Tule Desert (Nevada) facts for kids
The Tule Desert is a fascinating desert area found in southeastern Nevada. It's located in Lincoln County, very close to the border with Utah. This desert sits nestled among several mountain ranges, with the Mormon Mountains to its southwest, the Clover Mountains to its north, and the Tule Springs Hills to its east.
Exploring the Tule Desert's Landscape
The Tule Desert has a unique landscape that gently slopes downwards. At its highest points, near the foothills of the Clover Mountains, the desert reaches about 4,300 feet (1,310 meters) above sea level. As you travel about 17 miles (27 kilometers) to the south-southeast, the elevation drops to around 3,000 feet (914 meters). This lower area is a narrow pass called Toquop Gap, which is found between the East Mormon Mountains and the Tule Springs Hills.
Water Features in the Desert
Even though it's a desert, the Tule Desert has several natural channels called "washes." These washes help drain water, usually flowing from north to south across the desert. One important spot is the Tule Desert Well, which is located west of Jumbled Mountain, at the southern end of the Tule Springs Hills. This well provides a water source in the dry desert environment.
How to Visit the Tule Desert
If you want to explore the Tule Desert, you can get there using a county road. This road starts east from a place called Lyman Crossing. It follows along the Union Pacific railway line, which runs between the towns of Carp and Elgin in Meadow Valley Wash. The road continues south, passing between the Mormon and East Mormon mountains. Eventually, it connects with Interstate 15 in Nevada at exit 100, which is west of Mesquite in Clark County.
