Mojave Desert

desert · southwestern USA · extreme climate

Super hot and dry. The Mojave Desert is one of the hottest places in North America, with temperatures sometimes reaching over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It gets very little rain, which makes it a true desert where water is precious and hard to find.

Born from mountains. The Mojave Desert exists because of tall mountains nearby, like the Sierra Nevada. These mountains block rain clouds from reaching the desert, creating what scientists call a rain shadow. That's why the land stays so dry.

Life finds a way. Even though it's incredibly harsh, amazing animals and plants live there. Coyotes, rattlesnakes, Joshua trees, and desert tortoises have all adapted to survive on very little water and extreme temperatures.

Where four states meet. The Mojave Desert spreads across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. It's located in the southeastern part of California and the southwestern part of Nevada, covering thousands of square miles of wild terrain.

Colorful rock wonders. The Mojave Desert is famous for its amazing rock formations and colorful canyons. Visitors can see dramatic landscapes of red, purple, and gold rocks that look like they belong on another planet.