[Objective] This study aims to explore the gradient effects of different topographic factors on land use patterns over a 23-year period in the Pisha Sandstone region of the Yellow River. It provides theoretical guidance for vegetation restoration and land use optimization in this area.[Method] By using remote sensing data to extract important topographic factors such as elevation, slope, and topographic position, and combining these with GIS-based quantitative analysis, we analyzed the gradient effects of various topographic factors on land use patterns and explored the graded evolution of land use types according to a comprehensive topographic index.[Results] ① Grassland was the dominant land use type in the study area, and from 2000 to 2023, the areas of forestland and construction land underwent the most significant changes, followed by cultivated land and unused land. Forestland increased by 10.48 km2, while construction land increased by 295.40 km2, mostly at the expense of cultivated land and grassland. The areas of cultivated land and unused land decreased by 1,716.52 km2 and 758.89 km2, respectively, while grassland increased by 548.12 km2. ② The spatial distribution of land use in the study area exhibited distinct gradient characteristics: cultivated land, construction land, and unused land were primarily distributed in low topographic positions, while forestland was mainly located in high topographic positions, and grassland was concentrated in mid- to high-elevation areas. Water bodies were predominantly found in both low and high topographic positions. ③ In 2000, the highest comprehensive land use index was 220.99, and the lowest was 205.69. By 2023, the highest index was 230.17, and the lowest was 203.36. Except for levels 1 and 2 topographic positions, the comprehensive land use index in 2023 was significantly lower than in 2000. Over the past 23 years, changes in land use were closely related to human activities. [Conclusion] Over the 23-year period, the Pisha Sandstone region of the Yellow River exhibited obvious topographic gradient characteristics, with significant spatiotemporal changes in land use types along the topographic gradient. Considering the influence of local topographic factors, it is advisable to strengthen the implementation of policies like returning farmland to forests and grasslands, and to continuously optimize land use layout.