Colorado Desert

The Colorado or “low” desert is a westward extension of the Sonoran Desert. This is a sub-tropical desert with very high summer temperatures, a nearly frost-free winter and a hyper-arid climate year round. Nonetheless, the Colorado Desert is host to an amazing array of flora and fauna as well as an ever expanding human footprint.

Whipple Mountains

Volcanic plugs and spires, more characteristic of the Sonoran desert in neighboring Arizona, spill across the border in the Whipple Mountains.

Cumulus Clouds

Clouds with vertical development are a rarity in the Colorado Desert. When they do appear, like these cumulus clouds near the Colorado River, it is usually in conjunction with monsoonal moisture flowing in from air masses originating in the tropics.

All-American

The All-American Canal shunts Colorado River water to thirsty San Diego and the Imperial Valley.

Badlands

Badlands in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park covers nearly 600,000 acres, making it the largest state park in the lower 48. The park helps to protect examples of Colorado Desert ecosystems.

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