The Sonoran Desert is located at the border between the United States and Mexico, also known as the Gila Desert due to the presence of the Gila River. As it is at a lower latitude than the Mojave Desert, it is also referred to as the “Low Desert.” The desert spans a large area including parts of Arizona and California in the United States, and Sonora in Mexico.

The Sonoran Desert is one of the largest and hottest deserts in North America, covering a total area of 311,000 square kilometers. It is also the wettest desert in the world, with an annual rainfall of 3-15 inches. Many unique plants and animals thrive in the Sonoran Desert, such as saguaro cacti and various wildlife. The desert is home to 60 species of mammals, 350 bird species, 20 amphibian species, over 100 reptile species, 30 native fish species, and over 2,000 native plant species. Many plants have adapted to the harsh desert climate, leading to evolutionary changes in the species.

Plants growing in the Sonoran Desert include species from the cactus, palm, agave, and legume families, making it the only place in the world where wild saguaro cacti grow.

Sonoran Desert
Reasons to visit: One of the largest and hottest deserts in North America
Continent: North America
Country: Mexico
States: Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur