Mojave Desert
The 25,000-square-mile Mojave Desert covers ground in California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, although it is the smallest of the North American deserts, as well as the driest.
Plan Around Mojave Desert
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Mojave Desert Details
The 25,000-square-mile Mojave Desert covers ground in California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, although it is the smallest of the North American deserts, as well as the driest. As a rain-shadow desert it sees little precipitation, but even still, it is thought to support between 1,750 and 2,000 species of plants, the most recognizable among them the Joshua Tree, which is the indicator species for the ecosystem. Higher elevations within the desert are commonly called "high desert," contrasting with the "low desert" environment of the Sonoran Desert to the east. Two deserts ecosystems, primarily determined by elevation, meet in the park, illustrating the contrast between high and low desert. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert (part of the Sonoran Desert), occupies the eastern half of the park, and is dominated by the creosote bush. The higher, slightly cooler, and wetter Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree, as mentioned above, which occurs in extensive stands throughout the western half of the park.
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Nearby Parks Around Mojave Desert
Compare nearby parks around Mojave Desert when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Mojave Desert
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Mojave Desert while the map context is still fresh.
0.9 mi away
Towers of Uncertainty
Joshua Tree is well known for rock climbing opportunities, and these rock piles just off the Geology Tour Road make for a good stop if you're up for a scramble.
1.4 mi away
Skull Rock
Right along the main park road is Skull Rock, a popular stop for Joshua Tree visitors.
1.4 mi away
Jumbo Rock Campground
The 124 sites at Jumbo Rocks Campground are nestled among huge boulders.
1.6 mi away
Face Rock
To access Face Rock, which many believe resembles George Washington, visitors must take the Split Rock Loop Trail.
1.8 mi away
Skull Rock Nature Trail
Named for a rock that appears to have two hollowed-out eye sockets, Skull Rock is a popular stop for Joshua Tree visitors.
