U.S. Major Deserts and Elevation Points

Major Deserts in the U.S.

• Great Basin Desert:

  • Largest desert in North America, covering 190,000 square miles.
  • Located in the western U.S. (eastern Utah, most of Nevada, parts of California, and southeastern Idaho).
  • Experiences hot summers and cold winters.

• Mojave Desert:

  • Hottest desert in North America with an area of 48,000 square miles.
  • Located mainly in southeastern California, also extends into Nevada and northwestern Arizona.

• Sonoran Desert:

  • Third largest desert in North America at 120,000 square miles.
  • Positioned in the Southwestern U.S. (southern Arizona, small area in southeastern California) and northwest Mexico.
  • Unique for having conditions suitable for the Saguaro cactus growth.

• Chihuahuan Desert:

  • Second largest desert in North America, spanning 175,000 square miles.
  • Found in the Southwestern U.S. (southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, western Texas) and northern Mexico.

Points of Elevation in the U.S.

• Highest Point in the U.S.:

  • Mt. Denali, located in Alaska, holds the record for the highest elevation.

• Highest Point in the Continental U.S.:

  • Mt. Whitney in California, known as the tallest peak in the contiguous states.

• Second Highest Point in the Continental U.S.:

  • Mt. Elbert in Colorado, follows Mt. Whitney in elevation ranking.

• Lowest Point in the U.S.:

  • Badwater Basin in Death Valley, California, recognized as the lowest elevation point in the country.

Test your knowledge on the major deserts of the U.S. and their highest and lowest elevations. This quiz covers the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and other key geographic features. Perfect for geography enthusiasts and students.