There’s nothing more hauntingly beautiful than America’s vast deserts. After all, these stretches of rock, sand, and shrubbery are home to some of the harshest conditions on the planet, but their difficult elements are easily matched by their natural beauty. There’s one desert here in the United States that often flies under the radar when it comes to planning outdoor excursions, but Travel + Leisure recently named it one of the world’s most underrated spots. Prepare to be enchanted.
TripAdvisor/JT_Turner3 If you’re familiar with the Sonoran Desert, you might think that its reaches are limited solely to Mexico. Think again: while this vast region is primarily contained within Mexico, it also stretches into parts of California and Arizona. In total, the Sonoran covers approximately 100,000 square miles and features some of the most unique desert conditions in the world.
Flickr/junaidrao While the Sonoran certainly qualifies as an arid landscape, it breaks the mold by experiencing rainy weather in the winter and summer months, which gives way to all sorts of breathtaking blooms and other natural surprises throughout.
Flickr/Geoff Livingston If you’re ready to see America’s Sonoran Desert region for yourself, the options are seemingly endless. Begin with a journey to the Sonoran Desert National Monument in Maricopa, Arizona, where you’ll find nearly 500,000 acres of land to explore, complete with trails, scenic drives, and cacti galore.
Flickr/Ade Russell Check out the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve when you’re craving a desert bike ride, head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California for unforgettable views, or simply hop in the car and spend the day enjoying a self-guided driving tour through the desert’s spectacular stretches of land. Just don’t forget your water bottle!
Despite its massive size, this delightful desert region is one of America’s true hidden gems. Have you made memories within the Sonoran Desert during previous vacations? Are there any other parks or trails we should be aware of? Be sure to share your experiences with us in the comment section below.
TripAdvisor/JT_Turner3
If you’re familiar with the Sonoran Desert, you might think that its reaches are limited solely to Mexico. Think again: while this vast region is primarily contained within Mexico, it also stretches into parts of California and Arizona. In total, the Sonoran covers approximately 100,000 square miles and features some of the most unique desert conditions in the world.
Flickr/junaidrao
While the Sonoran certainly qualifies as an arid landscape, it breaks the mold by experiencing rainy weather in the winter and summer months, which gives way to all sorts of breathtaking blooms and other natural surprises throughout.
Flickr/Geoff Livingston
If you’re ready to see America’s Sonoran Desert region for yourself, the options are seemingly endless. Begin with a journey to the Sonoran Desert National Monument in Maricopa, Arizona, where you’ll find nearly 500,000 acres of land to explore, complete with trails, scenic drives, and cacti galore.
Flickr/Ade Russell
Check out the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve when you’re craving a desert bike ride, head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California for unforgettable views, or simply hop in the car and spend the day enjoying a self-guided driving tour through the desert’s spectacular stretches of land. Just don’t forget your water bottle!
To read about another fantastic desert destination in the United States, click here.
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