While there are few true deserts in Oklahoma, much of the northwestern part of the state has a semi-arid climate, meaning that conditions are near desert-like, with very low precipitation, dry earth and thinly spread, hardy vegetation. Indeed in certain parts of this region conditions can waver between near and actual desert conditions. Oklahoma does boast "Little Sahara," a 1,500-acre area of sand dunes popular with dune buggy enthusiasts.
The desert-like northwestern corner of Oklahoma is mostly flat and dry with distinctive red, sandy soil. However, there are some mountain ranges in the area, as well as the characteristic mesa formations, flat-topped summits with steep cliffs on all sides. One of these, Black Mesa, forms the highest peak in the state of Oklahoma.
The dry regions in northwest Oklahoma support largely sand sagebrush and bluestem prairie grass, though in some areas the Pinchoet juniper can also be found, a species specially adapted to dry, highly saline conditions. Native fauna is quite scarce in this region, though the desert shrew, desert cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jack rabbit, some gophers and several species of Myotis bat can be found here.
The climate in the near-desert regions of Oklahoma is generally dry, though some snow fall occurs in winter and spring brings spectacular thunderstorms. However, in summer, temperatures average in the high 90's with little rain fall until November. Annual rainfall can vary from as low as 17 inches annually to 20 inches in wetter years.
Following Highway 281 for four miles south out of Waynoka brings you to an area known as Little Sahara, a 2.5-square-mile area of sand dunes used for driving and racing sand vehicles. The dunes are comprised of very fine quartz sand left behind in the Pleistocene era by the passage of the Cimarron River. The area is contained in a state park and camping is available during most of the year.
