14 Interesting Facts About the Sonoran Desert

The North American desert draws the attention of all tourists who visit it. Although the barren landscapes and dryness might seem unappealing, the Sonoran Desert’s grandeur is so captivating that it entices anyone to explore it.

Every corner of this desert holds secrets and mysteries, captivating visitors with its unique life and fascinating occurrences. The Sonoran Desert is no exception. While there are many legendary tales about it, the facts below are entirely true. These will help you get to know the Sonoran Desert better and see all its facets.

1. Sonoran Desert as a Complex of Deserts
   It’s commonly believed that the Sonoran Desert is a single geographical entity. However, few people know that it actually consists of several separate sand dunes, including Yuma, Tule, Altar, Colorado, Yuha, and Lechuguilla deserts.
2. Desert and Rivers
   Unlike many other deserts, several rivers flow through the Sonoran Desert. These include the Yaqui and Río Fuerte, Mayo, and the large Colorado River in the U.S., around which reservoirs, hydroelectric plants, and cities have been built.
3. Sonoran Swamp
   Surprisingly, a swamp has formed amid the endless sands of the Sonoran Desert. This boggy area with stagnant water, which is unusual for desert regions, is now a popular tourist attraction.
4. Extreme Heat
   It’s hard to imagine, but the small city of Yuma has been built in the Sonoran Desert. The people here endure temperatures of 35-40°C (95-104°F) for 200 days a year and go about their lives almost unaffected by the heat.
5. Fauna of the Sonoran Desert
   Despite the harsh conditions, the Sonoran Desert is home to a rich diversity of animals. Around 360 species of birds, 65 species of mammals, over 20 species of fish, and 100 species of reptiles thrive here.
6. The Saguaro Cactus: A Long-Lived Plant
   A rare endemic plant found only in the Sonoran Desert is the saguaro cactus. It has an average lifespan of 200 years, blooming and bearing fruit annually. Indigenous peoples once made medicinal drinks from these fruits.
7. Punishment for Cutting Cacti
   Anyone who cuts down or damages a saguaro cactus faces a fine of $500 or even imprisonment for 1-2 years.
8. Green Desert
   In the Lechuguilla region of the Sonoran Desert, there are areas covered in green agave plants, where the sand is completely obscured by their dense growth.
9. Mexican Refugees
   The Sonoran Desert serves as both a refuge and a deadly risk for illegal immigrants crossing the border from Mexico to the U.S. in search of a better life. Due to the lack of border patrol in the desert, the journey across the sands takes 5-7 days, and many perish in the scorching heat, never reaching the U.S.
10. Graveyard for Planes and Missiles
    Due to the dry climate and almost complete lack of rain in the Sonoran Desert, the U.S. government has stored old planes and missiles here. Around 4,500 aircraft can be found in this area, all left unguarded.
11. Legend of UFOs
    There is a belief that the desert serves as a haven for extraterrestrials when they visit Earth. While no evidence has been found, a photograph allegedly showing a flying saucer over the desert has fueled speculation.
12. Homes Amid Sand and Cacti
    DUST, an architectural and construction company, specializes in building and selling homes for affluent individuals in the Sonoran Desert. The developers claim that these homes provide everything needed for a peaceful, solitary lifestyle.
13. Indigenous Tribes
    Despite continuous pressure from Americans, 17 Native American tribes still live in the Sonoran Desert’s sands. They reside in reservations, with many knowing little about modern civilization. Some tribes collaborate with tourist agencies, earning income from visitors who come from all over the world.
14. Massive Cracks
    The Sonoran Desert is prone to the formation of large cracks in the ground, some extending 5-8 kilometers (3-5 miles) and 2-4 meters (6-13 feet) wide. These cracks pose a significant danger, and special services monitor the desert, warning locals when new fissures appear. A few years ago, a tourist jeep fell into one of these cracks, but fortunately, no one was harmed. However, it’s best not to take any risks and familiarize yourself with desert travel routes in advance.

There are countless interesting facts about the Sonoran Desert. This place remains a mystery, not fully understood by scientists, let alone tourists. The Sonoran Desert is far more complex than it seems, with its dark soil, blooming cacti, barren dunes, and wide rivers, all of which are awe-inspiring.