Life in a Land of Extremes

The Mojave Desert Network includes nine national park units—totaling over eight million acres—within the Mojave and Great Basin deserts of Nevada, Arizona, and California. 

This is a land of extremes and stunning diversity: from Death Valley National Park— the hottest, driest, and lowest national park— to the sprawling waters of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It is a land of Joshua trees, unlikely fish, fossil beds, dark skies, and rich American history. Across these landscapes we monitor the health and condition of vegetation communities, subalpine lakes, springs, streams, and groundwater.

We are one of 32 Inventory & Monitoring networks across the country working to provide park managers and visitors with reliable scientific information about important natural resources.