Transition Zone

region, New Mexico, United States

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July 14, 2026

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The Transition Zone in New Mexico is a region defined primarily by the presence of ponderosa pine trees. This zone covers approximately 19,000 square miles and exists at elevations above the Upper Sonoran Zone.1

New Mexico features six distinct vegetation zones, largely determined by elevation. The Transition Zone is situated between the Upper Sonoran Zone and higher elevation zones like the Canadian Zone, which is characterized by spruce and Douglas fir. Wildlife distribution also varies with elevation, with different species inhabiting mountain and forest areas compared to lower elevations.1

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New Mexico
Plant and animal life
The Transition Zone, covering some 19,000 square miles (49,000 square km), is identified chiefly by the ponderosa pine. The Canadian Zone, covering 4,000 square miles (10,000 square km) at elevations of 8,500 to 9,500 feet (2,600 to 2,900 meters), contains blue spruce and Douglas fir. The…
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The Transition Zone, covering some 19,000 square miles (49,000 square km), is identified chiefly by the ponderosa pine. The Canadian Zone, covering 4,000 square miles (10,000 square km) at elevations of 8,500 to 9,500 feet (2,600 to 2,900 meters), contains blue spruce and Douglas fir. The…
Read More