Comma in series?

How to use serial comma when list has commonality.

1). I like the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado Deserts, and Sierra Nevada Mountains.

2). I like the Mojave, Sonoran and Colorado Deserts, and Sierra Nevada Mountains.

3). I like the Mojave, Sonoran, Colorado Deserts, and Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Which is the correct expression in USA?

Solution 1:

I would recommend either this (if you favor the Oxford comma):

I like the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado Deserts and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Or (if you don't):

I like the Mojave, Sonoran and Colorado Deserts and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

An explanation of each comma, definite article, and coordinating conjunction would be pretty lengthy, so please ask if you have questions about any specific element.