Final answer:
The highest point in the U.S. is Mount Whitney and the lowest point is Death Valley, both located in the western region of the United States and representing the extremes of the nation's topography.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highest point in the U.S., Mount Whitney, and the lowest point, Death Valley, are not only situated within the western region of the country but are also remarkably close to each other in Eastern California. These dramatic landforms are emblematic of the diverse topography found throughout North America, where you can travel from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada, and experience various climates and ecosystems.
Mount Whitney stands as the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, reaching an elevation of 14,505 feet. In stark contrast, Death Valley descends to the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level, exhibiting the extremities of the American landscape within a relatively short distance. The ranges and basins, coupled with factors such as the rain shadow effect, contribute to this unique juxtaposition of the highest and the lowest points in the continental U.S.