Select two cities to compare their elevations and learn about their geographic features
New York, USA
10m
Population: 8,336,817
Region:
Built across a complex archipelago, New York City's terrain is a testament to glacial activity from the last ice age. The city spans three major islands (Manhattan, Staten Island, and Long Island), with elevations ranging from sea level to the 125-meter Todt Hill. Manhattan's distinctive ridge of metamorphic rock (Manhattan schist) provides the solid foundation for the city's iconic skyscrapers. The region also features numerous waterways, including the Hudson River estuary, East River, and New York Harbor, creating a unique maritime-influenced urban landscape.
California, USA
87m
Population: 3,898,747
Los Angeles spans a remarkably diverse topographical range, from coastal plains to mountain peaks. The city is situated in the Los Angeles Basin, a coastal sediment-filled plain surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the Santa Monica Mountains to the west, the Puente Hills to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. This basin is intersected by the Los Angeles River and numerous smaller watersheds. The Santa Monica Mountains effectively divide the city into distinct valleys, including the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles Basin proper, creating distinct microclimates and development patterns.
Illinois, USA
182m
Population: 2,746,388
Chicago's landscape was profoundly shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a relatively flat terrain with subtle but significant elevation changes. The city sits on what was once the bottom of glacial Lake Chicago, now featuring a series of subtle beach ridges and moraines. The most prominent elevation feature is the Blue Island Ridge, a glacial remnant that rises about 23 meters above the surrounding plain. The Chicago River system, including its north and south branches, has carved shallow valleys through this glacial plain, while Lake Michigan's shoreline represents the city's eastern boundary.
Texas, USA
13m
Population: 2,313,000
Houston occupies a complex network of bayous and coastal prairie in the Gulf Coastal Plain. The city's subtle elevation changes, ranging from near sea level to about 38 meters, create a natural drainage pattern through its numerous waterways, including Buffalo Bayou, White Oak Bayou, and Clear Creek. The land gradually rises from southeast to northwest, with visible terraces marking ancient coastlines. The underlying geology includes complex layers of unconsolidated sediments, creating challenges for construction and water management. Natural features include coastal prairies, riparian corridors, and remnant forest patches, particularly along waterways where elevation changes are most pronounced.
Arizona, USA
331m
Population: 1,608,139
Phoenix sits in the heart of the Sonoran Desert's Valley of the Sun, surrounded by distinct mountain ranges that create a dramatic backdrop to the urban landscape. The city is built on an alluvial plain created by millennia of erosion from the surrounding mountains. The Salt River Valley, where Phoenix is located, features a complex network of ancient river terraces and desert pavements. The western edge of the city includes the dramatic hogbacks and foothills of the Front Range, composed of uplifted Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. The underlying geology includes complex layers of alluvial deposits from the Salt River system and the ancestral Rocky Mountains, creating a diverse subsurface environment that influences groundwater movement and surface stability.
198m
Population: 1,547,253
San Antonio sits at the intersection of three distinct geological regions: the Edwards Plateau to the north, the Blackland Prairie to the east, and the South Texas Plains to the south. The city's most significant geological feature is the Balcones Escarpment, a fault line that creates a dramatic elevation change from the Edwards Plateau to the coastal plain. This escarpment has created the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, a crucial water source for the region. The landscape is characterized by limestone karst formations, creating numerous caves, springs, and unique topographical features. The San Antonio River, fed by the Edwards Aquifer springs, has carved a gentle valley through the city's heart.
19m
Population: 1,386,932
San Diego's topography is characterized by a series of mesas, canyons, and coastal terraces formed by millions of years of geological uplift and erosion. The city is built on a complex network of marine terraces, created by ancient sea level changes and tectonic uplift. These flat-topped mesas are intersected by deep canyons, creating San Diego's distinctive 'mesa-canyon' topography. The landscape rises gradually from sea level at the coast through a series of terraces to the inland mountains. The Rose Canyon Fault Zone runs through the city, contributing to the varied terrain and creating distinct geological features like Mount Soledad, an uplift dome in La Jolla.
131m
Population: 1,304,379
Dallas straddles several distinct geological regions: the Blackland Prairie to the east, the Eastern Cross Timbers to the west, and the White Rock Escarpment running north-south through the city. The White Rock Escarpment, a limestone uplift created during the Cretaceous Period, rises about 30 meters above the surrounding terrain, forming a natural east-west divide. The Trinity River and its tributaries have carved broad floodplains through the region's Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford Shale formations, creating a network of valleys and terraces. The underlying geology includes complex layers of alluvial deposits from the Trinity River system and the ancestral Rocky Mountains, creating a diverse subsurface environment that influences groundwater movement and surface stability.
25m
Population: 1,013,240
San Jose occupies the heart of the Santa Clara Valley, a structural trough bounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east. This valley, part of a larger graben structure, was formed by tectonic activity along the San Andreas and Hayward fault systems. The valley floor gradually rises from near sea level at the San Francisco Bay to about 100 meters at its southern end, created by millennia of alluvial fan development from both mountain ranges. The city's eastern reaches include the dramatic uplift of the Diablo Range, culminating in Mount Hamilton, while the western portions feature the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The underlying geology includes a complex system of aquifers in the valley fill, fed by both surface water and groundwater from the surrounding mountains.
Colorado, USA
1609m
Population: 727,211
Denver sits at the convergence of two distinct geological provinces: the High Plains to the east and the Rocky Mountain Front Range to the west. The city's famous 'Mile High' elevation (5,280 feet/1,609 meters) marks the transition between these regions along the 105th meridian. The landscape rises dramatically from east to west, climbing from the South Platte River valley (1,580m) through a series of terraces and benches formed by ancient river deposits. The western edge of the city includes the dramatic hogbacks and foothills of the Front Range, composed of uplifted Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. The underlying geology includes complex layers of alluvial deposits from the South Platte River system and the ancestral Rocky Mountains, creating a diverse subsurface environment that influences groundwater movement and surface stability.
