Desert Wonders: 8 Surprising Facts About North America's Arid Lands

10th April, 2024

CHIRANJIT MITRA

The largest US desert is also surprisingly cold. Snow-capped mountains border this high-altitude region.

Great Basin Desert

Home to the world's tallest Joshua trees, these Dr. Seuss-like plants add a whimsical touch.

Mojave Desert

Boasts the iconic Saguaro cactus, the giant of the desert world, found nowhere else on Earth.

Sonoran Desert

It's surprisingly biodiverse! Hundreds of reptile and mammal species thrive in this harsh environment.

Chihuahuan Desert

Holds the hottest recorded temperature in North America – a scorching 134 degrees Fahrenheit!

Death Valley (part of the Mojave)

Swirling bands of reds, oranges, and purples create a breathtaking geological canvas.

Painted Desert (part of the Colorado Plateau)

Rugged canyons rival the Grand Canyon in scale, offering a less-explored adventure.

Owyhee Desert (part of the Great Basin)

Contains a giant salt lake, remnants of an ancient, much larger water body called Lake Bonneville.

Sevier Desert (part of the Great Basin)

Deserts are full of extremes – harsh yet magical, home to unique lifeforms that prove adaptation is amazing.