11 Incredible Desert National Parks in the U.S.

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Explore a world of otherworldly landscapes, blue skies, and surreal beauty with a journey through the desert National Parks of the United States. From towering red rock formations to a sea of sand dunes, these Parks highlight the most unique, awe-inspiring and humbling features of their desert ecosystems.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the must-visit desert National Parks and spotlight their incredible diversity. Plus, expert tips for navigating the challenges of desert travel. Get ready to travel America’s desert wilderness, where adventure meets serenity in some of the most extraordinary destinations. See my tried-and-true National Park itineraries, guides and packing lists here.

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So, define desert…

Deserts can be hot or cold; sandy, rocky, icy or salty; but they are always dry. The scientific community generally agrees that a desert is an ecosystem that receives no more than 250mm (1in) of precipitation a year. That can be any precipitation including rain, hail and snow. Semi-arid landscapes receive between 250-500mm (10-20in).

Deserts of the United States

The U.S. has four major deserts, three hot and one cold. Here’s a brief introduction to each one, to prime us for the desert National Parks that fall within each.

Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert is one of the most famous deserts in the United States, known for its rugged landscapes, quirky Joshua trees, and extreme temperatures. Often recognised as the hottest desert in the United States, the Mojave spans parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. This desert is home to Death Valley National Park, where Furnace Creek holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth: a blistering 56.7°C (134°F).

Beyond its intense heat, the Mojave is famous for its unique flora, including creosote bushes, Mojave yucca, and, of course, the signature Joshua tree. While arid, the Mojave also supports diverse fauna, like the desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, and even the elusive mountain lion, making it a fascinating ecosystem in the U.S.

Sonoran Desert

The Sonoran Desert is among the most biologically diverse deserts in the United States, stretching across Arizona, California, and into northwestern Mexico. It experiences two wet seasons and a very mild winter—distinguishing it from its desert neighbours. The Sonoran Desert is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 12m (40ft) tall and is found exclusively in this region.

Often referred to as “the green desert”, the Sonoran supports a wide range of plant and animal life. Besides the giant saguaro, you’ll find prickly pear, cholla cacti, and palo verde trees here. The Sonoran is home to fascinating wildlife, including Gila monsters, javelinas and roadrunners – Beep! Beep!

Chihuahuan Desert

Spanning roughly 362,000sq km (140,000sq mi), the Chihuahuan Desert is considered the biggest desert in the United States by area. In the U.S,. it extends across the States of New Mexico and Texas, into northern Mexico. With high-elevation plains and rugged mountain ranges, this desert has a unique climate that supports a surprising variety of plant life, including agave and yucca.

The Chihuahuan Desert also features gypsum sand dunes at White Sands National Park, a stunning and otherworldly landscape unique to this region. The desert’s fauna includes animals adapted to the arid environment, such as the Mexican gray wolf, pronghorn antelope, and various species of lizards.

Great Basin Desert

The Great Basin Desert the only one of the United States’ four, large deserts that is considered a cold desert. By definition, a cold desert receives most of its precipitation as snow, rather than rain. Stretching across Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and parts of California, Great Basin is also the largest desert in the U.S. in terms of total land area.

Unlike other American deserts, the Great Basin is dominated by sagebrush and lacks large cactus species. Its higher elevation and more moderate temperatures support different flora and fauna, including the Utah juniper, pygmy rabbits, and mule deer. The Great Basin’s landscapes are diverse, featuring mountains, salt flats, and valleys, making it a fascinating ecosystem for those exploring deserts in the United States.

Desert National Parks to explore

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Located in southeastern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado Desert (part of the Sonoran Desert). This park sits between 914 and 1,524m (3,000 to 5,000ft) in elevation, offering landscapes that range from Joshua tree forests to rugged rock formations.

Key sights include the Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, and my favourite, Hidden Valley. Rock climbing, stargazing, and hiking trails like Barker Dam are top activities. The best time to visit Joshua Tree is in spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) when temperatures are moderate and wildflowers are in bloom.

Death Valley National Park, CA

Spanning eastern California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park holds the record for the hottest place on Earth. It features elevations from 86m (282ft) below sea level in Badwater Basin, to over 3,350m (11,000ft) in the Panamint Mountains.

Major sights include Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Winter (November to March) is the best time to visit, as temperatures are milder and more suitable for hiking and exploring this extreme landscape. But if you can take the heat, you can always visit in summer like we did!

Saguaro National Park, AZ

Divided into two districts that straddle Tucson, Arizona, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert at elevations of 610 to 2,670m (2,000 to 8,700ft). The compact Park is famous for its towering saguaro cacti, picturesque desert landscapes, and beautiful sunsets.

Top sights include the Valley View Overlook Trail, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and the scenic Bajada Loop Drive in the Red Hill unit (west of Tucson). The best time to visit is November to April when temperatures are cooler, making hiking and outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park sits within the Painted Desert at elevations of about 1,400 to 1,800m (4,500 to 5,900ft). This park is known for its ancient petrified wood, vibrant badlands, and Native American petroglyphs.

