The Intermountain West region's climate is heavily influenced by elevation.

The Intermountain West, located between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, features diverse elevations that greatly impact its climate. This region includes areas of high altitude, such as the Colorado Plateau, where elevation changes contribute to cooler temperatures, varied precipitation, and unique weather patterns. Elevation influences temperature by generally causing cooler conditions at higher altitudes, while precipitation patterns vary due to rain shadows created by mountain ranges. As a result, the Intermountain West experiences a mix of arid deserts, cooler mountainous areas, and valley climates, making elevation a key factor in its climate diversity.