The High Desert of California does not have precise boundaries but is located in the western Mojave Desert region just north of the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and Little San Bernardino Mountains in an area that is between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level.

The Los Angeles County portion of the High Desert contains the Antelope Valley, including Palmdale and Lancaster. The San Bernardino County portion contains Barstow, Newberry Springs, and the Victor Valley, including Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto, and Needles. The Kern County portion includes California City and Edwards Air Force Base. The High Desert also includes the Morongo Basin, Lucerne Valley, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms.

Timeline - Kern County

Low Desert - California