Deserts You Can Visit in the U.S.

Explore America’s vast landscape. From tropical beaches in Florida to arid landscapes in the West, the United States offers multiple destinations to choose from depending on what you’re looking for.

This country is home to several fascinating deserts, each offering unique landscapes, climates, and experiences. If you’re planning a trip this fall, you have stumbled across the blog post to help you plan your trip!

Top Rated Deserts to Visit in the U.S.

Photo via Ian Jones

Mojave Desert

Located primarily in southern California, the Mojave Desert is known for its iconic Joshua trees, sand dunes, and unique rock formations. It is also home to Death Valley, the hottest place in North America.

Photo via Peter Chapin

Sonoran Desert

Stretching across parts of California, Arizona, and into Mexico, the Sonoran Desert is known for its diverse flora, including saguaro cacti, and unique wildlife. It is the only place where the saguaro cactus grows naturally in the U.S.

Photo via Manny Becerra

Great Basin Desert

Covering parts of Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, and California, the Great Basin Desert is characterized by its high mountain ranges, numerous small mountain ranges, and vast expanses of sagebrush.

Chihuahuan Desert

Extending from parts of southern New Mexico into western Texas and Mexico, the Chihuahuan Desert is the largest desert in North America. It features unique plant life and is home to the famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Photo via Susanne Martinus

Colorado Plateau

While not a traditional desert, the Colorado Plateau covers parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico and features vast canyons, mesas, and buttes. It includes iconic locations like the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.

Photo via Wolfgang Frick

Painted Desert

A section of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, known for its colorful badlands and striking rock formations.

Photo via Kenan Sulayman

Black Rock Desert

Located in Nevada, this desert is famous for hosting the annual Burning Man festival, a unique and vibrant art event.

Photo via Jason Butterfield

Alvord Desert

Situated in southeastern Oregon, the Alvord Desert is known for its flat, dry lakebed and stunning views of the surrounding Steens Mountain range.

These deserts offer a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to stargazing and photography. However, visiting a desert requires special considerations due to the extreme temperatures and arid conditions, so it’s essential to be prepared and take necessary precautions while exploring these beautiful but challenging landscapes.

By the way, you may also be interested in these posts: Some of the Best Places to Visit Out West in the United States and 12 Top-Rated National Parks in the U.S.