How Much of Texas is Actually Desert? Hold Your Horses, City Slicker
Texas. The land of Stetsons, sizzling summers, and...desert? Maybe that image comes from too many dusty Western movies, but you might be surprised to learn that a sizeable chunk of the Lone Star State does indeed qualify as desert.
But how much desert are we talking about exactly? Buckle up, partner, and get ready for a rootin' tootin' breakdown of Texas's desert landscape.
Not Quite a Dusty Wasteland, But Not Exactly Lush Meadows Either
Texas is a big state, y'all. Like, really big. Over 268,000 square miles big to be exact. That's a lot of room to squeeze in different landscapes, from sandy beaches to rolling hills. Less than 10% of Texas is actually classified as desert. That means the vast majority of the state is something else entirely.
So where is this desert hiding? Most of it sits snuggled up in the western part of the state, along the border with Mexico. This area is part of the famous Chihuahuan Desert, which stretches all the way down into Mexico. Think prickly pear cactus, scrub brush, and enough sunshine to make your boots melt.
Don't Let the Desert Fool You, Texas is a Land of Many Faces
Now, just because there's some desert in Texas doesn't mean the whole state is a barren wasteland. Far from it! Texas has a surprising variety of landscapes. You can head to the Gulf Coast for some sandy beaches and balmy breezes. Or, you can explore the Hill Country with its rolling plains and vineyards. There's even a mountain range in the west, if you're feeling adventurous.
So, the next time you think of Texas, ditch the dusty desert stereotype. This state is a whole lot bigger and more surprising than that. Just remember, if you are packing for a trip to Texas, pack for all kinds of weather. You never know what kind of landscape you might end up in!
