Last Updated on June 12, 2023
California is known for its diverse landscapes and geography, with a variety of desert locations which ar some of the state’s most unique and captivating areas.
Often, these areas are referred to as “high desert” or “low desert”, although there is no official map or denomination distinguishing the two.
These areas differ greatly in terms of temperature, elevation, and lifestyle.
Roughly, the areas located within the Mojave Desert are classified as “high desert”, whereas the “low desert” comprises the Sonoran desert (or California’s “Colorado Desert”, which extends into nearby states like Colorado and Arizona).
This is only a rule of thumb though as there are also areas of the Mojave desert which can be considered low desert.
High Desert vs Low Desert
The High and Low Deserts of California are both characterized by a desert climate, but they are somewhat different in terms of geography, temperature, environment and even culture.
Geographically, the High Desert is characterized by its higher elevation and cooler temperatures, while the Low Desert is known for its lower elevation and warmer temperatures.
Both regions have unique plant and wildlife communities that are distinct from each other.
California High Desert and Low Desert Map
Map of Locations in the High Desert (blue) and Low Desert (red) of California
The High Desert is located approximately 2,000 feet above sea level and stretches across several counties, including San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono.
With its dry, windy climate, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
The High Desert is also home to a thriving artist community and a number of historic sites, including the historic mining town of Bodie.
The Low Desert is located around 500 feet above sea level and is comprised of several counties, including Riverside, Imperial, and San Diego.
This area is characterized by its hot, dry climate, making it ideal for sun-seekers and those looking to escape the colder temperatures of the High Desert.
The Low Desert is also renowned for its vibrant resort scene, with many world-class spas, golf courses, and swimming pools dotting the landscape.
When it comes to lifestyle, the High Desert is often considered more laid-back and rural, while the Low Desert is known for its luxury and opulence.
For example, the city of Palm Springs in the Low Desert is famous for its abundance of swimming pools, with an estimated 40,000 pools within the city limits alone, and a number of hot springs nearby.
| High Desert | Low Desert |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles County Antelope Valley (Antelope Valley, Palmdale, Lancaster, Pearblossom, etc.) | Riverside County Coachella Valley (Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Indio, Palm Desert, etc.) |
| San Bernardino County Victor Valley (Victor Valley, Victorville, Apple Valley, etc.) | Palo Verde Valley (Palo Verde Valley, Blythe Area, Ripley, Mesa Verde, etc.) |
| Morongo Basin (Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Morongo Valley, etc.) | Desert Center, Chiriaco Summit, Eagle Mountain |
| Barstow Area (Barstow, Fort Irwin, Newberry Springs, etc.) | Imperial County Imperial Valley (boEl Centro, Calexico, Brawley, Salton City, Niland etc.) |
| Searles Valley (Trona) | San Diego County Anza-Borrego Desert (Borrego Springs, etc.) |
| Needles | |
| Kern County Indian Wells Valley (IWV) (Ridgecrest, Inyokern, etc.) | |
| California City, Rosamond, Boron, North Edwards, etc. | |
| Inyo County Owens Valley (Lone Pine, Bishop, Independence, etc.) | |
| Panamint Valley | |
| Saline Valley | |
| Mono County Mammoth Lakes, Bridgeport, Lee Vining, etc. |
The High Desert
The High Desert, also known as the Mojave Desert, is a region located in Southern California. This desert region is characterized by its high elevation and cooler temperatures, as well as its distinctive plant and wildlife communities.
The High Desert spans from the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County to the Morongo Basin near Joshua Tree National Park.
Major cities in this region include Lancaster and Victorville, with a total population of over 880,000 people.
One of the defining features of the High Desert is its geography. The region is located at a higher elevation compared to the Low Desert, which gives it a unique climate and environment.
The High Desert is also typically windier than the Low Desert and has average temperatures that are 12 to 20 degrees cooler in both the winter and summer seasons.
The High Desert is located in Southern California and spans across four counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Kern.
The largest portion of the High Desert is located in San Bernardino County, which makes up around 70% of the county’s total area.
The High Desert is also considered to be part of the Greater Los Angeles Area and the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
The Low Desert
The Low Desert is a region located in Southern California. This desert region is characterized by its lower elevation and warmer temperatures, as well as its distinctive plant and wildlife communities.
The Low Desert spans from the southern portion of California’s Colorado Desert to the Salton Sea, which is located below sea level.
Major cities in this region include Palm Springs and Indio, with a total population of over 500,000 people.
One of the defining features of the Low Desert is its geography. The region is located at a lower elevation compared to the High Desert, which gives it a unique climate and environment.
The Low Desert is also typically warmer than the High Desert and has average temperatures that are 12 to 20 degrees higher in both the winter and summer seasons.
The Low Desert is located in Southern California and spans across two counties: Riverside and Imperial.
The largest portion of the Low Desert is located in Riverside County, which makes up around 60% of the county’s total area.
The Low Desert is also considered to be part of the Greater Palm Springs Area and the Coachella Valley region of Southern California.
California Desert FAQs
What is the High Desert?
The High Desert is a semi-arid region located in California, USA characterized by its dry, arid climate and high elevations, which can vary from 2000-5000 feet.
Where is the High Desert located?
The High Desert can be found in various locations in California, including Los Angeles County Antelope Valley, San Bernardino County Victor Valley, Morongo Basin, Barstow Area, Searles Valley, Needles, Kern County Indian Wells Valley, Inyo County Owens Valley, and Mono County.
What is the Low Desert?
The Low Desert is a semi-arid region located in California, USA characterized by its hot and dry climate, with elevations ranging from 500-3000 feet.
Where is the Low Desert located in California?
The Low Desert can be found in Riverside County Coachella Valley, Palo Verde Valley, Imperial County Imperial Valley, and San Diego County Anza-Borrego Desert.
What is the difference between the High and Low Desert?
The key differences between the High and Low Desert are elevation and temperature, with the High Desert having higher elevations and lower temperatures, while the Low Desert has lower elevations and higher temperatures.
The High Desert is often associated with rural, sparsely populated areas, while the Low Desert is more urban and densely populated.
Culturally, the High Desert may have a more traditional, cowboy-inspired heritage, while the Low Desert has a mix of cultures and historical influences, including Native American, Spanish, and Mexican.
Which is colder, the High Desert or the Low Desert?
The High Desert is typically colder than the Low Desert. This is because the High Desert is located at a higher elevation, which means that the air is thinner and cooler.
The average temperature in the High Desert ranges from 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
The average temperature in the Low Desert ranges from 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Is Joshua Tree High Desert or Low Desert?
Joshua Tree National Park is located in the High Desert region of California. The park is known for its distinctive Joshua Trees, which are only found in the Mojave Desert.
Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and rock climbing, and is a testament to the beauty and diversity of the High Desert region.
What are some of the popular activities in the High Desert?
The High Desert is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
The region is also home to a number of historic sites, including the historic mining town of Bodie.
What are some of the popular activities in the Low Desert?
The Low Desert is a popular destination for sun-seekers and those who enjoy luxury resorts.
The region is also home to a number of golf courses, spas, and swimming pools.
Read also: Deserts of the US
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