Sevier Desert
Sevier Desert is a high, arid basin in central Nevada, characterized by salt flats, alkali soils, and sparse desert shrubland. It's divided by the Sevier River and linked to regional playas and mountain ranges.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Western USA |
| Subregion | Great Basin |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County | Sevier County |
| District | Sevier Basin |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 39.5 |
| Longitude | -118.2 |
| Maps |
8:35 PM LOCAL TIMESevier Desert is a broad, flat basin in central Nevada, formed by tectonic extension and typical of the Great Basin. Covering roughly 49,000 square kilometers, it stretches between the Toiyabe and Pahvant mountain ranges and is drained by the Sevier River. Its surface is marked by extensive salt flats and alkali soils, with sparse desert shrubland communities supporting species such as Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush) and Tamarix (tamarisk). The desert drops from about 1,900 meters near the mountains to around 1,500 meters where it meets regional playas and the Utah border. Isolated dry lakes and seasonal runoff contribute to ephemeral surface water, while the basin layout influences local climate — hot, dry summers and cold winters. The area is used for limited grazing, mineral extraction, and recreational hunting; visitors should prepare for remote conditions and high winds.
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