The Sierra Nevada Mountains border the Mojave Desert to the west.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains, a major mountain range in the western United States, border the Mojave Desert to the west. These mountains, stretching across eastern California and western Nevada, act as a natural barrier, separating the desert from more temperate regions. The Sierra Nevada is home to some of the highest peaks in the U.S., including Mount Whitney. The range’s position causes the rain shadow effect, which blocks moisture from the Pacific Ocean, contributing to the dry conditions in the Mojave Desert. This geographical feature plays a significant role in the Mojave's arid climate.