Amargosa Desert
Amargosa Desert is a high, arid basin on the Nevada/California border, characterized by salt flats, broad playa, and linked canyons. Visitors come for dune crossings, spring-fed springs, and quiet desert trails.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Great Basin |
| Subregion | Great Basin |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County | Nye County |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 36.583 |
| Longitude | -116.68 |
| Maps |
6:14 PM LOCAL TIMEAmargosa Desert sits at the intersection of Nevada and California, and marks the upstream reaches of the Amargosa River which often runs intermittently. The landscape features broad, flat salt pans, shallow ephemeral lakes, and sparse desert riparian corridors, backed by low basin fills and high desert uplands. Amidst this stark terrain are points of interest: spring-fed oases where Artemisia tridentata and Tamarix share water; dune fields and playa crossings suited to overland travel; and canyon entrances providing relief and access to shaded narrows. The region sees extreme diurnal temperature swings, low annual rainfall, and clear, star-rich skies at night. Travelers come here to explore remote desert routes, observe broad basin views, and encounter the quiet resilience of desert flora and adapted fauna. Nearby locales—such as Death Valley to the southeast and Pahrump to the southwest—offer additional services, while the Amargosa region itself rewards careful planning and minimalist gear for safety and comfort.
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