10 great desert drives in the U.S.

You’d be hard-pressed to find scenery more spectacular and awe-inspiring than the American desert. According to Stewart Green, author of several books on scenic drives, including “Scenic Driving Arizona” and “Scenic Driving Colorado,” the United States has five main — and very different — deserts: the Chihuahuan, the Sonoran, the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. All are characterized by different rock formations, cactus and color. One thing’s for certain: All are stunning and unique to the American West.

Text by Tricia Romano | Photo editing by Connie Ricca

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66Comments
Shines
Jan 29, 2013 9:09PM
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Stupid excessive Ford ads slowing down the slide show  - completely ruined it for me.
SherSugar
Jan 29, 2013 9:06PM
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They all look beautiful...but I think another should be added to the list.  Cruise through the Mojave and into Joshua Tree National Park and you will never forget it. 
jst1guy
Jan 29, 2013 9:04PM
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If you come on that road heading west from Delta, Utah, be sure to carry plenty of water, know how to change a tire and don't go off-roading unless you know what you are doing.   When you get to Ely, NV, look fort he "ghost train."
truth hurts 536
Jan 29, 2013 8:58PM
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next time i'm in vegas i'm going for a drive!!!!!
David PGrimes (metalminer)
Jan 29, 2013 8:53PM
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Best advice, pack your protection on the Saguaro drive .

The homeless and mules will strip you clean.

RonP807
Jan 29, 2013 8:45PM
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Did ya look at Picture number 2? Where did the road go? It was there yesterday on my way to work! Damn I'm buying a 4X4 next time!
divasnark
Jan 29, 2013 8:40PM
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I haven't lived in Vegas in a long time now, but I think you've got these backwards. The Valley of Fire is in Utah on the way to Zion, the Red Rock Loop is just outside of Vegas.  I spent a LOT of time on the Loop between 1980 and 1993.  Double check with locals; I think you might have mixed them up.
Dr. M. Banalny
Jan 29, 2013 8:35PM
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super pustynia ,mozna sie zblondzic
ole rooster
Jan 29, 2013 8:32PM
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Awesome, Valley of Fire was terrific!  Lots of great scenery.  Come back to Vegas at sundown and see the lights of the city come on.  You will enjoy this excursion...take a picnic lunch and feed the  little ground squirrels....
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