The Mojave Desert is most commonly characterized by canyons, shaped by erosion over millions of years.

The Mojave Desert is known for its dramatic canyons, which are formed by the erosion of rock over time. These canyons, such as Desolation Canyon and the Mojave River Canyon, are typical of desert landscapes, where water, though infrequent, carves deep, winding paths through the terrain. While volcanoes are present in some parts of the Mojave, such as in the Amboy Crater, canyons are much more widespread. Glaciers and swamps are not found in the Mojave due to its arid, warm climate. Canyons remain one of the most iconic geological features of the desert.