Mojave Desert Location: Southwestern United States

Mojave Desert: America's High Desert

The Mojave Desert is located in the southwestern United States, primarily in:

• California: San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial counties.
• Nevada: Clark County (Las Vegas valley edge).
• Arizona: Mohave County (northwest corner).
• Utah: Washington County (small southwest corner).

Defining Features

• Elevation: 600–1,500 m (2,000–5,000 ft) — "high desert."
• Indicator species: Joshua tree (*Yucca brevifolia*).
• Climate: Hot summers (45°C+), cold winters (freezing), 100–250 mm rain.
• Boundaries: North: Great Basin Desert. South: Sonoran Desert. West: Sierra Nevada. East: Colorado Plateau.

Protected Areas

• Death Valley NP (hottest/driest).
• Joshua Tree NP.
• Mojave National Preserve.
• Red Rock Canyon NCA.