1145m
Population: 678,815
El Paso occupies a unique geographical position where the Franklin Mountains, the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains, bisect the city from north to south. The city sits at the confluence of three states (Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua) and two countries, straddling the Rio Grande River. The Franklin Mountains, composed of Precambrian granite and rhyolite, rise dramatically from the desert floor to over 2,192 meters at North Franklin Peak. The Hueco Bolson, an extensive desert basin, lies to the east, while the Mesilla Bolson forms the valley to the west. These bolsons (valleys) are filled with ancient river and lake deposits, creating distinct elevation zones from the river valley (1,140m) to the mountain peaks. The Rio Grande has carved a valley through ancient limestone and sedimentary deposits, creating terraces that mark different geological periods.
Federal District, Mexico
2240m
Population: 9,209,944
Mexico City occupies a high-altitude basin known as the Valley of Mexico, surrounded by volcanic mountains of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. This valley, at an average elevation of 2,240 meters, was once filled by a series of interconnected lakes (including Lake Texcoco) and is ringed by mountains reaching nearly 4,000 meters. The southern edge of the city is bounded by the Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin volcanic field, while the Sierra de las Cruces forms the western boundary. The eastern edge features the iconic volcanoes Popocatépetl (5,426m) and IztaccÃhuatl (5,230m), though these lie just outside the city limits. The basin's geology includes layers of lacustrine and volcanic deposits, creating a complex subsurface that influences both groundwater movement and seismic behavior.
Utah, USA
1288m
Population: 199,723
Salt Lake City lies in a dramatic setting between the Wasatch Range to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the northwest. The city occupies part of the ancient Lake Bonneville basin, with distinct 'bench' levels marking former shorelines at various elevations (notably the Bonneville and Provo levels at 1,552m and 1,444m respectively). The Wasatch Fault, running north-south along the mountain front, creates an abrupt elevation change from the valley floor (1,288m) to peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. The city's eastern limits climb the Wasatch foothills through a series of alluvial fans, while the western portions extend into the nearly level salt flats. Several glacially-carved canyons (including City Creek, Red Butte, and Emigration) cut through the Wasatch Range, creating important transportation corridors and watershed areas.
New Mexico, USA
2194m
Population: 84,683
Santa Fe sits at the foot of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, occupying a high desert plateau that marks the transition between the Rocky Mountains and the Rio Grande Rift Valley. The city's elevation ranges from about 2,150 meters in the western neighborhoods to over 2,900 meters in the mountain areas to the east. The landscape is characterized by piñon-juniper woodland intersected by seasonal arroyos and marked by prominent geological features including the Sangre de Cristo foothills and the Caja del Rio Plateau. The underlying geology includes ancient Precambrian rocks in the mountains, overlain by younger sedimentary deposits in the plateau areas. The Santa Fe River, though often dry, has carved a significant valley through the city, creating distinct elevation changes that influenced historical settlement patterns.
3094m
Population: 2,602
Leadville stands as the highest incorporated city in North America at 3,094 meters, situated in a high alpine valley between Colorado's two highest peaks: Mount Elbert (4,401m) and Mount Massive (4,395m). The city lies at the headwaters of the Arkansas River, in a glacially-carved valley bounded by the Mosquito Range to the east and the Sawatch Range to the west. The surrounding geology is dominated by Precambrian metamorphic rocks intruded by mineral-rich veins that fueled the area's mining history. The landscape features extensive glacial moraines, cirques, and U-shaped valleys formed during the Pleistocene epoch. The high elevation creates a unique treeline environment, with the city itself situated just below the natural treeline (approximately 3,500m in this region). The underlying bedrock includes significant deposits of silver, lead, zinc, and gold-bearing ores, which influenced both the city's name and its historical development.
3224m
Population: 270
Alma holds the distinction of being the highest incorporated municipality in North America at 3,224 meters, surpassing even Leadville. The town sits in the Mosquito Range, surrounded by four fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet/4,267 meters): Mounts Lincoln, Democrat, Cameron, and Bross. The landscape is characterized by glacial cirques, alpine tundra, and remnants of extensive mining operations. The South Platte River originates nearby, with its headwaters emerging from the surrounding peaks. The geology is dominated by Paleozoic sedimentary rocks heavily mineralized with silver, gold, and zinc deposits. The town's position above treeline creates a unique alpine environment where only the hardiest plants survive. The surrounding peaks feature extensive periglacial features including rock glaciers, solifluction lobes, and patterned ground formed by freeze-thaw cycles at this extreme elevation.
2764m
Population: 1,087
Winter Park sits in the Fraser Valley, nestled between the Continental Divide and Vasquez Mountains in the Front Range. The town occupies a glacially-carved valley at 2,764 meters, with dramatic elevation changes from valley floor to surrounding peaks. The landscape is defined by the valley's U-shaped profile, created by massive ice sheets during the Pleistocene epoch. The eastern boundary is marked by the Continental Divide, where James Peak (4,077m) and Parry Peak (4,028m) create a dramatic alpine backdrop. The western edge rises to the Vasquez Mountains, with Vasquez Peak reaching 3,849 meters. The geology reveals complex metamorphic formations, primarily composed of ancient Precambrian gneiss and schist, intruded by younger granitic bodies. The Fraser River, a tributary of the Colorado River, has carved its channel through glacial deposits, creating a valley floor rich in alluvial materials.
2926m
Population: 5,078
Breckenridge occupies a high alpine valley at 2,926 meters in the Upper Blue River Valley, flanked by the Tenmile Range to the west and the Continental Divide to the east. The town's dramatic setting includes multiple peaks exceeding 4,000 meters, with Quandary Peak (4,348m) dominating the southern skyline. The landscape was shaped by extensive glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch, creating the broad U-shaped valley and numerous cirques that now form the ski resort's bowls. The underlying geology includes complex metamorphic and igneous formations, with significant mineral deposits that drove the area's early development. The Blue River, originating from the Hoosier Pass area, has carved through glacial deposits creating a valley floor characterized by glacial outwash and alluvial fans. The town sits just below treeline (approximately 3,500m in this region), with the higher elevations featuring extensive alpine tundra ecosystems.
