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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.

Arizona’s Wildly Different Desert Regions
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.

Arizona’s Wildly Different Desert Regions
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.

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Arizona’s Wildly Different Desert Regions
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

Catalina State Park

Visitors lace up their hiking boots to enjoy this magnificent natural area north of Tucson.

Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument

Visit Arizona’s Wonderland of Rocks in Coronado National Forest

Glen Canyon & Lake Powell

Glen Canyon & Lake Powell

With nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell creates a surprising oasis in northern Arizona’s high desert.

Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu State Park

Arizona’s west coast serves up big surprises, including a state park on the banks of a reservoir formed by the Colorado River.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Lost Dutchman State Park

Head to the western gateway of the Superstition Mountains for epic hiking and camping trips.

Oracle State Park

Oracle State Park

This tiny state park north of Tucson makes a big impression with its colorful backstory.

Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak State Park

Easy access off I-10 leads to one of the most famous mountain summits in the Sonoran Desert.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

See giant symbols of the Southwest in the only place where saguaros grow in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson.

South Mountain Park & Preserve

South Mountain Park & Preserve

Step out in one of the largest municipally operated parks in the country just south of downtown Phoenix.

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Visit the oldest Spanish Colonial presidio site in Arizona.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

One of Arizona’s earliest prisons tells a colorful story of Westward expansion and life in the Wild West.

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.