Highlights include the Crystal Forest, Blue Mesa, and the Painted Desert Inn. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to visit, with moderate temperatures ideal for exploring this unique desert park. We haven’t quite made it to Petrified Forest National Forest yet, but it’s on our list. I’m especially looking forward to exploring Red Basin and Blue Mesa.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

The Grand Canyon, located in northern Arizona within the Colorado Plateau, lies in a high desert environment with elevations ranging from 610m (2,000ft) at the river to 2,400m (8,000ft) at the rim. The park’s stunning, geology and Colorado River views are astounding.

Popular spots include the South Rim viewpoints, the Bright Angel Trail and rafting trips. The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park is in spring and autumn. This avoids the summer crowds and intense heat at lower elevations, and potential snow in winter.

Arches National Park, UT

Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, sits in the high desert of the Colorado Plateau at elevations between 1,219 and 1,524m (4,000 to 5,000ft). This Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch.

The Fiery Furnace area and Devils Garden Trail are must-see highlights. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are mild, offering ideal conditions for hiking and photography.

Canyonlands National Park, UT

Canyonlands National Park, in southeastern Utah is part of the Colorado Plateau and features vast canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The Park ranges from 1,200 to 2,440m (3,937 to 8,000ft) in elevation. Despite its close proximity to Arches National Park and Moab, Canyonlands is often overlooked. However, if you like the Grand Canyon, then this Park should definitely be on your hit list!

Canyonlands is divided into three districts. Island in the Sky, is the most accessible district offering mind-blowing views and day hiking opportunities, perfect for a short visit. The Needles District, and the Maze are remote and rugged spots for more adventurous and skilled explorers. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for comfortable temperatures and ideal hiking conditions.

Zion National Park, UT

Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park lies in the transition zone between the Mojave Desert and Great Basin Desert. Reaching elevations up to 2,660m (8,726ft), it is not strictly desert, but covers a number of different ecosystems.

Known for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush river valleys, highlights include the daring Angels Landing trail (permit required), the gorge-ous Narrows, and day-trip friendly Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Spring and fall are ideal for visiting, with milder temperatures and fewer visitors than through the summer peak (May-October).

Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park lies within the Colorado Plateau desert region at elevations of about 1,600 to 2,438m (5,249 to 8,000ft). This is a highly under-visited Park, due to its remoteness, but it is worth every moment on the road.

Known for its unbelievably stunning Waterpocket Fold (check out Sunset Point), sandstone domes of Capitol Gorge and jagged monoliths of Cathedral Valley. Plus, ancient petroglyphs and pioneer-era Fruita Historic District. This desert National Park is a treasure trove of unique rock formations and pioneer history. Visit in spring or autumn to enjoy the most pleasant weather for exploring its scenic trails and orchards.

Big Bend National Park, TX

Big Bend National Park is a corner of the Chihuahuan Desert, in southwestern Texas. With elevations from 549 to 2,385m (1,800 to 7,825ft), this park is famed for its dramatic landscapes. this park is famed for its dramatic landscapes, including the Chisos Mountains and soaring Santa Elena Canyon.

Those who make the trek are rewarded with sights such as the Chisos Mountains, Santa Elena Canyon, and hot springs. It’s a hotspot for birdwatching and offers rafting on the Rio Grande. The best time to visit is from October to April, when temperatures are cooler for hiking and outdoor activities. March and April are the busiest with significantly higher visitation than other months.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX

The desert National Park with the least number of visitors per year is Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Situated in western Texas, Guadalupe Mountains are  part of the Chihuahuan Desert and feature the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, at 2,667m (8,751ft).

The Park is known for its rugged limestone mountains—formed from an ancient (pre-dinosaur) coral reef yielding unique geology and loads of fossils. Key highlights include Devil’s Hall, McKittrick Canyon (especially in autumn) and the Salt Basin Dunes. Autumn is the ideal time to visit, with cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colours.

Great Basin National Park, NV

Great Basin National Park, located in eastern Nevada is situated within the Great Basin Desert. This desert National Park is characterised by its high elevation, ranging from 1,600m (5,300ft) to 3,982m (13,065ft) at the summit of Wheeler Peak. This elevation allows for a mix of ecosystems that include ancient bristlecone pine forests, limestone caves, and alpine lakes—features not typically associated with desert environments.

One of the Park’s major attractions is the Lehman Caves, a complex of limestone caverns adorned with intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can also hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak, where they’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching across Nevada’s arid landscape. Additionally, Great Basin is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing.

The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, as snow often covers higher elevations during the winter months, limiting access to trails. Summer visitors should prepare for sudden temperature drops due to the Park’s altitude and bring plenty of water, as the desert climate can still be dry and intense even at higher elevations.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Just a little further north, in southeastern New Mexico within the Chihuahuan Desert, is Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The Park features over 119 caves formed by sulfuric acid dissolution. The Park’s elevation ranges from 1,096 to 1,636-m (3,595 to 5,370-ft). The best time to visit is spring or fall, with milder weather for cave tours and ranger-led programs.

