The Great Basin is mostly known for its dry, desert-like conditions, making it one of the driest regions in North America.

The Great Basin is renowned for its dry, desert-like conditions, which cover a large portion of the region. The landscape is characterized by low rainfall, salt flats, and expansive sagebrush plains. Due to the rain shadow effect from the surrounding Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin experiences arid conditions with minimal precipitation. These dry conditions result in extreme temperature fluctuations and sparse vegetation, creating a desert ecosystem that supports unique plant and animal species adapted to survive in this harsh environment.