How Big Is the California Desert? ~97,000 sq mi

The California Desert spans roughly 250,000 km² (97,000 sq mi) across the state's southeast, spilling into Nevada and Arizona. It comprises three distinct deserts:

• Mojave Desert – High desert (2,000–5,000 ft). Joshua trees, Death Valley, Mojave National Preserve.
• Colorado Desert – Low desert (below sea level to 2,000 ft). Part of the Sonoran Desert. Anza-Borrego, Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley.
• Sonoran Desert – Extends into AZ/MX. Saguaro territory (though saguaros barely cross into CA).

Together, they cover ~25% of California's land area. Ecologically rich, geologically dramatic, and increasingly stressed by climate change and water demand.