For decades, desert locations have double for alien planets. Slap in a red color-correction; you're on Mars. Key the sky and add some animated blobs; your in Damnation Alley (okay, it's still Earth but you get the idea). Shoot at night with a single bright key light, and it's the moon.
You'll be looking for a location that has as few plants as possible, and some cool rock formations. If you can't remove the plants legally then paint them out in post. Bring a bunch of brooms to smooth out the unwanted foot prints. Shooting in mid-summer will have less few plants, but more heat stroke.
These are extreme locations, so don't be stupid and get killed. If you go the desert route do your homework. One misstep on a location scout can turn into a life threatening situation real fast. Food, water, first aid, shelter and a
SPOT should be on your list (way above lights, camera, and dolly). Each day scout should be planned like a 3-5 day hike (just in case).
Never, never, NEVER scout alone.
Starship Troopers was shot in Hell's Half Acre.
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Cool place to fight bugs, but I wouldn't want to live there.
Thomas