High-elevation deserts
Photo: Derrellwilliams, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
High-elevation deserts are found in some parts of the world, such as Tibet and Nevada, and are typically in the rain shadow of mountain ranges.
UnderstandHigh-elevation deserts are not like the low-lying Sahara, and are instead inland from oceans. They share some features in common with continental climates, though these deserts' high elevation reduces temperature.
DestinationsEast of the forests of the Sierra Nevada, the highest peaks of which reach heights of 14,000 ft, is a swift descent of a few thousand feet into a region that is completely different.
ItinerariesThese deserts have vast regions of open space with few people, and this can be experienced by following the highways that cross these regions.
Stay safeHigh-elevation deserts tend to have low populations due to climate. Elevation causes temperature to decrease significantly, and this can cause cold winters from 5000 ft or higher in many temperate regions.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "High-elevation deserts" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Derrellwilliams, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons