East of the Pacific Coast mountain ranges lies the Intermountain Region.  This region is marked by mountain peaks, high plateaus, deep canyons and dry, sandy deserts.  The Grand Canyon, more than a mile deep, cuts through the Intermountain Region.  Another prominent physical feature is the Great Salt Lake of Utah, the nation’s largest saltwater lake. 

The rugged terrain limits where people can live in the Intermountain Region.  Among the few major cities located there are Phoenix and Salt Lake City. 

The climate of this region depends on location.  In the South, winters are short, warm and have little rain.  In the North, winters are cold and wet and summers are hot and dry. 

One of the major economic activities is cattle ranching.