If you’ve only thought of deserts as endless sands and scorching sun, think again. The US has some of the most diverse and stunning desert landscapes in the world. From iconic cacti to surreal rock formations, let’s dive into a list of three American deserts that are nothing short of spectacular.
Mojave Desert
Located primarily in southeastern California, the Mojave Desert is a geological wonder. It is home to the famous Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge. The Mojave is also home to Death Valley National Park. The park is famous for its record summer heat and mesmerizing sites like Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Sonoran Desert
The Sonoran Desert stretches across Arizona, California, and into Mexico. This desert is particularly notable for its spectacular spring wildflower blooms and the large saguaro cactus. Both are iconic symbols of the American Southwest. The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a great place to start exploring.
Great Basin Desert
Spanning nearly all of Nevada and extending into Utah, the Great Basin Desert is the largest desert in the U.S. by area and features a high desert climate. This region is known for its vast open spaces, mountain ranges, and isolated basins.