The flowers of cacti are exquisite. They come in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow, as well as white. The Great Basin is cold in winter and warm in summer. The elevation varies from high valleys to lofty peaks. The cold and dry landscape is less lush than other deserts, and there are fewer species.
Shrubs are common, especially sagebrushes and saltbushes, as well as grasses.
Pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, sage grouse, and hawks are common. To the south of the Great Basin lies the Mojave Desert. This hot, dry desert varies from barren salt flats below sea level to forested peaks. The Mojave receives mainly winter rains. Precipitation is minimal, usually less than 6 inches per year.