Great Basin-Mojave Divide Mountain Ranges ~ Nevada

The mountainous region in southern Nevada where the Great Basin Desert and the Mojave Desert meet is as picturesque as can be. Some people refer to this region as the Great Basin-Mojave Divide, which is a fitting name. The difference between the two desert mountain range systems can be distinguished by which direction the local mountain ranges run. For the most part, the Great Basin mountain ranges run north and south, while the mountains in this end of the Mojave Desert run east and west.  Where these two opposing mountain range systems meet, plenty of dramatic landscapes can be experienced!

Winter and spring seasons are the best choice for exploring the Desert Southwest, because the cool temperatures are much easier on the vehicle and travelers alike. Driving with the windows down and the A/C turned off does have a way of refreshing a tired soul. The crisp cool clean air and cobalt blue skies truly are invigorating, especially when stopping to stretch the legs in a quiet desolate area in the desert to take in the majestic views. The peaceful quiet and solitude does have a way of dissolving tired memories of the daily grind. 

Taking a cruise with nothing more in mind than to view the mountains in the desert is simplicity at its best. In the vast wide open spaces of southern Nevada there is very little vehicular traffic, so pulling off the road to take in a nice view causes little bother. Exploring the long dirt roads that gradually vanish in the distant mountains can be an option too, if the mode of transportation is a high ground clearance vehicle. 

Some people can look at a mountain all day long, just as if it is an artist’s canvas. It is interesting how certain mountain landscapes become recurring memories during a lifetime. Some mountains seem to have a way of calling a person near, while others convey an ominous paranormal feeling that cannot be explained. The spirit of a mountain may have a lesson to teach or it might guard an omen of future events that lie ahead. There is a bit of magic in every mountain that is viewed, so sometimes a long look is worth the while.

The photographs for this article were taken in a few places that are within a 90 minute drive from Las Vegas. One series of photos show the Spring Mountains near Mt Charleston and the forested mountain pass to Pahrump. The rest of the Great Basin-Mojave Divide photos were gathered along U.S. Highway 95 from Snow Mountain all the way north to Grapevine Canyon, just past the town of Beatty. A few photos along Highway 93 near Caliente were added too.

The views of the mountains in the Great Basin-Mojave Divide are well worth taking in, because each mountain range along the way has its own unique character. In fact the closer that one gets to the old Nevada Nuclear Test Site and the mining district of Beatty, the stranger the mountain landscape becomes! Clouds gather against the mountain peaks in this region on chilly days and the effect is quite nice to view. 

The views of the mountains along Highway 95 are remarkable, especially during the winter season when the peaks are covered with snow or when a cold front drapes the tall mountains with rain drenched clouds. Be sure to bring a good camera, because the wildlife can present some great photo opportunities along the way. 

The Great Basin-Mojave Divide Mountains of southern Nevada provide relaxing majestic views for all that pass through! Taking the time to do a scenic drive through this region will also act as an overview, because there are many scenic destinations in this area that are rarely publicized. All that one has to do is gas it up and get the show on the road to experience some majestic mountains in southern Nevada!