How hot is a desert where the desert tortoise is?

Really hot

That's a good answer, but to be a bit more detailed, it can get in up to 130+ degrees, and desert tortoises can withstand ground temps of 140, not they should be subject to such torture. These high temps are one reason tortoises dig burrows, which can be up to 10ft deep. Theses endangered creatures are amazing! I have so much respect for them!