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UNTAMED BEAUTY

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Arizona’s Wildly Different Desert Regions

Arizona is the only state in the U.S. that contains four separate desert regions, each with their own environment, flora and fauna.

Ajo Scenic road trip drive
A scenic drive, Ajo

Depending on who you ask, you’ll find three—arguably four—deserts in Arizona: the Chihuahuan in the southeast, the Mojave in the upper west, and the massive Sonoran taking up most of the southwest and central part of the state.

The fourth, the Great Basin Desert, either extends south into the Navajo Nation—comprised of the Colorado Plateau—or stops along the Nevada-Utah border. Still others consider that area an entirely separate desert, the Navajoan.

What’s certain is that, though they share the name, these deserts are home to vastly different environments.

The Sonoran Desert

Home to an Arizona Icon

Is it dry? Yes. Is it green? Also yes. And during wildflower season from March to mid-April, the Sonoran Desert turns shades of yellow, purple, red, white and pink. It’s also here that you’ll find that most iconic of Arizona symbols—the saguaro cactus.

The Sonoran Desert also surrounds Arizona’s two largest cities, Phoenix and Tucson, making it possible to hike remote desert trails in the morning, explore downtown in the afternoon and relax by a pool in the evening. Multiple national and state parks sit within the desert, as well, with their own trails and camping options.

saguaro cactus at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
The iconic Sagauro.

The Mojave Desert

Arizona’s Own Joshua Tree Forest

The driest desert in North America, the Mojave crosses the Colorado River from California into northwestern Arizona and sits between the towns of Wickenburg and Kingman. Should you decide to drive from Kingman to Peach Springs and Grand Canyon West, you’ll inevitably pass through it. How will you know? Keep an eye out for the forest of Joshua trees that dot the landscape along the road.

The Joshua trees are unique to this Arizona desert and are a favorite photo op for road-trippers.

Learn More

Arizona Desert, joshua tree
Joshua Tree, Mojave Desert

The Chihuahuan Desert

Hoodoos to Grasslands

Resembling the grasslands of Oklahoma more than the cactus-filled images of a stereotypical desert, the Chihuahuan Desert takes up much of southeastern Arizona, including the cities and towns of Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Tombstone and Willcox. And sitting almost right in the middle are the Chiricahua Mountains, whose sea of pillar-shaped rock formations known as “hoodoos” stretch impossibly high into the sky.

After exploring the waving hills and hoodoos, sample award-winning wine in Arizona’s largest wine-growing region, Willcox; walk the Western streets of Tombstone; or get funky in the arts-loving community of Bisbee.

Distinct Regions

Explore Our Deserts

Catalina State Park with a gigantic Saguaro cactus in Tucson, Arizona.

Catalina State Park

Bring your horse, bicycle, or just your hiking boots and you’re bound to have a good time at Catalina State Park. Located less than 20 miles...

Woman stands next to a hoodoo in Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox

Chiricahua National Monument

A national monument with towering vertical columns of rock formations. Hike on 17 miles of trails, camp at Bonita Canyon Campground, or visit...

Glen Canyon & Lake Powell

Glen Canyon & Lake Powell

Spread over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is an outdoor haven, renown for its stunning scenery and geologic wonders,...

Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu State Park

With year-round ideal weather, Lake Havasu State Park makes a splash with its beautiful beaches and nature trails and an abundance of things to...

Lost Dutchman State Park

Lost Dutchman State Park

Visit the Lost Dutchman State Park for the fabled Lost Dutchman gold, or enjoy the scenic hiking and biking trails. Camping also available.

Oracle State Park

Oracle State Park

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in Oracle State Park, an hour from Tucson. Take a hike and visit the historic Kannally...

Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak State Park

Don’t miss Picacho Peak, the most famous summit in the Sonoran Desert, which you can spot on the interstate between Tucson and Phoenix.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park in Tucson features giant saguaros in their native environment, plus access to wildlife viewing, hiking and scenic drives.

South Mountain

South Mountain Park & Preserve

South Mountain Park / Preserve is a point of pride for Phoenix. As the largest municipally operated park in the country, it is an enjoyable...

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Explore Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Arizona’s oldest European community and the best-preserved Spanish Colonial presidio site in the...

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Journey back to the Wild West at Yuma Territorial State Historic Park and learn about the infamous inmates of this former Arizona prison.

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