Upper Sonoran Zone

region, New Mexico, United States

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July 14, 2026

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The Upper Sonoran Zone in New Mexico is a significant vegetation zone, covering about three-fourths of the state. It is characterized by prairie grasses, piñon pines, and juniper shrubs and is typically found at elevations above 4,500 feet. This zone is part of a larger system of vegetation zones in New Mexico, which are primarily determined by elevation. The Upper Sonoran Zone is cooler than the Lower Sonoran Zone and adjoins the Transition Zone. Wildlife distribution is also influenced by elevation, with different species inhabiting various zones within the state.12

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New Mexico
Plant and animal life
The Upper Sonoran Zone, comprising about three-fourths of the state and including most of the plains, foothills, and valleys above 4,500 feet, is a region of prairie grasses, low piñon pines, and juniper shrubs. At higher elevations, better stands are a result of more abundant rainfall.…
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The Upper Sonoran Zone, comprising about three-fourths of the state and including most of the plains, foothills, and valleys above 4,500 feet, is a region of prairie grasses, low piñon pines, and juniper shrubs. At higher elevations, better stands are a result of more abundant rainfall.…
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origins of agriculture
North America
The Upper Sonoran complex included corn, squash, bottle gourd, and the common bean and was found where rainfall was greater than about 200 mm (8 inches) annually. The Lower Sonoran complex, with less annual precipitation, included corn, squash, cotton, and beans—tepary bean, lima bean, scarlet runner…
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The Upper Sonoran complex included corn, squash, bottle gourd, and the common bean and was found where rainfall was greater than about 200 mm (8 inches) annually. The Lower Sonoran complex, with less annual precipitation, included corn, squash, cotton, and beans—tepary bean, lima bean, scarlet runner…
Read More