The physical geography of the region referred to as the **Great Basin** consists of a vast, arid **interior region** of the western United States. Enclosed by the **Sierra Nevada** to the west and the **Rocky Mountains** to the east, the Great Basin features a series of **mountains**, **valleys**, and **urfaces** that include salt flats, lakes, and desert landscapes. The region is characterized by its **high elevation**, extreme temperature variations, and ecological diversity, from dry shrublands to lush riparian areas. The Great Basin is notable for its unique geology and offers various recreational opportunities.