2774m
Population: 3,116
Frisco occupies a strategic position at 2,774 meters at the junction of two major mountain valleys, where Tenmile Creek meets the Dillon Reservoir. The town is surrounded by the Tenmile Range to the south, the Gore Range to the north, and the Williams Fork Mountains to the east. The landscape was dramatically shaped by Pleistocene glaciation, creating the broad valley floor and the distinctive profiles of Mount Royal and Peak One. The geology features complex metamorphic formations, primarily consisting of Precambrian biotite gneiss and schist, intruded by younger granitic plutons. The creation of Dillon Reservoir in 1963 significantly altered the local topography, submerging the original valley floor at the confluence of three major drainages: Tenmile Creek, the Blue River, and the Snake River. The surrounding peaks, including Mount Victoria (3,901m) and Peak One (3,859m), create a dramatic amphitheater effect around the town.
2424m
Population: 7,191
Mammoth Lakes sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada at 2,424 meters, nestled within the Long Valley Caldera, one of North America's largest volcanic calderas. The town is dominated by Mammoth Mountain, a young volcanic dome (formed approximately 57,000 years ago) that rises to 3,369 meters. The surrounding landscape features extensive evidence of volcanic activity, including the Devils Postpile National Monument's columnar basalt formations and the Inyo Craters. The area's complex geology includes both volcanic features and granitic intrusions of the Sierra Nevada batholith, creating a diverse topography of domes, craters, and glacially-carved valleys. The Mammoth Lakes Basin, formed by Pleistocene glaciation, contains a series of interconnected lakes at elevations ranging from 2,700 to 2,900 meters. The eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada creates one of the most dramatic elevation changes in the continental United States, dropping from over 3,000 meters to the Owens Valley at 1,200 meters within a few kilometers.
2103m
Population: 8,396
Park City sits in a natural bowl within the Wasatch Range at 2,103 meters, surrounded by peaks reaching 3,000 meters. The town occupies the convergence of several canyons, including Empire Canyon and Thaynes Canyon, which were carved by both glacial action and mineral-rich waters. The landscape reflects its location along the Wasatch fault zone, where the mountains meet the Basin and Range province. The underlying geology includes complex sequences of sedimentary rocks, particularly the Park City Formation, rich in silver, lead, and zinc deposits that drove the area's early development. The town's position on the eastern slope of the Wasatch Range creates a unique rain shadow effect, while the bowl-like topography influences local weather patterns. The surrounding peaks, including Jupiter Peak (3,000m) and Flagstaff Mountain (2,892m), create natural boundaries that have shaped the town's development and recreation areas.
2124m
Population: 6,474
Taos occupies a high desert mesa at 2,124 meters at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where the range meets the Rio Grande Rift Valley. The landscape features one of North America's most dramatic elevation changes, rising from the Rio Grande Gorge (1,800m) to Wheeler Peak (4,011m), New Mexico's highest point, within a horizontal distance of just 15 kilometers. The town sits on the Taos Plateau, formed by ancient volcanic flows and crossed by the Rio Pueblo de Taos, which has carved a significant canyon. The underlying geology includes complex volcanic and metamorphic formations, with the Taos Range featuring Precambrian core rocks thrust upward along the Sangre de Cristo fault system. The area's unique geography creates a natural amphitheater effect, with the mountains forming a dramatic eastern backdrop rising nearly 2,000 meters above the town.
2837m
Population: 637
Located in a box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.
2510m
Population: 1,481
Located in a glacially-carved valley at 2,510 meters along the Front Range, positioned at the edge of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The town occupies a natural bowl created by Pleistocene glaciation, with Middle Boulder Creek flowing through its center. The surrounding landscape rises dramatically to the Continental Divide, including Arapaho Peak (4,115m) and South Arapaho Peak (4,087m) to the northwest. The geology features complex metamorphic formations of the Idaho Springs Formation, intruded by the Boulder Creek Granodiorite, with significant mineral deposits that drove early development. The town's position at the head of Boulder Canyon creates a natural gateway to the high country, while the nearby Barker Reservoir, constructed in 1907, reflects the importance of high-altitude water storage for downstream communities.
2552m
Population: 471
Located at 2,551 meters on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, nestled against the Continental Divide. The town is positioned at the western terminus of Trail Ridge Road, adjacent to Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake, which occupies a glacially-carved basin at 2,550 meters. The landscape is defined by dramatic cirques and U-shaped valleys formed during the Pleistocene epoch, with Mount Craig (3,703m) and Mount Wescott (3,548m) creating an imposing eastern backdrop. The geology reveals complex metamorphic formations of the Idaho Springs Formation, intruded by younger granitic plutons. The town's position at the headwaters of the Colorado River marks the beginning of a watershed that spans seven states, while the surrounding terrain includes extensive evidence of glacial activity, including terminal moraines and erratic boulders.
2499m
Population: 127
Located in a narrow canyon at 2,499 meters in the Front Range, where Gregory Gulch meets Clear Creek. The town's dramatic setting features steep canyon walls rising over 500 meters from the valley floor, with Maryland Mountain (3,048m) dominating the northern skyline. The landscape was shaped by both fluvial and glacial processes, creating the distinctive V-shaped canyon characteristic of the area. The geology reveals complex metamorphic formations of the Idaho Springs Formation, intruded by mineral-rich veins that made the region famous during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. The underlying bedrock includes significant deposits of gold-bearing quartz veins, particularly in the Gregory Vein system, which influenced the town's development pattern along the gulch.
Montana, USA
2031m
Population: 1,271
West Yellowstone sits at 2,031 meters at the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park, positioned in a broad valley formed by ancient volcanic and glacial activity. The town is situated on a plateau of rhyolitic lava flows from the Yellowstone caldera, surrounded by the Madison Range to the north and the Gallatin Range to the east. The landscape features extensive evidence of glacial modification, including terminal moraines and erratic boulders. The Madison River valley provides a natural corridor through the mountains, while the nearby Hebgen Lake occupies a basin created by tectonic activity and modified by the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake. The surrounding terrain includes extensive lodgepole pine forests adapted to the high elevation and volcanic soils, with the transition to alpine vegetation occurring above 2,500 meters.
