Approximately 80% of the Great Basin is covered by desert, defining its arid and rugged landscapes.

The Great Basin is predominantly a desert region, with about 80% of its area classified as desert. This includes the expansive Great Basin Desert, known for its cold winters and high elevation, which sets it apart from warmer deserts like the Mojave. The desert regions are distinguished by their dry weather, little precipitation, and distinctive topography, which includes sagebrush plains and salt flats. The Great Basin desert is home to a variety of plant and animal species that have evolved to withstand difficult environmental circumstances, demonstrating the tenacity of life in this expansive, arid region.