21 Desert Photos That Showcase Nature’s Raw Beauty

ByMarc Andre Updated on
Desert cactus at sunset
Photo: Galyna Andrushko/Envato Elements

Deserts are some of the most extraordinary and captivating landscapes on our planet. From vast, rolling sand dunes to dramatic rock formations and vibrant sunsets, deserts are full of raw, otherworldly beauty.

For photographers, these environments offer an incredible playground of light and texture unlike any other. In this collection, we’ve curated 21 stunning desert photos that highlight the breathtaking allure of these barren yet incredible places.

Ripple pattern in the desert sand
Photo: Radek Skrzypczak/Unsplash
Sunset landscape in the desert, beautiful sand dunes in UAE
Photo: vinnikava/Envato Elements
Black & white close up photo of textured desert sand
Photo: mokhaladmusavi/Pixabay
Camel trek during sunrise with tourists in the sahara desert, Merzouga Morocco
Photo: petero31/Envato Elements
Cactus in the desert
Photo: kantolphotos/Pixabay
Ripples and shadow pattern in the desert sand
Photo: Meriç Dağlı/Unsplash
Setting sun behind a group of Joshua Trees
Photo: Daniel Lincoln/Unsplash
Dead trees in the desert of Namibia
Photo: nike159/Pixabay
Road through the mountainous desert
Photo: sebadelval/Pixabay
Sun setting behind a Joshua Tree
Photo: Explore with Joshua/Unsplash
Person alone in the desert
Photo: Alex Azabache/Pexels
Long winding road through the deserts of Nevada
Photo: ConfinedRiley/Unsplash
Person walking over sand dunes in the desert
Photo: Dan Grinwis/Unsplash
Closeup of cactus in the sunlight
Photo: coco2020/Pixabay
Death Valley sand dunes illuminated by the sun
Photo: Gleb Tarassenko/Envato Elements
Silhouette of a row of camels and riders
Photo: Il Vagabiondo/Unsplash
Peak of a sand dune with sun on one side and shadow on the other
Photo: Claudia Gschwend/Unsplash
Desert scene with dry, cracked ground in the foreground
Photo: wirestock/Envato Elements
Cactus in the desert with mountains in the distance
Photo: Brice Cooper/Unsplash
Straight road through a barren desert
Photo: Taneli Lahtinen/Unsplash
Patterns in the sand
Photo: Jeremy Bishop/Pexels

Marc, the founder of Explore.Photography, is an avid landscape and travel photographer living in Pennsylvania. His passion for photography began with a desire to capture quality photos from his own travels. Marc is a husband and father to two kids, and he loves exploring new places with his family. Connect with Marc on LinkedIn.