12 Extraordinary Desert Landscapes to Explore
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Desert landscapes are often underrated destinations but have so much to offer tourists. Massive and ever-changing dunes, bizarre yet captivating rock formations, spectacular scenery, unmatched sunset and sunrise views, and a wealth of outdoor fun activities—there is so much to see and experience in deserts.
You should explore the surreal beauty of these extraordinary deserts at least once. The thing about the deserts on this list is that none is like another. From endless salt flats to alien-like rock formations and towering dunes, each has a uniqueness that has to be experienced individually.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Many tourists visiting Jordan focus a significant part of their itinerary on Petra, overlooking the stunning Wadi Rum, less than 2 hours away. Towering sandstone landscapes, massive dunes, and vast rocky plains characterize this incredible desert landscape.
The sandstone formations, eroded by the wind over the years, have created breathtaking geological features, now a haven for photographers and Instagrammers. Some unmissable features in Wadi Rum include Lawrence’s Spring, Khazali Canyon, and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
Visit to enjoy the stunning scenery, breathtaking sunrises, and sunsets, camel rides, and, if you are lucky, a chance to spot wildlife such as Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, and desert foxes.
Wadi Rum is also known for its wide range of unique and stunning accommodation styles, with many offering panoramic views of the red dunes; visiting this desert is an opportunity to enjoy magnificent views in every direction you take.
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Valle de la Luna, Chile
Visiting Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) in the Atacama Desert feels like a trip to another planet. As the name suggests, this valley is characterized by bizarre, moon-like landscapes, such as strikingly odd rock formations, dunes, and salt flats.
The sunset and sunrise views here are particularly spectacular. This valley is also home to some flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you can spot some desert foxes, lizards, and birds of prey. Some unmissable treasures in this valley include the Amphitheater and the Three Marias.
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Sossusvlei, Namib Desert, Namibia
Sossusvlei’s landscape looks like a scene out of a painting—simply eye-captivating and surreal. Situated within the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia, Sossusvlei is renowned for its towering sand dunes, which rise dramatically against the backdrop of mostly clear skies.
While there is so much to see in Sossusvlei, you do not want to miss the Big Daddy and Dune 45, among the biggest dunes in the world. Enjoy the vibrant hues of these massive dunes against clear skies, enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and go on a photography spree.
For unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding environment, go up the dunes and come back sandboarding.
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Erg Chebbi, Sahara Desert, Morocco
The Sahara Desert is so vast that it can be difficult for tourists to choose where to explore. However, if you are after spectacular landscapes, Erg Chebbi in Morocco is a great destination.
Erg Chebbi is renowned for its high dunes stretching over 22 kilometers, creating a mesmerizing landscape for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
You can take camel rides around the dunes for varied perspectives. Sandboarding down the massive desert is another exhilarating activity at Erg Chebbi.
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Death Valley, Nevada/California, USA
If you are a daring adventurer, Death Valley may be a great addition to your bucket list. Located in California and Nevada, Death Valley is known for being the lowest, driest, and hottest area in North America. The world’s highest temperature, 134.1 °F (56.7 °C), was recorded at Death Valley.
Despite these extreme conditions, tourists still visit Death Valley to marvel at its salt flats, dunes, and rugged mountains. Death Valley is also home to iconic and must-see geological formations like Badwater Basin and Artist’s Palette.
Ensure you go up Dante’s View, which offers unmatched panoramic views of the valley below and the mountain ranges across. Death Valley is the perfect definition of beautifully haunting, which makes it a thrilling destination for adrenaline junkies.
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The Pinnacles Desert, Australia
The Pinnacles Desert is one of Australia’s most fascinating and unique landscapes. It is famous for its unique limestone formations, called pinnacles, which rise from the yellow sands.
Visiting the Pinnacles Desert feels like stepping into a different era; the rock formations and stone pillars create an ancient and nostalgic ambiance that continues to attract tourists from across the globe.
Take time to marvel at the thousands of eerie spires scattered through the vast sandy plains. While touring the Pinnacles Desert, you may also bump into kangaroos, emus, and various reptiles.
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Monument Valley, USA
Monument Valley is just what the name suggests—monumental; it is no wonder it has been featured as the backdrop for many movie covers and television shows. Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, this landscape is filled with sandstone mesas, buttes, and spires rising high above the desert floor, all looking like monuments from a distance.
There are so many ways to explore and enjoy the beauty of this landscape. Drive along the Valley Drive loop and stop by landmarks such as Mittens, Merrick Butte, and Elephant Butte. You can also take horseback riding excursions or guided tours that let tourists get deeper into the landscape’s history and geology.
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White Sands, New Mexico, USA
If you are into the extraordinary, then visiting White Sands in New Mexico should be an entry on your bucket list. This desert landscape features striking white dunes that go on for miles and miles. We do not get to see white desert sands and dunes every day, making it an excellent reason to visit White Sands.
With its uniqueness and beauty, this destination is a perfect spot for photographers, especially with the ever-changing shapes of the dunes. For perfect shots, visit around sunrise or sunset, as the views are more magical. If you enjoy outdoor activities, consider hiking the Alkali Flat Trail or Interdune Boardwalk for an immersive experience.
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Valley of Fire, Mojave Desert, Nevada
In case you are wondering why it is called the Valley of Fire, it is because of the fiery red sandstones that glow fiercely when illuminated by sun rays. The views of the red sandstones are even more surreal during sunrise and sunset.
Take scenic drives along Valley of Fire Road and Mouse’s Tank Road for the best views of the land formations. Hikers will enjoy hiking the White Domes Trail and the Mouse’s Tank Trail.
In whatever way you explore this park, be sure to stop by its iconic landmarks, such as Elephant Rock, Rainbow Vista, and the Fire Wave.
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Read also: Must-See US Landmarks
White Desert, Egypt
With its chalk-white rock formations, White Desert is a photographer’s paradise that keeps attracting tourists. The unique shape of the rock formations makes this landscape even more enticing. The most notable and must-see are the chicken-shaped and giant-mushroom-shaped rock formations standing side by side.
The White Desert is vast and offers so much to experience. For an immersive experience, take desert safaris, camel rides, or go hiking. You may also consider camping options offered on the ground. Camping is an especially good option for anyone into stargazing, as the desert also offers great stargazing opportunities.
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Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salt flats are typically breathtaking geological sites, which tells you that visiting the largest salt flat in the world, Salar de Uyuni, would be an unforgettable experience.
Salar de Uyuni is famous for its vast stretches of bright white salt crust that remained behind after an ancient lake evaporated.
This is one of the destinations you will love to visit during the rainy season. The rains leave a thin layer of water on the salt crust, creating a mirror-like surface that reflects the sky. As if the scenic salt pan is not enough, the iconic Andes Mountains frame the landscape, creating an even more breathtaking scenery.
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Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is a perfect holiday destination thanks to its picture-perfect scenery and many activities. The landscape is known for its unique rock formations, including chimneys and caves, created after years of erosion.
Take hot air balloon tours for panoramic views of the surreal landscapes, do photoshoots, or take guided tours for an immersion into the region’s rich history and culture. You may also go hiking or horse riding; there are many ways to experience this spectacular desert landscape.
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Read also: Breathtaking Countries To Explore
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Rachel is a content writer interested in creating engaging narratives on travel, home management, personal finance, and parenting. When free, you can catch her writing for her personal blog, flawlesshorizon.com, watching TikToks, or exploring hidden gems in her city.
