Yuma Desert
Yuma Desert is a rugged, arid expanse straddling the Arizona-California border, famed for extreme heat, large sand flats, and its critical role along the Colorado River.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | North America |
| Subregion | Sonoran Desert |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Yuma County |
| District | Yuma Desert |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 32.9 |
| Longitude | -114.7 |
| Maps |
7:13 PM LOCAL TIMEYuma Desert is a subsection of the larger Sonoran Desert, stretching across southern Arizona and parts of southeastern California. It’s characterized by hot, dry conditions, expansive sand and gravel plains, and limited perennial water outside the major sources like the Colorado River and associated irrigated lands. Visitors come to experience desert vistas, look for Gila monsters and bighorn sheep, or pass through historically on routes like what became U.S. Route 80 and later Interstate 8. The desert’s extreme temperatures — routinely surpassing 38°C (100°F) in summer — demand careful planning during hikes or drives, especially in open, unshaded areas. Nearby amenities are typically concentrated around the border towns of Yuma, El Centro, and crossing points, with long, open routes connecting to more developed regions.
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