Carcross Desert

Carcross Desert

Carcross Desert is located in Carcross, Yukon, Canada. Though referred to as a desert, it is actually just a series of sand dunes, and the air here is extremely humid, so it cannot be considered a true desert.

Covering only 650 acres, Carcross Desert was formed by the uplift of the bottom of an ice lake and is known as the “smallest desert in the world.” The sand in the desert primarily comes from nearby lakes, brought in by the wind to form shifting dunes. The dunes support various types of vegetation, such as pine trees and shrubs. Compared to the vast deserts of California, Nevada, and Arizona, this small desert is quite unique. It possesses the essential features of a desert but is also compact, spanning just two kilometers across and can be crossed by car in just a few minutes, with no dangers involved.

Visitors to Carcross Desert often enjoy playing tennis here, along with activities such as hiking and exploring by all-terrain vehicle. In winter, the desert becomes even more appealing, gaining a reputation as one of the best spots for cross-country skiing and snowboarding in the region.

Carcross Desert

Must-visit reason: The world’s smallest desert

Continent where the attraction is located: North America

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Canada

Province/State where the attraction is located: Yukon