2667m
Population: 2,582
Telluride is situated at 2,667 meters in a box canyon within the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks in Colorado. The town occupies a glacially-carved valley, with near-vertical walls rising over 1,000 meters from the valley floor. The geology features complex sequences of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, including the San Juan Formation and Telluride Conglomerate. The landscape was shaped by intense volcanic activity during the Tertiary period, followed by extensive glaciation that carved the current valley system. The San Miguel River flows through the center of town, while numerous waterfalls, including the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, cascade from hanging valleys created by differential glacial erosion.
2334m
Population: 9,038
Evergreen is situated at 2,334 meters in the foothills of the Front Range, occupying multiple valleys and ridges along Bear Creek. The town's landscape features a mix of montane ecological zones, with significant rock outcroppings of the ancient Idaho Springs Formation and the younger Pikes Peak granite. The terrain includes numerous glacial features from the Pleistocene epoch, including rounded valleys and erratic boulders. The area around Evergreen Lake represents a natural basin enhanced by dam construction, while the surrounding peaks create a complex pattern of drainages and microclimates. The elevation gradient from the creek valley to Bergen Peak encompasses several distinct ecological zones, from riparian corridors to subalpine forests.
2285m
Population: 1,858
Idaho Springs occupies a narrow valley at 2,285 meters where Chicago Creek meets Clear Creek, flanked by steep canyon walls scarred by historic mining operations. The town sits at the mouth of Virginia Canyon, with Mount Evans dominating the southern skyline. The geology reveals a complex mix of Precambrian metamorphic rocks, particularly the Idaho Springs Formation, which takes its name from exposures near the hot springs. The mineralized veins that drove the area's mining boom follow fault systems through the ancient bedrock, while the hot springs emerge along a major fault zone, bringing mineral-rich water from depths of over 2,000 meters. The surrounding terrain shows extensive evidence of both natural erosion and mining activity, with numerous prospect pits and mine dumps creating a distinctive landscape.
2454m
Population: 1,034
Georgetown sits in a protected valley at 2,454 meters, where South Clear Creek meets Leavenworth Creek. The town is surrounded by steep mountainsides, with Republican Mountain and Democrat Mountain creating dramatic backdrops. The valley floor shows evidence of glacial modification, while the surrounding peaks feature extensive evidence of mining activity. The geology includes complex silver-bearing veins in Precambrian gneiss and schist, which made the area famous during the silver boom. Georgetown Lake, formed by a dam across Clear Creek, reflects the early understanding of high-altitude water management. The Guanella Pass corridor provides a natural route through the mountains, connecting the Clear Creek watershed with the South Platte drainage.
2557m
Population: 779
Central City clings to steep hillsides at 2,557 meters in Gregory Gulch, with historic mine workings visible in every direction. The terrain rises sharply from the gulch floor, with numerous smaller drainages creating a complex network of valleys and ridges. The geology showcases the Idaho Springs Formation intruded by mineralized veins, particularly the famous Gregory Lode that sparked the original gold rush. Quartz Mountain and Pewabic Mountain frame the townsite, while mine dumps and tailings piles create distinctive terracing on the surrounding slopes. Spring and Russell Gulches intersect with Gregory Gulch, creating natural transportation corridors through the mountainous terrain.
2585m
Population: 355
Empire sits at 2,585 meters where North Clear Creek meets Bard Creek, positioned at a critical junction between Clear Creek Canyon and Berthoud Pass. The town occupies a wide valley bottom surrounded by steep mountainsides, with Mount Parnassus and Douglas Mountain creating dramatic backdrops. The geology features complex metamorphic formations crossed by mineralized veins, particularly along the Empire fault system. The confluence of drainages creates a natural transportation hub, while glacial deposits from the Pleistocene epoch form distinct terraces above the current valley floor. The surrounding terrain shows extensive evidence of both mining activity and glacial modification, with cirques and hanging valleys visible on the higher peaks.
2851m
Population: 170
Silver Plume perches at 2,851 meters along the steep walls of Clear Creek Canyon, with historic mine workings dotting the surrounding mountainsides. The town stretches along a narrow bench above Clear Creek, where Brown and Cherokee Gulches intersect the main canyon. The geology features complex silver-bearing veins in Precambrian bedrock, particularly along the Pelican-Bismark vein system. The surrounding terrain shows extensive evidence of both glacial action and mining activity, with massive mine dumps creating artificial terraces on the steep valley walls. Sherman Mountain and Republican Mountain create imposing backdrops, their slopes laced with historic mine workings and tramway lines.
2301m
Population: 805
Bailey sits at 2,301 meters in Platte Canyon, where Deer Creek joins the North Fork of the South Platte River. The town occupies both the narrow canyon bottom and adjacent benches, with dramatic rock outcroppings of Pike Peak granite framing the valley. The surrounding terrain shows the complex interplay between river erosion and bedrock geology, creating a series of wider valley segments separated by narrow canyon stretches. The landscape includes extensive evidence of Pleistocene glaciation in the higher elevations, while the river valley showcases classic V-shaped canyon development. The convergence of several drainages creates a natural transportation corridor that has been used since pre-colonial times.
2504m
Population: 8,645
Conifer spreads across rolling hills at 2,504 meters, occupying a transitional zone between the foothills and montane forest. The town straddles several ridges and valleys, with South Turkey Creek and North Turkey Creek creating natural corridors through the terrain. The geology features dramatic outcrops of Pikes Peak granite interspersed with ancient metamorphic rocks. The landscape shows extensive evidence of Pleistocene periglacial activity, with numerous frost-weathered tors and boulder fields. The varied topography creates a mosaic of ecological zones, from open meadows to dense conifer forests, reflecting the complex interactions between elevation, aspect, and local climate.
3025m
Population: 762
Fairplay sits at 3,025 meters in the vast South Park basin, surrounded by the Mosquito Range to the west and the Park Range to the east. The town occupies a broad valley floor carved by multiple glacial episodes, with the Middle Fork of the South Platte River meandering through extensive wetlands. The geology reveals complex interactions between ancient metamorphic rocks and mineral-rich intrusions that drove the area's mining history. The surrounding terrain encompasses remarkable ecological diversity, from high-altitude wetlands to alpine tundra above treeline. The South Park basin's unique geography creates one of North America's largest high-elevation grassland parks, while nearby fourteeners provide dramatic backdrops.
