It's possible to travel southward from the Canadian border, pass through only two U.S. states, and arrive within 150 miles of the southern border of the United States. Through which two states?

To successfully travel southward from the Canadian border through only two U.S. states and reach within a certain proximity of the southern U.S. border, one would traverse Idaho and Nevada. This unique geographical feat is made possible by the distinct north-south orientation and placement of these western states.

Beginning at Idaho's northern border with Canada, a traveler would head directly south through the Gem State. Idaho is one of the few U.S. states that shares a direct border with Canada, specifically with British Columbia. Continuing this southward journey, the next state encountered would be Nevada, which lies directly to Idaho's south.

Nevada, often called the Silver State, stretches far to the south, with its southernmost tip reaching the Colorado River, where it meets the borders of both Arizona and California. This extensive north-to-south span of Nevada is crucial, as it allows for significant southward progress after leaving Idaho. While the exact distance to the U.S.-Mexico border from Nevada's southernmost point varies, this particular alignment of states highlights an interesting aspect of North American geography, demonstrating how one can journey deep into the American Southwest with a minimal number of state crossings.