Ecosystems · North America

Sonoran And Mojave Deserts

Saguaro, Joshua tree and life built around rare rain.

The Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of the south-western United States and northern Mexico look empty at a glance, yet are rich in specialised life. Plants and animals here have mastered heat and drought.

Rain, when it comes, transforms the landscape within days.

The Landscape

The Sonoran Desert has two rainy seasons and is famous for the giant Saguaro cactus, found in few other places. The Mojave is higher and colder in winter, and is the home of the Joshua tree. Both include rocky mountains, dry washes and sandy flats.

Who Lives Here

Roadrunners and Cactus Wrens nest among spiny plants, Gambel's Quail run in coveys, and Desert Tortoises shelter in burrows. Gila Monsters are rare, venomous lizards that are seldom seen, and most mammals come out at night.

Through The Year

Spring flowers can carpet the desert after a wet winter, and summer monsoon storms arrive from July to September. Winter days are mild, and midsummer afternoons are best avoided.

Pressures And Care

Invasive grasses that feed wildfires, groundwater use, development, off-road vehicles and climate change all stress desert communities. Protecting washes and undisturbed soil helps.

Visiting Well

Visit at dawn or dusk, carry plenty of water, never touch cacti or reach where you cannot see, and leave wildlife alone, especially snakes and tortoises.

Look for

Saguaro
Joshua Tree
Greater Roadrunner
Desert Tortoise
Cactus Wren

Often a good time to visit: March, April, November. Conditions vary from year to year and place to place.

Related habitats

Upland · Grassland

More in North America

Pacific Northwest Temperate Rainforest · Great Plains And Prairies · Eastern Deciduous Forest And Appalachians · Everglades And Gulf Coast Wetlands