Physical Features : New Mexico

The Continental Divide runs from north to south through central New Mexico. The north-central part of the state lies within the Southern Rocky Mountains, while the northwest forms part of the Colorado Plateau. The eastern two-fifths of the state fall on the western fringes of the Great Plains.

Important mountain ranges include the Southern Rockies, the Chuska Mountains in the northwest, and the Caballo, San Andres, San Mateo, Sacramento, and Guadalupe ranges in the south and southwest. The Wheeler Peak, at 13,161 ft (4,014 m) is the highest point in the state while the lowest point, 2,842 ft (867 m), is at Red Bluff Reservoir. The major rivers of New Mexico include the Pecos, San Juan, Canadian, and Gila. The Elephant Butte Reservoir and Conchas Reservoir, both created by dams are the largest bodies of inland water.

The largest known subterranean labyrinth in the world Carlsbad Caverns, penetrate the foothills of the Guadalupes in the southeast. The caverns are important for their stalactite and stalagmite formations.