The biggest states in the US: How large are they? The United States is a really big country, covering about 3.8 million square miles. But some states are so huge that they could fit entire countries inside them! From Alaska’s icy mountains to Texas’ dry deserts, these states have all kinds of different landscapes, weather, and cultures.
🌎 The 10 Biggest US States by Size
If you love geography, traveling, or are just curious, here’s a simple guide to the biggest states in the US and why they are special.
1. Alaska – 663,267 Square Miles
Purchased from Russia for pennies an acre in 1867, Alaska’s gold rushes brought waves of fortune-seekers to its frozen shores. Today, this icy giant contains America’s wildest frontiers.
📍 The Last Frontier
- Alaska is the biggest state—it’s larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined!
- It has huge mountains, glaciers, and over 3 million lakes.
- Winters are very cold (-80°F!), and summers have nearly 24 hours of daylight in some areas.
👉 Fun Fact: Alaska has the longest coastline in the US—more than the entire rest of the country!
2. Texas – 268,597 Square Miles
After the legendary 1836 Battle of the Alamo, Texas spent a decade as its own republic before joining the Union. The 1901 Spindletop gusher transformed it into an energy empire.
📍 The Lone Star State
- Bigger than Germany and the UK combined, Texas has deserts, forests, and big cities.
- It’s the top producer of oil, cattle, and cotton in the US.
- Famous for cowboys, BBQ, and country music.
👉 Fun Fact: Texas was its own country for 9 years before joining the US!
3. California – 163,696 Square Miles
The 1848 gold rush brought the world to California’s door. A century later, Hollywood’s magic and Silicon Valley’s chips became its new golden exports.
📍 The Golden State
- The most populated state, with almost 40 million people.
- Home to Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth (130°F+!).
- Has amazing national parks like Yosemite and Redwood, where you can see the world’s tallest trees.
👉 Fun Fact: If California were a country, its economy would be bigger than the UK’s!
4. Montana – 147,040 Square Miles
Lewis and Clark’s 1805 expedition opened this wilderness. The 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn marked its violent transition to statehood in 1889.
📍 Big Sky Country
- Famous for beautiful nature, including Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
- Very few people live here—less than 8 people per square mile.
- Known for cowboys, ranches, and outdoor adventures.
👉 Fun Fact: The sky in Montana is so clear that you can see the Northern Lights!
5. New Mexico – 121,590 Square Miles
Ancient Puebloan cities stood centuries before Spanish conquistadors arrived. The 1945 Trinity Test ushered in the atomic age from this desert landscape.
📍 The Land of Enchantment
- Known for UFO stories (Roswell!) and desert landscapes.
- Has White Sands National Park, with huge white sand dunes.
- A lot of Native American history—over 40% of the land belongs to indigenous tribes.
👉 Fun Fact: Santa Fe, the capital, is the oldest capital city in the US (founded in 1610).
6. Arizona – 113,990 Square Miles
After becoming U.S. territory in 1863, Arizona’s copper mines and cattle ranches built its economy before achieving statehood in 1912.
📍 The Grand Canyon State
- Home to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- Has four different deserts and is one of the hottest states in the US.
- Phoenix regularly hits 115°F+ in summer.
👉 Fun Fact: Arizona doesn’t use Daylight Saving Time, except for the Navajo Nation.
7. Nevada – 110,572 Square Miles
The 1859 Comstock Lode silver rush built Virginia City’s fortunes. Legalized gambling in 1931 created the neon empire of Las Vegas.
📍 The Silver State
- Best known for Las Vegas, the world’s biggest casino city.
- 80% of the land is owned by the government, including Area 51.
- Mostly dry desert with some mountain ranges.
👉 Fun Fact: Nevada is the biggest gold producer in the US!
8. Colorado – 104,094 Square Miles
The 1858 Pikes Peak gold rush brought settlers flooding in. Colorado entered the Union in 1876, just in time for its centennial celebration.
📍 The Centennial State
- A top place for skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing.
- Denver is called the Mile High City because it’s exactly 5,280 feet above sea level.
👉 Fun Fact: Colorado has the highest suspension bridge in the US—Royal Gorge Bridge.
9. Oregon – 98,379 Square Miles
Oregon Trail pioneers transformed this territory in the 1840s. The 1971 Bottle Bill began America’s recycling revolution here.
📍 The Beaver State
- Home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the US.
- Has 1,400 waterfalls and big forests.
- One of the few states with no sales tax!
👉 Fun Fact: All of Oregon’s beaches are public, so anyone can visit them.
10. Wyoming – 97,813 Square Miles
First national park (Yellowstone, 1872), first to grant women’s vote (1869), and still America’s least populated state.
📍 The Equality State
- Least populated state—there are more bison than people!
- Home to Yellowstone National Park, where you can see geysers, bears, and wolves.
👉 Fun Fact: Wyoming was the first state to let women vote (in 1869).
📌 Which Big US State Caught Your Attention the Most?
These huge states make the US such a diverse and interesting place. Whether you like mountains, deserts, beaches, or forests, there’s a perfect place for you.
Want to see a complete list of US states and territories? 👉 Click here for the full list!
📢 Which of these states have you visited? Let us know in the comments! 👇