Wyoming, USA
1901m
Population: 10,729
Jackson occupies a broad valley floor at 1,901 meters, nestled between the Teton Range and the Gros Ventre Mountains. The town sits at the confluence of Flat Creek and Cache Creek, where the valley floor shows extensive glacial modification from the Pleistocene epoch. The surrounding landscape includes dramatic glacial features such as moraines, erratics, and outwash plains. The geology reveals complex interactions between the uplifted Teton block and valley-filling sediments, while the Snake River aquifer system influences local hydrology. The valley position creates a natural convergence point for wildlife migration routes, particularly evident in the adjacent National Elk Refuge.
2052m
Population: 13,224
Steamboat Springs spreads across the Yampa Valley floor at 2,052 meters, where Soda Creek and Fish Creek join the Yampa River. The town is surrounded by volcanic domes and uplifted sedimentary formations, creating a diverse geological landscape. The surrounding Park Range shows extensive evidence of Pleistocene glaciation, while the valley floor features complex alluvial deposits. The area's famous hot springs emerge along fault lines, bringing mineral-rich water from depths exceeding 1,000 meters. The varied topography creates numerous microclimates, from riparian corridors along the Yampa to subalpine zones on Mount Werner.
Nevada, USA
620m
Population: 641,903
Las Vegas occupies a broad desert valley at 620 meters, surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges including the Spring Mountains and Frenchman Mountain. The city sits in a basin formed by block-faulting typical of the Basin and Range Province. The geology features complex interactions between ancient marine sediments, volcanic deposits, and more recent alluvial fan development. The Las Vegas Wash drains the valley toward Lake Mead, while the surrounding mountains rise over 3,000 meters above the valley floor, creating remarkable ecological diversity within a short distance. The basin's subsurface geology significantly influences groundwater movement and availability.
9m
Population: 524,943
Sacramento spreads across the low-lying confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers at just 9 meters above sea level. The city occupies part of the vast Central Valley, built on deep alluvial deposits from millennia of river activity. The geology features complex layers of river sediments, while the underlying structure reflects the great depth of the Central Valley syncline. The natural levees and flood basins shaped early development patterns, while the gentle gradient of the valley floor creates extensive flood plains. The surrounding terrain shows subtle variations that historically influenced flood patterns and development choices.
1619m
Population: 564,559
Albuquerque stretches along the Rio Grande Valley at 1,619 meters, where the river has cut through thick sequences of Santa Fe Group sediments. The city occupies multiple terraces between the Sandia Mountains and the West Mesa volcanic escarpment. The geology reveals complex interactions between river processes, volcanic activity, and tectonic uplift of the Sandia block. The surrounding terrain encompasses remarkable diversity, from riparian bosque along the Rio Grande to alpine zones in the Sandias. The valley's position relative to gaps in surrounding highlands influences wind patterns crucial to the city's famous balloon fiesta.
16m
Population: 873,965
San Francisco occupies a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, with elevations ranging from sea level to 282 meters. The city's topography reveals a series of hills formed by ancient sand dunes and exposed bedrock of the Franciscan Complex. The geology includes remarkable outcrops of serpentinite, chert, and pillow basalts, while the famous hills showcase the complex interplay between tectonic forces and coastal processes. The eastern waterfront includes extensive areas of artificial fill, while the western shoreline features dramatic cliffs carved by Pacific waves. Natural springs and streams, now largely culverted, historically flowed through the valleys between hills.
728m
Population: 542,629
Tucson spreads across a broad valley at 728 meters, surrounded by five mountain ranges: the Santa Catalinas, Rincons, Santa Ritas, Tucson Mountains, and Tortolitas. The basin occupies part of the Sonoran Desert, with the geology revealing complex interactions between ancient metamorphic cores and more recent basin fill deposits. The surrounding Sky Islands rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating remarkable biodiversity across elevation gradients. The Rillito and Santa Cruz Rivers, though usually dry, have shaped the valley through millennia of flood events.
2375m
Population: 1,000
Ouray sits at 2,375 meters in a spectacular box canyon within the San Juan Mountains, completely surrounded by peaks rising over 4,000 meters. The town occupies a natural amphitheater carved by glacial action and modified by hot spring activity. The geology showcases some of Colorado's most complex volcanic sequences, including the San Juan and Silverton volcanic series. The surrounding terrain includes dramatic evidence of both volcanic activity and glacial modification, with numerous waterfalls plunging from hanging valleys. The Uncompahgre River has cut a deep gorge through the volcanic rocks, while hot springs emerge along fault systems throughout the area.
Population: 904
Dillon occupies a high valley at 2,764 meters at the confluence of several major drainages into Dillon Reservoir. The town site, relocated in the 1960s for reservoir construction, sits on a terrace above the water surrounded by peaks of the Tenmile and Gore Ranges. The geology features complex metamorphic formations intruded by younger granitic bodies, while the valley shows extensive evidence of Pleistocene glaciation. The reservoir occupies a natural basin modified by dam construction, while the surrounding peaks create a dramatic alpine backdrop rising over 1,000 meters above the water.
Maryland, USA
Population: 585,708
Baltimore spreads across a series of terraces rising from the Patapsco River, with elevations ranging from sea level to just over 100 meters. The city straddles the Fall Line between the Piedmont Plateau and Coastal Plain, creating distinct geological zones. The underlying bedrock transitions from ancient metamorphic rocks in the north to younger coastal sediments in the south. The harbor occupies a drowned river valley, while streams have cut deep valleys through the terraced landscape. The varied topography reflects the complex interaction between ancient tectonic forces and coastal processes.
