23 Desert Landscapes That Look Like Paintings

Deniz SahinturkUpdated: Jul. 22, 2021

Who knew deserts could be this beautiful?

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When you think of beautiful landscapes, you probably don’t think about deserts. Well, these gorgeous landscapes might be able to change your opinion. From Mongolia to California, these 25 gorgeous desert landscapes from all around the world could truly be paintings. Make sure you also check out these 20 gorgeous river photos from around the world.

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The Sahara Desert

Yes, the Sahara Desert is the largest (hot) desert in the world, and also one of the harshest environments you can find. Yet this doesn’t mean it’s not also beautiful. Here are some amazing nature photos that you won’t believe are real.

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Desert mountain and plain against beautiful blue sky

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Namib, Southern Africa

The Namib is truly a vast desert, covering parts of Namibia, Angola, and South Africa. It’s by no means a welcoming environment, yet a diverse number of plants and animals have managed to make it home. Oh, and it is also quite beautiful.

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Lenticular cloud formation over the Valley of the Moon in Chile

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Atacama Desert, Chile

Located in Chile, this dry desert is rich with geological formations, which makes it a hot spot for scientific research. There’s not much in terms of organic life, but it is rich in terms of minerals. These National Geographic landscapes are just as breathtaking.

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Africa, Botswana, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Mabuasehube Game Reserve, Mabuasehube Pan at sunrise

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Kalahari Desert, Southern Africa

This magnificent desert is located on the African continent and occupies almost all of Botswana, part of Namibia, and part of Northern Cape province in South Africa. While it’s not the best environment for vegetation, there are still open woodlands, palm trees, and forests to be found.

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Antarctica

Yes, you did not read that wrong. Antarctica is a desert and the largest desert in the world at that. Looking at how beautiful it looks, it would be hard to believe that it’s also the coldest, driest, and windiest continent. This photo might be all white, but these nature photos are sure colorful.

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Nomad corrals caravan of camels across Gobi Desert

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Gobi Desert, Central Asia

Most of this large desert is remote and unexplored and covered with rock rather than sand. What is surprising is that there are some people who live there.

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Arctic Polar Desert

It might be surprising to see the Arctic referred to as a desert—it does contain an ocean after all. However, not only the temperatures are so low that the ocean is frozen, but the air is also extremely dry, hence the classification as a desert. These underwater photos are also just as gorgeous.

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Sunset at Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, USA

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Mojave Desert, Southwest United States

If you’re thinking of a barren landscape when you think of the word “desert,” think again. The Mojave boasts the largest Joshua tree forest, and lots of spring wildflowers, making it a popular attraction. Make sure you also check out these beautiful pictures of natural parks.

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Bardenas Reales, Spain

Deserts in Europe are rare, which makes the Bardenas Reales a bit special. It’s also significant for the impressive rock formations you can run across in the desert.

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Arabian Desert, Middle East

Covering eight countries, the Arabian desert is the definition of a vast body of sand. While it is quite a harsh environment, for years it was home to desert-dwelling people called the Bedouin.

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Sonoran, Southwest United States

The Sonoran Desert is unique in that it boasts a great diversity of plant life. It is also home to various animals. These photos of waves are just as beautiful.

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Chicken & Mushroom rock formation in the White Desert of Egypt

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White Desert, Egypt

It might not be one of the most-visited destinations in Egypt, but the White Desert is quite a beautiful sight. Make sure you also check out these beautiful animal photos.

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Thar Desert

The Thar Desert is sometimes also called the Great Indian Desert. It’s one of the most populated and most civilized deserts in the world, according to Times of India.

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Rub Al Khali

Rub Al Khali, also named “empty quarter”, due to its appearance. A legend also talks about a city that is lost somewhere in the desert. Here are some other spectacular photos that are also worth a look.

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Eroded rock in the desert of Tabernas, Almeria, Sp

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Tabernas Desert, Spain

You might recognize this European desert if you look closely. After all, it has been a popular area to shoot many films and westerns since the 1950s, including parts of the sixth season of the Game of Thrones.

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Taklamakan Desert, China

The Taklamakan does not exactly have a good reputation—after all, it’s also known as the “Place of Ruins” or “Sea of Death.” And yet, this does not take anything away from its beauty.

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The weird Pinnacles Desert landscape, the pinnacles are ancient limestone formations in the Nambung National Park

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Pinnacles Desert, Australia

This magnificent desert is named for the pinnacles that cover its surface. It’s estimated that there are thousands of these limestone structures covering the desert.

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Scenic View Of Sea Against Cloudy Sky During Sunny Day

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Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

This desert is considered one of the most extreme and remarkable vistas in South America, according to National Geographic. Looking at its pictures, we can’t help but agree.

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Medieval, majestic Saryazd fortress built in the 7th century AD in "Dasht-e Kavir" desert near Yazd, Iran

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Kavir Desert, Iran

This desert is famous for its salt crust, caused by its rainless climate. It’s speculated that many years ago, a vast ocean was in the place of the desert. These photos will also make you appreciate the beauty of life.

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First Light on Chisos Mountains Big Bend National Park

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Chihuahuan Desert

While the Chihuahuan Desert is one of the most diverse deserts, it’s also one of the most endangered regions in the world. It’s home to a wide range of plants and 400 bird species.

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A view of Ojo Caliente Spring, located in the Lower Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park.

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Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

Not only is this desert a beautiful sight, but it is also home to rejuvenating hot springs, making it a popular tourist destination. Here are some stunning rainbow photos that are just as wonderful.

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Moab, Utah

This is is also called a geological wonderland due to the scenic red rock cliffs on both sides, and the surrounding desert train. Make sure you also check out the photos of the world’s most beautiful countries.

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Alvord Desert, Oregon

Alvord Desert might be a dry, flat piece of land, but this doesn’t mean it’s not also a beautiful sight to look at. Next, check out these 20 arrestingly beautiful photos that stand the rest of time.

Originally Published: May 07, 2020