Even the most adventurous explorers’ quake at the idea of visiting a desert. The extreme weather conditions in areas like these certainly make them formidable territory. But, those same extremes make deserts a must-see for anyone who enjoys nature and diversity during their trips.
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Wilderness doesn’t get better than when you take it to these extremes. So, how do you get past your fear and make the most of a trip here? For one, be realistic. Heading into the desert at the wrong time of day can prove fatal. You also need to make sure that you have an emergency kit to hand at all times which includes plenty of water.
Once you take care of those basics, there’s no reason you can’t delve into the desert next time you go away. To help you do that, we’re going to look at the four American states which could see your dreams coming true.
Arizona – We’ve spoken about the joys of Arizona before, but it more than deserves its place on this list, too. We’re sure you’ll all agree that this state has plenty of reason for a visit, including The Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. But, did you realize that its South Western side is also home to the Sonoran Desert? Dubbed as the most archetypal desert scenery in the southwest, this is a must-see for anyone who’s curious. One thing’s sure; options like jeep tours and horseback riding won’t disappoint here.
New Mexico –Next, we’re swinging over to New Mexico with the tongue-twisting Chihuahuan Desert. This is the second largest desert landscape in the U.S. and stretches over the southern third of New Mexico. Here, you can expect elevation of up to 6,000, and dominant plants including yucca and agave. With options of lodging in Deming, NM which is right in the heart of all that desert action, you would be mad not to visit here. It doesn’t get much better for that authentic desert feel.
Nevada –Nevada also deserves mention, home as it is to 150 miles of the Mojave Desert. Much flatter than the other options, a trip here promises to give you some spectacular sights on the horizon. At few other times will you be able to see such a flat expanse of scorching land. In the Nevada area of this desert alone, you stand to enjoy options like Lake Mead and Whitney Pockets. You would certainly be hard pressed to run out of things to do on a stay here.
Oregon – Last, we have the final official U.S. desert territory. We are, of course, talking about The Great Basin. As you can guess by its name, this is the largest U.S. desert in terms of landmass, and it covers the entirety of southeast Oregon. Here, you can visit destinations like Great Basin National Park. Or, you could enjoy the smaller sights along the way, including ghost towns and volcanic remains. Whatever you choose to do, a trip here is sure to get hot, hot, hot.