Sonoran Desert — a vast and ornate desert spanning southern Arizona and northern Mexico, famed for its giant saguaro cacti, diverse plant life, and warm, consistent climate_.
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | North America |
| Subregion | Southern Arizona and Sonora |
| Country | MexicoUnited States |
| State | SonoraArizona |
| County | Pima CountyYuma CountyCentral Sonora |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 32.7 |
| Longitude | -113.5 |
| Maps |
6:34 PM LOCAL TIMEThe Sonoran Desert is a charismatic and biologically rich desert covering roughly 1.9 million square kilometers across southern Arizona and northern Mexico. It is distinguished by landmarks like the saguaro Carnegiea gigantea, vibrant desert pavements, and seasonal wildflower blooms following winter rains. The desert supports a range of habitats — from coastal-influenced slopes to arid basins — and is home to animals like gila monster, venomous rattlesnakes, and numerous birds of prey. Key access points are around Tucson, the Yuma area, and across the border in Sonora; activities include desert hikes, canyon exploring, photography of sunrise and sunset, and visiting historical sites like old forts and border crossings.
Provides geographic and ecological relationships that define the Sonoran Desert's landscape and connections.
Internal
Defines the core physical features that constitute the Sonoran Desert.
Sonoran Desert
Sonoran Desert covers southwestern Arizona and southwestern California, extending into northern Mexico. Expect broad, hot basins bordered by fingered mountain ranges, with iconic saguaro cacti and diverse flora and fauna.
Nearby
Lists regions and landforms that lie adjacent to the Sonoran Desert.
Caribbean Mexico
Caribbean Mexico includes coastal states like Quintana Roo and Yucatán, famed for tropical beaches, cenotes, mayan ruins, and vibrant marine life.
Southwestern US
Southwestern US encompasses deserts and highlands across Arizona, New Mexico, southwestern Utah, and southern California, known for canyons, plateaus, and desert ecosystems.
Water
Connects the desert to major hydrological features that influence its climate and biodiversity.
Colorado River
Colorado River carves across the desert from Colorado to Mexico, supporting agriculture, urban water supplies, and downstream ecosystems in a shifting, multistate corridor.
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