Welcome to the Southwestern Region

The Southwestern Region is 20.6 million acres. There are six national forests in Arizona, five national forests and a national grassland in New Mexico, and one national grassland each in Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle.The region ranges in elevation from 1,600 feet above sea level and an annual rain fall of 8 inches in Arizona's lower Sonoran Desert to 13,171-foot high Wheeler Peak and over 35 inches of precipitation a year in northern New Mexico.  map of forest locations »

Features

Celebrating 75 Years of a Beloved Fire-Prevention Icon

Here in the Southwestern Region, we feel a particularly close connection to Smokey Bear and his message of fire-prevention. We are the home of the orphaned black bear cub that would become a living symbol. While we celebrate 75 years of Smokey Bear as an integral part of the nation’s popular culture, let’s take a look back at his captivating story!

Celebrating Gifford Pinchot

Join us in celebrating the first Chief of the USDA Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot’s, birthday on August 11 by taking some time to enjoy a
forest or grassland near you!

View All Features

Spotlights

New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse

Information on the listing of the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse.  Summary and background information, links to projects and reference material.

Travel Management

Information about off-highway vehicle use on national forests and grasslands.