Texas Topographic Map

About Texas Topographic Map

Explore the topographic map of Texas showing elevations in different color shades with country boundary, state boundary and rivers.

Texas Topography

Texas stands as the nation's second-largest state by land area and population while displaying one of the most diverse and extensive topographies in the United States. The state covers 268,596 square miles from the Gulf of Mexico in the southeast corner to the southwestern deserts and from the eastern piney woods to the northern high plains. The state's diverse landscape consists of multiple major physiographic regions which are distinguished by their distinct geological characteristics and plant life and height differences.

The Gulf Coastal Plains represent the most significant topographical region in Texas because they stretch across the eastern and southeastern parts of the state. The Gulf Coastal Plains region features level ground that extends from Louisiana to the Gulf Coast. The region contains extensive wetlands together with bayous and river deltas which support various ecosystems and large-scale agricultural operations. The elevation in this area extends from sea level up to 300 feet.

The North Central Plains region marks the transition from coastal areas to higher elevations as the terrain ascends inland. The region consists of flat prairies and wooded areas together with low hills and river valleys. The elevation range in this area extends from 800 feet to 2,000 feet. An error occurred while processing your request. Please try again.

The Great Plains region extends west from the North Central Plains to include both the Panhandle and central and western parts of Texas. The region features extensive flat terrain with extensive grasslands and steppe-like landscapes. The Llano Estacado region extends across this area as the "Staked Plains" because it features extensive plateaus with scarce water resources. The Great Plains region extends from 2,000 to 3,000 feet in elevation while the elevation increases as you move westward.

The Basin and Range Province extends westward from the region to form a rugged desert landscape with isolated mountain ranges and dramatic elevation changes. The Trans-Pecos region of West Texas contains the Chihuahuan Desert together with the Davis and Guadalupe Mountains. The highest point in Texas stands at 8,751 feet on Guadalupe Peak. The rocky terrain of this area supports desert plants and restricted farming operations.

The Edwards Plateau serves as the central foundation of Texas while stretching from the Hill Country near Austin through the Pecos River to the west. The region combines different landforms which include rolling hills together with canyons and escarpments. The Balcones Escarpment serves as a geological border that separates the coastal plains from the elevated limestone region. The Edwards Plateau's Hill Country section stands out as a scenic area which draws tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to the region.

East Texas stands in direct opposition to the western drylands because it features thick forests alongside fertile loamy earth and heavy precipitation. The Piney Woods region exists within a broader forested area which continues into Louisiana and Arkansas. The terrain maintains low elevations between 200 and 500 feet while supporting both timber production and agricultural activities including cotton and soybean cultivation.

Texas contains multiple major river systems which include the Rio Grande that serves as the border with Mexico and the Red River to the north and the Brazos, Colorado and Trinity Rivers that run through central and eastern Texas. The rivers have formed essential geographical features by creating valleys and floodplains which support both agricultural activities and human settlements.