Massachusetts, USA
43m
Population: 675,647
Boston occupies a peninsula and surrounding mainland at elevations ranging from sea level to 101 meters. The city's topography reflects extensive modification of original drumlins and fills of tidal flats. The geology features ancient bedrock of the Roxbury Conglomerate and Cambridge Argillite, while much of downtown sits on colonial and 19th-century fill. The harbor includes numerous islands representing drowned drumlins, while the Charles and Mystic Rivers have carved broad valleys through glacial deposits. Natural springs, most notably on Beacon Hill, influenced early settlement patterns.
Population: 440,981
Oakland spans from sea level to the East Bay hills, encompassing dramatic elevation changes within city limits. The geology features complex fault systems including the Hayward Fault, while the hills reveal ancient sedimentary and volcanic formations. The flatlands consist of alluvial deposits from East Bay streams, with extensive areas of artificial fill along the waterfront. The Oakland Hills define the eastern edge of the city, creating a natural amphitheater above the bay plain. Lake Merritt, a natural estuary turned freshwater lake, marks the transition between hills and flatlands.
184m
Population: 394,266
Arlington occupies gently rolling prairie at 184 meters between Fort Worth and Dallas. The terrain shows subtle variations created by streams flowing toward the Trinity River. The geology features Cretaceous limestone and shale formations of the Eagle Ford Group, while the surface soils include ancient alluvial deposits. Rush Creek and Johnson Creek have carved shallow valleys through the urban landscape, while Lake Arlington occupies a reservoir basin on Village Creek. The original Cross Timbers ecosystem influenced early settlement patterns.
52m
Population: 124,321
Berkeley rises dramatically from sea level to the Berkeley Hills, reaching elevations over 500 meters within city limits. The geology features the active Hayward Fault running through the heart of the city, while the hills expose ancient volcanic and sedimentary formations. The western flatlands consist of alluvial deposits, with Strawberry Creek and Codornices Creek carving distinct valleys through the terrain. The Berkeley Hills create a natural amphitheater above the bay plain, with numerous rock outcrops exposed along their face.
2316m
Population: 75
Cooke City sits at 2,316 meters in a high mountain valley near Yellowstone's northeast entrance. The town occupies a narrow valley where Republic Creek meets Soda Butte Creek, surrounded by peaks of the Beartooth and Absaroka ranges. The geology features complex volcanic and metamorphic formations, with significant mineralization that drove early mining development. The surrounding terrain shows extensive evidence of glacial modification, while the valley position creates a natural gateway between Yellowstone and the Beartooth Highway.
Michigan, USA
Population: 639,111
Detroit spreads across a glacial lake plain at 182 meters, gently rising from the Detroit River toward the northwest. The terrain shows subtle variations created by ancient beach ridges and glacial deposits. The geology features layers of glacial till overlying limestone and dolomite bedrock, while the Detroit River occupies a pre-glacial valley. The original landscape included numerous small creeks and wetlands, most now buried beneath urban development. The Rouge and Clinton Rivers have carved shallow valleys through glacial sediments, while Belle Isle represents a unique limestone outcrop in the Detroit River.
2293m
Population: 6,426
Estes Park occupies a broad mountain valley at 2,293 meters, where the Big Thompson River meets Fall River and Wind River. The town sits in a natural park surrounded by peaks of the Front Range and Mummy Range. The geology features ancient granite of the Rocky Mountain uplift, while the valley shows extensive evidence of glacial modification. The landscape includes numerous glacial moraines and erratic boulders, while the surrounding peaks rise dramatically above treeline. The valley's position relative to surrounding peaks creates a natural gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Population: 875
Gardiner sits at 1,619 meters where the Gardiner River joins the Yellowstone River, marking the original entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The town occupies a natural basin between the Gallatin and Absaroka ranges. The geology features complex volcanic deposits from the Yellowstone region, while the river valley shows extensive modification by both fluvial and glacial processes. The surrounding terrain rises dramatically from river level to alpine peaks, creating diverse ecological zones within a short distance. The valley position creates a natural corridor between the park and Paradise Valley.
Florida, USA
15m
Population: 7,543
Inverness occupies gentle limestone terrain at 15 meters above sea level in Florida's Nature Coast region. The city surrounds several lakes formed by karst processes in the underlying Ocala Limestone. The geology features extensive cavern systems and spring features, while the surface shows subtle variations created by ancient shorelines. The Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes creates a complex system of wetlands and uplands, while the Withlacoochee River defines the eastern boundary. The landscape includes numerous sinkholes and solution features typical of Florida's karst topography.
2706m
Population: 375
Lake City sits at 2,706 meters where Henson Creek meets the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. The town occupies a protected valley beneath some of Colorado's most dramatic peaks. The geology features complex volcanic sequences including the Lake City caldera, while the valleys show extensive glacial modification. Lake San Cristobal, Colorado's second-largest natural lake, formed behind a massive landslide dam. The surrounding terrain includes numerous mining ruins and ghost towns at elevations above 3,500 meters.
1191m
Population: 111,385
Las Cruces spreads across the Mesilla Valley at 1,191 meters, where the Rio Grande cuts through ancient desert terrain. The city sits between the dramatic Organ Mountains to the east and the Robledo Mountains to the northwest. The geology features complex fault systems along the Rio Grande Rift, while the valley floor shows extensive evidence of both river processes and ancient Lake Cabeza de Vaca. The surrounding terrain includes remarkable desert peaks, alluvial fans, and the distinctive Organ Mountains pluton. Ancient lava flows from the Potrillo volcanic field create distinctive landmarks west of the valley.
Population: 466,742
Long Beach occupies a coastal plain at sea level, rising to modest heights at Signal Hill and the Los Coyotes Diagonal. The geology features ancient marine terraces and oil-bearing formations, while the surface shows extensive modification from both natural processes and urban development. The Los Angeles River enters the Pacific here through a highly engineered channel, while the harbor complex includes both natural features and massive human modifications. Signal Hill represents an isolated uplift related to the Newport-Inglewood fault system.
1798m
Population: 428
Morrison sits at 1,798 meters where Bear Creek emerges from the foothills of the Front Range. The town occupies a narrow valley beneath dramatic hogback ridges of the Dakota Formation. The geology features spectacular outcrops of tilted sedimentary rocks, including the Morrison Formation which takes its name from exposures near town. The surrounding terrain includes famous dinosaur track sites and the dramatic red sandstone formations of Red Rocks Park. The valley position creates a natural gateway between the plains and mountains.
