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Destinations

10 Mojave Desert Towns That Scream Wild West

LizzieMaher / Getty Images

Spanning 47,877 square miles, the Mojave Desert is spread out between California and Nevada — with small parts of it spilling into Utah and Arizona. 

Despite crossing four states, it’s actually the smallest desert in the United States. And the hottest. Besides the Mojave Desert National Preserve, you’ll also find Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park within the elusive boundaries of the desert’s borders. 

The best way to experience this wondrous landscape is to skip the big cities around it (like Las Vegas) and go to smaller places. These are the best towns near the Mojave Desert with fewer than 40,000 people.

Pahrump, Nevada

Pahrump - Nevada
LPETTET / Getty Images

Year established: 1970 (settled in the 1860s)

Population: 38,390

 

Visiting Pahrump

Spring Mountains with Clouds
Getty Images

The town of Pahrump itself isn’t too interesting (except for its fun-sounding name). But it provides a perfect stay for those wishing to visit the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. A little-known part of the Mojave Desert, this ecosystem is unique because it holds natural springs and ash trees, making it quite literally an oasis in the desert. 

Within the town, head to the casino to pretend like you’re in Vegas or visit the scenic Sanders Family Winery.

Desert Hot Springs, California

Road through Desert Hot Springs
Dougall_Photography / Getty Images

Year established: 1941

Population: 29,280

Visiting Desert Hot Springs

Windmills at the end of a rainbow
Getty Images

Nearby Palm Springs may get all the attention, but it’s mostly on the Sonoma Desert, whose border with Mojave is not always too clear. Instead, head to Desert Hot Springs.

Sure, you won’t find as many boutiques and mid-century homes, but you will get the very rare opportunity to dip in both hot and cold springs. The water from these springs is touted as having healing properties, so you won’t have to pay extra for spa treatments.