
Texas is home to the Chihuahuan Desert, one of the largest deserts in North America, covering over 200,000 square miles—larger than the state of California. This arid region features diverse landscapes, from rocky mountains to sparse grasslands, and is home to unique species like the black-tailed jackrabbit and the Texas horned lizard.
- California – 163,695 mi²
California, the Golden State, covers 163,696 square miles and is the third-largest state in the U.S. Its borders were established after Mexico ceded the area to the U.S. in 1848 following the Mexican-American War.
The state is home to the Sierra Nevada, one of North America’s most significant mountain ranges. This 430-mile-long range includes Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. at 14,505 feet. California’s landscape is remarkably diverse, featuring coastal beaches, redwood forests, and vast desert regions.
- Montana – 147,040 mi²
Montana, known as Big Sky Country, spans 147,040 square miles and has a history shaped by treaties with Native American tribes. The state’s borders were largely defined by the Louisiana Purchase and various territorial agreements.
The state is home to Glacier National Park, an awe-inspiring wilderness area with over 700 miles of trails, stunning alpine scenery, and an abundance of wildlife. Montana’s landscape includes two major mountain ranges—the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide—as well as vast plains that stretch across the western half of the state.
- New Mexico – 121,590 mi²
New Mexico, the fifth-largest state, covers 121,591 square miles. Originally part of the Spanish Empire, it became U.S. territory following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 and achieved statehood in 1912.
A remarkable natural landmark in New Mexico is Shiprock, a towering volcanic formation that rises dramatically from the desert floor. This sacred Navajo site stands 1,583 feet tall and spans 13 square miles, making it one of the state’s most striking geological features.
- Arizona – 113,990 mi²
Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the U.S., encompassing 113,990 square miles. Originally part of Mexico, its modern borders were finalized in 1912 when it became a state.
The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders, exemplifies Arizona’s vast and dramatic landscape. The canyon stretches 277 miles long and reaches widths of up to 18 miles, showcasing the immense scale of this southwestern state.
- Nevada – 110,572 mi²
Nevada, spanning 110,577 square miles, is predominantly desert and mountain terrain. The state’s borders were influenced by rivers, mountain ranges, and early territorial divisions.
The Great Basin Desert, covering over 190,000 square miles, dominates Nevada’s landscape. This expansive desert, stretching into California, features unique geological formations, including sand dunes, canyons, and salt flats. The state’s diverse environment includes alpine mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada.
- Colorado – 104,094 mi²
Colorado, covering 104,185 square miles, is the eighth-largest state. Its borders were finalized in the mid-19th century through various treaties and legislative acts.
One of its most significant landmarks is Mesa Verde National Park, a 52,000-acre site featuring ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans. This national park provides a glimpse into the region’s deep history, dating back to 600 CE.
- Oregon – 98,379 mi²
Oregon, the ninth-largest state, spans 98,466 square miles. It became a state in 1859, with its borders defined through territorial agreements.
A highlight of Oregon’s landscape is the Columbia River Gorge, a stunning 80-mile canyon that marks the border between Oregon and Washington. Carved by glaciers, the gorge features sheer cliffs up to 4,000 feet high, multiple waterfalls, and a diverse ecosystem ranging from temperate rainforests to grasslands.
- Wyoming – 97,813 mi²
Wyoming, the tenth-largest state at 97,914 square miles, was officially established in 1890. Its borders resulted from political negotiations with neighboring states, including Montana and Idaho.
One of its most distinctive landmarks is the Bighorn Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. Covering nearly 9,000 square miles, these mountains formed through tectonic activity millions of years ago and feature rivers, hot springs, and striking geological formations.
Conclusion
The vastness of these ten states showcases the incredible diversity of the American landscape. From towering mountain ranges to sweeping deserts, each state holds unique natural wonders that contribute to the country’s rich geography. Whether you’re exploring the icy peaks of Alaska or the dramatic depths of the Grand Canyon, these states offer an unparalleled glimpse into the sheer scale and beauty of the United States.