2908m
Population: 1,434
Mountain Village crowns a high plateau at 2,908 meters above Telluride, surrounded by peaks of the San Juan Mountains. The town occupies a series of ridges and benches created by ancient glacial activity. The geology features complex volcanic sequences typical of the western San Juans, while the landscape shows extensive modification for ski terrain development. The surrounding peaks include some of Colorado's most dramatic fourteeners, with Palmyra Peak and San Sophia Ridge creating an imposing backdrop.
2707m
Population: 4,821
Silverthorne spans the Blue River Valley at 2,707 meters, where Straight Creek joins the Blue River beneath the Gore Range. The town occupies terraces above the river created by glacial and fluvial processes. The geology features complex metamorphic formations typical of Colorado's central mountains, while the valley shows extensive modification by Pleistocene glaciation. The surrounding peaks include dramatic cirques and glacial features, while the Blue River provides a natural transportation corridor through the mountains.
District of Columbia, USA
38m
Population: 689,545
Washington DC spans the fall line between the Piedmont Plateau and Atlantic Coastal Plain, with elevations ranging from sea level to 125 meters. The city straddles several terraces rising from the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. The geology reveals ancient metamorphic rocks of the Piedmont transitioning to younger coastal sediments. Rock Creek and other streams have carved distinct valleys through the terrain, while the original topography included numerous springs that influenced early development. The fall line created natural boundaries for water navigation and powered early mills.
Population: 20,271
Albany occupies gentle slopes rising from San Francisco Bay to Albany Hill, with elevations ranging from sea level to 98 meters. The geology features complex Franciscan Formation bedrock at Albany Hill, while the flatlands consist of bay fill and alluvial deposits. The original shoreline has been extensively modified, particularly at the Albany Bulb. Natural drainages historically flowed toward the bay, though most are now culverted beneath urban development. Albany Hill stands as an isolated remnant of ancient seafloor, providing dramatic views across the bay.
Ohio, USA
199m
Population: 372,624
Cleveland rises from Lake Erie's shore at 174 meters through a series of beach ridges and terraces reaching heights over 300 meters in the eastern suburbs. The geology features layers of shale and sandstone overlain by glacial deposits, while the Cuyahoga River has carved a deep valley through the sedimentary rocks. Ancient beach ridges mark former lake levels, creating subtle but important topographic features. The landscape shows extensive modification by both glacial processes and urban development.
2680m
Population: 290
Creede sits at 2,680 meters at the base of dramatic cliffs where Willow Creek joins the Rio Grande. The town occupies a narrow canyon within the remains of the Creede Caldera, surrounded by peaks approaching 4,000 meters. The geology showcases spectacular volcanic features including the cliffs of the caldera walls, while mineralized veins drove the area's mining history. The surrounding terrain includes numerous mine workings and dramatic evidence of both volcanic activity and glacial modification. The canyon position creates a natural gateway to the upper Rio Grande basin.
146m
Population: 256,684
Irving occupies gently rolling prairie terrain at 146 meters between the West Fork and Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The geology features layers of Cretaceous limestone and shale, while the surface shows subtle variations created by ancient stream terraces. The landscape includes remnants of the Eastern Cross Timbers ecosystem, with natural drainage patterns modified by urban development. Lake Carolyn and the Las Colinas canals represent significant artificial modifications to the natural topography.
1371m
Population: 7,784
Livingston sits at 1,371 meters where the Yellowstone River emerges from Paradise Valley into a broader basin. The city occupies terraces above the river, backed by the dramatic Absaroka Range to the south and the Bridger Range to the west. The geology features complex thrust faults and folded sedimentary rocks, while the valley shows extensive modification by both glacial and river processes. The surrounding terrain includes dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient river terraces, while the Yellowstone River's passage through town has shaped both natural features and development patterns.
Wisconsin, USA
188m
Population: 577,222
Milwaukee rises from Lake Michigan's western shore at 176 meters through a series of glacial terraces and ridges. The geology features layers of Silurian dolomite overlain by glacial deposits, while three rivers - the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic - have carved distinct valleys through the glacial sediments. The original landscape included extensive wetlands and high bluffs along the lake, though urban development has significantly modified these features. Ancient beach ridges parallel to the current shoreline influenced early development patterns.
1686m
Population: 2,212
Red Lodge sits at 1,686 meters where Rock Creek emerges from the Beartooth Mountains, occupying a valley between the Beartooth and Pryor ranges. The geology features exposed coal seams that drove early mining development, while the surrounding peaks showcase dramatic thrust faults and Precambrian metamorphic rocks. The valley shows extensive modification by both glacial and fluvial processes, with numerous tributary streams creating a complex pattern of smaller valleys and benches. The dramatic elevation gain from town to the Beartooth Plateau creates one of North America's most remarkable ecological gradients.
14m
Population: 384,959
Tampa occupies low-lying coastal plain at the head of Tampa Bay, with elevations ranging from sea level to 48 meters. The geology features limestone bedrock overlain by marine and estuarine deposits, while numerous sinkholes dot the landscape. The Hillsborough River has carved a shallow valley through the terrain, with its mouth modified by extensive urban development. The original shoreline included extensive mangrove swamps and tidal flats, though much of this has been altered by dredging and fill operations.
Population: 3,098
Big Sky occupies multiple elevations in the Madison and Gallatin ranges, from the Gallatin River canyon at 1,981 meters to Lone Peak at 3,404 meters. The geology features ancient metamorphic rocks intruded by volcanic formations, while the landscape shows extensive glacial modification. The terrain includes dramatic cirques, U-shaped valleys, and numerous avalanche paths. The West Fork of the Gallatin River has carved a deep canyon through the bedrock, while numerous tributary streams create a complex pattern of smaller valleys and ridges.
