Inland about 50 to 60 miles from the Gulf Coast of Mexico, lies the Gulf Coast Plain. The area runs from sea level to about 500 feet. Piney Woods, which is part of western Louisiana, runs into east Texas for approximately 125 miles. The area also has the Blackland Prairie, which is densely populated and holds highly fertile soil. The average yearly rainfall for this region is 20 to 58 inches of rain.
Part of the Great Plains lies in the northern part of Texas, known as the panhandle. This area is mostly flat and contains rolling plains and grassy land. There are not many trees. The capitol of Texas, Austin, is located within the Great High Plains region. On average, this area receives 15 to 31 inches of rain each year.
The highest elevation in the North Central Plains is about 4,000 feet. Much of this area is carved by erosion, a natural beauty with heights of up to 1,000 feet. The area is also a region with rolling prairies. The average annual rainfall in this area is 35 to 50 inches of rain.
The highest point in the state of Texas is located in the Trans-Pecos Mountains. The altitude of Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in the state, is 8,749 feet. This region runs between the Pecos and Rio Grande Rivers. There are seven named peaks, which have an elevation over 8,000 feet in this region. Each year, this area receives less than 12 inches of rain, so the area is very dry and sandy.
