It is most common in desert scrub, desert wash, and Joshua tree habitats, but occurs in almost every desert habitat except on the most precipitous slopes.
Burrows are most extensive in the northern part of the range where winter temperatures are coldest.
On occasion, a tortoise will take cover under a bush or any natural shelter. This species requires friable, sandy, well-drained soil for excavation of nests. Desert tortoises occur in a wide variety of habitats in arid and semiarid regions. They require friable soil for burrow and nest construction. Highest densities are achieved in creosote bush communities with extensive annual wildflower blooms, such as occur in the western Mojave.