Does California have a desert and the lowest elevation?

Yes, California has both a desert and the lowest elevation in the contiguous United States.

* The Mojave Desert is located in southeastern California and covers an area of about 25,000 square miles. It is the smallest of the four major deserts in the United States and is characterized by its hot, dry climate and sparse vegetation.

* Death Valley is located within the Mojave Desert and is home to the lowest elevation point in the contiguous United States. Badwater Basin, which is located in Death Valley, is 282 feet below sea level. Death Valley is also known for its extreme temperatures, which can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.