The largest desert in North America is the Great Basin Desert. Located primarily in Nevada, it spans parts of Utah and California as well. Classified as a cold desert, the Great Basin Desert covers an area of approximately 190,000 square miles, making it the largest desert in the United States and the second largest in North America, following the Chihuahuan Desert. The Great Basin Desert is characterized by its arid conditions, sparse vegetation, and unique topography, including mountain ranges and valleys. The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife adapted to its challenging environment.