Visitors can explore the vast limestone chambers, including the Big Room. Carlsbad Caverns is the perfect desert National Park for summer travellers, as temperatures underground are much cooler than the surface.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado features North America’s tallest sand dunes, reaching up to 229m (750ft). Like Zion National Park, Great Sand Dunes encompasses a number of different ecosystems. One of which is the high desert dunefield of the San Luis Valley at 2,438m (8,000ft).

The Park is perfect for sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing. Visit in spring or fall to avoid the scorching summer heat, and witness the seasonal Medano Creek flowing at the dunes’ base.

White Sands National Park, NM

White Sands National Park, situated in southern New Mexico, is part of the Chihuahuan Desert. It features a stunning ocean of white gypsum dunes at an elevation of around 1,219m (4,000ft).

This unique landscape is perfect for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. Unlike the sand dunes you’ve probably experienced before, the soft, white dunes reflect sunlight so they don’t heat up. However, air temperatures can still be extreme—there is zero shade! Therefore, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit.

Tips for visiting desert National Parks in the U.S.

Here are some essential tips for safe and comfortable travel in the United States’ desert National Parks:

1. Stay Hydrated

Desert climates are unforgiving when it comes to water needs. Bring at least 4L (1gal) of water per person, per day, and carry more if you plan strenuous hikes. Dehydration can come on quickly, especially in the dry heat, so take regular sips rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

2. Protect Yourself from the Sun

High UV-levels and little shade in desert areas mean you’ll need strong sun protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing, and apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every few hours. Sunglasses with UV protection are essential, as the sun can be intense, especially in the middle of the day. Don’t forget to account for the reflective nature of some surfaces, such as water (rafting, swimming etc) and sand dunes. Yes! You can absolutely get burnt by reflected sunlight!

3. Dress in layers for temperature swings

Deserts can have extreme temperature variations between day and night, especially in cold deserts like the Great Basin Desert. Dress in layers so you can adjust to cold mornings, hot afternoons, and cool evenings. A lightweight jacket or fleece is always a good idea, even in warmer months.

4. Plan your activities for cooler hours

Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to explore desert parks, avoiding the peak midday heat that can reach over 38°C (100°F) in places like Death Valley. Not only is this safer, but it’s also a great way to catch stunning sunrise and sunset views!

5. Know your route and mobile phone service limitations

Cell service is limited or non-existent in many desert National Parks. Download maps ahead of time or bring a physical map, and let someone know your planned route. Make sure to stick to marked trails, as it’s easy to get disoriented in vast desert landscapes—it took me all of 10-minutes to lose my way in the dunes of White Sands National Park!

6. Carry emergency supplies

Always bring a small first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra snacks, and a multi-tool in case of emergencies. For remote parks like Canyonlands and Guadalupe Mountains, consider carrying a personal locator beacon for added safety.

7. Prepare for dust and wind

Desert winds can be powerful, stirring up dust and sand, which can irritate your eyes and skin. Consider bringing a bandana or scarf to cover your face, and make sure any electronics and cameras are properly protected to avoid damage from dust. This is also another great reason to wear long sleeves and pants, to avoid being painfully sandblasted!

8. Be mindful of wildlife

Deserts are home to diverse wildlife, from rattlesnakes to scorpions. Always watch your step, avoid reaching into crevices, and keep a respectful distance from any animals. Remember that disturbing wildlife, even unintentionally, can be dangerous and is generally against Park regulations.

9. Follow ‘Leave No Trace’ Principles

Desert ecosystems are delicate, and leaving waste behind can harm wildlife and landscapes. Always pack out everything you bring, including food scraps and toilet paper. Avoid trampling on vegetation, and stick to marked paths to preserve the environment. What might just look like soil, could be vital Biological Soil Crust, or biocrust for short, that contains tiny organisms essential to the local ecosystem.

10. Take Regular Rest Breaks

Desert hiking is challenging due to the dry air, intense sun, and rugged terrain. Take breaks in the shade whenever possible, pacing yourself to avoid heat exhaustion and fatigue. Resting not only helps you acclimate but also allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery around you.

11. Avoid lightening and flash floods

Yes, deserts are known for being dry but when they do receive precipitation, it can be quite dramatic. Be wary of electrical storms and seek shelter. Also, flash floods can be a concern. Check the weather forecast before you depart on a hike. If you’re exploring canyons, it’s also important to check for rainfall upstream, which will flow downstream to your location.

Each desert—Mojave, Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Great Basin—offers its own dramatic scenery, unique wildlife, and adventure around every corner. Whether you’re chasing epic sunsets, marvelling at ancient geology, or experiencing the quiet solitude of remote hiking, these desert National Parks promise an unforgettable escape.

Peace, love & inspiring travel,

Madam ZoZo

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