Explore 345 Deserts Collections - Atlas Obscura
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Honey Island earned its name because of the honeybees once seen on a nearby island.
islands

The Most Unique Camping Spots Across the U.S.

Pitch your tent off the beaten path.
Holyn Thigpen September 10, 2026
California

Salt Creek and the Salt Creek Hills

An improbable creek near Death Valley, not far from the oldest surviving Euro-American structure in the Mojave Desert.
As-Sabikah, Tunisia

Chebika Oasis

A gem in the middle of the desert that looks like it came straight from a fairytale.
Nevada has the highest percentage of public land in the lower 48 states.
nature

Where to Experience the Best of Nevada’s Public Lands

The Silver State is full of unexpected and unforgettable natural wonders, many of which are preserved and protected as federally designated areas. Ready to explore?
Santa Claus, Arizona

Emerald Isle Mine

This abandoned open-pit copper mine features stunning turquoise mineral pools and excellent rock-hunting opportunities.
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Al Ain Oasis

A 3,000 acre historic oasis and farm in the middle of the UAE's "Green City".
Terra, Utah

Dugway Geode Beds

Ancient volcanic activity made this into an exciting rockhounding site.
One of the mesmerizing rock formations at Arches National Park.
Itinerary

The Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park

Utah’s natural wonderland offers nearly unlimited thrills.
Corralejo, Spain

Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo

Park in the Canary Islands renowned for white dunes that contrast with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.
Biosphere 2 campus (2016)
science

Biosphere 2: How Volunteers Survived for 2 Years in an Airtight Habitat

This 1991 experiment spawned a wave of new research about engineering, agriculture, and space exploration.
The Podcast Team July 11, 2025
Afar Zone 2, Ethiopia

Salt Canyon

It’s one of the hottest places in the world, but this canyon looks like it’s covered in snow.
The truth is out there—somewhere.
atom bombs

The Truth Is Out There at the Dreamland Resort (or Should We Say ‘Area 51?’)

What’s the real story behind America’s most infamous Air Force base?
The Podcast Team July 1, 2025
The first photo of the “woolly devil” made a stir among botanists when Deb Manley uploaded it to iNaturalist in March 2024.
flora

How the Woolly Devil, Member of a New Plant Genus, Was Discovered on a Hike in Big Bend

On an ordinary walk around Big Bend National Park, a park ranger and volunteer made a rare scientific discovery: an entirely new kind of plant.
The Podcast Team June 4, 2025
San Bernardino County, California

Cadiz Dunes Wilderness Area

A remote field of nearly pristine sand dunes in the heart of the Mojave Desert.
Cadiz, California

Marble Mountains Trilobite Quarry

Anyone can play paleontologist at this quarry that has Cambrian fossils galore.
Itinerary

The Explorer’s Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

Venture into the realm of desert tortoises, “mentalphysics,” and lonesome Muffler Men.
Gina Rae
Tucson, Arizona

Tumamoc Hill

Hikers and walkers flock to this historic volcanic butte for its scenic desert views.
San Bernardino County, California

Mitchell Caverns

An improbable set of attractive limestone caverns forms the centerpiece of Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, in the heart of the Mojave Desert.