Indicated by the presence of the Joshua tree, the Mojave Desert straddles eastern California, southern Nevada and northeastern Arizona. The Mojave is known for it's extreme heat - a reputation built by average temperatures over 100°F for half the year and a record of 134°F in Furnace Creek. From out of this harsh environment come some incredibly unique sights like Badwater Basin and the Racetrack Playa in Death Vally NP, Joshua Tree NP's forest, and fabulous Las Vegas.