1247m
Population: 1,683
Big Timber sits at 1,247 meters at the confluence of the Boulder and Yellowstone Rivers. The town occupies a broad valley between the Crazy Mountains to the north and the Absaroka Range to the south. The geology features ancient Precambrian rocks in the surrounding mountains transitioning to river-deposited sediments in the valley. The landscape shows extensive modification by both glacial processes and river activity, with multiple terrace levels marking ancient river positions. The Boulder River valley provides a natural corridor into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
1461m
Population: 53,293
Bozeman occupies a broad valley at 1,461 meters between the Bridger Range and the Gallatin Range. The geology features complex thrust faults exposing rocks ranging from Precambrian to Cretaceous age, while the valley floor shows extensive glacial and alluvial deposits. Multiple streams, including Bozeman Creek and the East Gallatin River, have carved shallow valleys through the terrain. The surrounding mountains rise dramatically above the valley floor, creating distinct microclimates and ecosystems.
20m
Population: 25,508
El Cerrito rises from San Francisco Bay to the Berkeley Hills, with elevations ranging from near sea level to 338 meters at Wildcat Peak. The geology features complex Franciscan Formation bedrock in the hills, while the flatlands consist of alluvial deposits and artificial fill. Cerrito Creek defines the southern boundary, while the original landscape included numerous springs and seeps. The position along the East Bay hills creates dramatic views across San Francisco Bay.
1730m
Population: 20,399
Golden sits at 1,730 meters where Clear Creek emerges from the Front Range mountains. The town occupies a valley between North and South Table Mountains, distinctive flat-topped mesas capped by ancient lava flows. The geology features complex fold and fault structures where the plains meet the mountains, while the creek has carved a significant canyon through sedimentary layers. The surrounding terrain includes both dramatic hogback ridges and broad valley bottoms, creating diverse ecological zones within a small area.
158m
Population: 196,100
Grand Prairie occupies gently rolling terrain at 158 meters between the West Fork and Mountain Creek Lake. The geology features layers of Cretaceous limestone and shale, while the surface shows subtle variations created by ancient stream terraces. The landscape includes remnants of the Eastern Cross Timbers ecosystem, with natural drainage patterns modified by reservoir construction. The Trinity River and its tributaries have carved shallow valleys through the underlying bedrock.
Population: 307,573
Orlando occupies a series of low ridges and basins at 25 meters above sea level in central Florida. The geology features limestone bedrock riddled with solution cavities, overlain by sandy deposits from ancient shorelines. The landscape includes numerous lakes formed by sinkhole activity, with Lake Eola being the most prominent downtown example. Natural drainage patterns follow subtle elevation changes between lake basins, though many have been modified by urban development. The original pine flatwoods ecosystem adapted to seasonal variations in water levels across the subtle topography.
2175m
Population: 2,156
Pagosa Springs sits at 2,175 meters where the San Juan River emerges from the Continental Divide. The town occupies terraces above the river, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains' eastern range. The geology features complex volcanic sequences and deep-seated faults that bring the world's deepest hot spring to the surface. The surrounding terrain includes both ancient volcanic flows and more recent glacial deposits, while the river has carved a significant valley through these materials. The Continental Divide creates a dramatic backdrop rising over 1,500 meters above town.
Pennsylvania, USA
226m
Population: 302,971
Pittsburgh occupies the hills and valleys where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to form the Ohio River at 226 meters. The geology features layers of sandstone, limestone, and coal exposed in steep hillsides, while the rivers have carved deep valleys through the Allegheny Plateau. The landscape includes numerous small streams that have cut ravines through the bedrock, creating Pittsburgh's distinctive neighborhood divisions. The original topography created natural barriers that influenced development patterns and transportation routes.
Virginia, USA
45m
Population: 226,622
Richmond spans the fall line of the James River, with elevations ranging from near sea level to 82 meters. The geology features ancient granite and metamorphic rocks exposed in river rapids, transitioning to younger coastal plain sediments. The fall line creates a series of rapids and islands in the James River, while numerous small streams have carved ravines through the terrain. The original landscape included both river terraces and steep bluffs that influenced early development patterns.
32m
Population: 93,076
Santa Monica rises from sea level to bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with elevations ranging to 283 meters in the Santa Monica Mountains. The geology features marine terraces cut into ancient sedimentary rocks, while the famous Palisades create a dramatic coastal edge. The landscape includes several small canyons draining the mountains, though most are now channelized beneath urban development. The original topography created natural amphitheaters facing the ocean, influencing both climate and development patterns.
Population: 258,308
St. Petersburg occupies a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, with elevations ranging from sea level to 16 meters. The geology features limestone bedrock overlain by marine sands and shell deposits, while ancient shorelines create subtle ridges across the landscape. The original terrain included extensive mangrove swamps and tidal flats, though much has been modified through dredge and fill operations. Natural drainage patterns follow slight elevation changes between ancient dune ridges, many now serving as major transportation corridors.
12m
Population: 1,603,797
Philadelphia spans from near sea level along the Delaware River to 146 meters in Chestnut Hill. The geology features ancient metamorphic rocks of the Piedmont Plateau transitioning to coastal plain sediments. The Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers have carved significant valleys through the bedrock, while smaller streams create distinct neighborhood boundaries. The original landscape included both tidal marshes and rocky hills, though extensive urban development has modified many natural features.
149m
Population: 961,855
Austin straddles the Balcones Escarpment, where the Edwards Plateau meets the coastal plain at approximately 149 meters. The geology features exposed limestone cliffs and numerous springs along the escarpment, while the Colorado River has carved a significant valley through the terrain. The landscape includes both the flat Blackland Prairie to the east and the rugged Hill Country to the west. Natural drainage patterns follow the escarpment's elevation change, creating numerous creeks and waterfalls.
Population: 83
Brian Head sits at 2,926 meters atop the Markagunt Plateau, representing one of the highest incorporated municipalities in the United States. The geology features dramatic red rock cliffs and volcanic deposits, while the surrounding terrain includes both alpine meadows and bristlecone pine forests. The landscape shows extensive evidence of both volcanic activity and glacial modification. Multiple streams originate near town, carving deep canyons through the volcanic rocks as they descend toward surrounding valleys.