Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most stunning and diverse parks in the United States. Whether you’re looking for rugged desert landscapes or glaciers and fjords, these parks have it all. But which one should you visit? In this article, we’ll compare the two national parks and give you the inside scoop on what makes each one special.
Travel back in time in Joshua Tree National Park, where the unique and otherworldly Joshua trees reach towards the sky, and the massive boulders provide a playground for climbers. This desert park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. But it’s not just the outdoor recreation that makes Joshua Tree so special; the history and cultural significance of the park are also worth exploring.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a frozen world of glaciers and fjords that will take your breath away. The park is home to Harding Icefield, the largest icefield in the United States, and is a prime destination for kayaking, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. The park’s remote location and stunning beauty make it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find a bit of peace and solitude.
So, which park is right for you? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer two very different hiking experiences, with vastly different landscapes and terrains. The hikes at Joshua Tree are characterized by rocky, desert terrain dotted with the iconic Joshua Trees, while the trails at Kenai Fjords are set amidst towering glaciers and rugged fjords.
One of the easiest hikes in Joshua Tree is the Arch Rock Nature Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that takes visitors past rock formations and beautiful desert scenery. For a more challenging hike, try the Hidden Valley Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a scenic valley and over rocky terrain.
At Kenai Fjords, the Exit Glacier Trail is a popular and relatively easy hike, offering stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and fjords. For a more strenuous hike, try the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of the icefield for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
In terms of difficulty, the hikes in Joshua Tree can be quite challenging due to the rocky terrain, while the hikes at Kenai Fjords are often more strenuous due to the incline and the rugged, uneven terrain. Both parks offer unique, breathtaking hiking experiences, making them both must-visit destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Mountain Trail | 4828.02 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Barker Dam Nature Trail | 2896.812 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Valley Nature Trail | 1609.34 | 34.7472 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lost Palms Oasis | 11587.248 | 312.7248 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Arch Rock Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail | 4506.152 | 188.976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail | 11104.446 | 277.9776 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Skull Rock Nature Trail | 2735.878 | 48.768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Willow Hole Trail | 10943.512 | 74.9808 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both unique in their own way, each offering a unique experience to visitors. In terms of wildlife, both parks offer a diverse range of species to observe and admire.
At Joshua Tree, one can expect to see a variety of desert animals such as bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, and desert tortoises. Visitors may also be able to spot a variety of bird species including golden eagles, roadrunners, and cactus wrens. The park is also home to a diverse array of cacti and other desert plants, such as the Joshua Tree for which the park is named.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and marine wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of sea animals such as otters, humpback whales, and sea lions. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a number of bird species including puffins, auklets, and the bald eagle.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors looking to observe and admire the diverse wildlife that inhabits these areas. Whether you’re interested in desert animals or marine wildlife, both Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are must-visit destinations for nature enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Joshua Tree National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Joshua Tree National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | Porcupine |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Mink |
| Cougar | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Gray Fox | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | California Myotis |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Californian Myotis | Northern River Otter |
| Snowhsoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
| Fringed Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Montane Shrew |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Lynx |
| Pallid Bat | Wolverine |
| Ringtail | American Marten |
| Desert Cottontail | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Virginia Opossum | Brown Bear |
| Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | Meadow Mouse |
| Brush Deermouse | Moose |
| Western Spotted Skunk | Pygmy Shrew |
Reptiles
| Joshua Tree National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
Insects
| Joshua Tree National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Joshua Tree National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Goldfish | Redband Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Joshua Tree National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Canyon Treefrog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, located in California, is known for its unique and otherworldly landscape of twisted, spiky Joshua trees and giant rock formations. Visitors can hike through the park’s rugged terrain, taking in the beauty of the desert landscape and rock formations, including stunning rock climbing opportunities.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is famous for its stunning glacial landscapes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, a massive ice field that covers over 300 square miles, and the Exit Glacier, a scenic glacier that visitors can hike to and explore. Wildlife sightings in the park include humpback whales, sea lions, and orcas, as well as a variety of bird species and black bears.
Both parks offer visitors a unique and breathtaking natural experience, and are must-visits for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree or taking in the stunning beauty of Kenai Fjords, you’re sure to leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Things To-Do and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Joshua Tree National Park in California are two vastly different parks, each offering unique experiences and opportunities for visitors.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can enjoy kayaking, whale watching, and fishing in the park’s stunning fjords. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with opportunities to see sea otters, seals, and a variety of bird species. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails leading to glaciers and scenic overlooks.
In contrast, Joshua Tree is known for its iconic rock formations and desert landscapes, which offer opportunities for rock climbing, stargazing, and nature walks. The park is also home to over 750 species of plants and animals, including the Joshua tree, which the park is named after. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs.
Both Kenai Fjords and Joshua Tree offer visitors the chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of America’s national parks. Kenai Fjords is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, while Joshua Tree is ideal for those looking for a unique desert experience and opportunities for rock climbing and stargazing.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes, but they differ in terms of their seasonal weather conditions, which can affect when is the best time to visit.
At Joshua Tree National Park, the weather is mild and pleasant for most of the year, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The park is located in the Mojave Desert, which experiences hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is from October to May, when temperatures are mild and the park’s famous Joshua trees are in full bloom.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska, which experiences harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. The park experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit is from June to September, when temperatures are warm and the park’s glaciers and wildlife are accessible. Winter is not recommended for visiting the park, as it is covered in snow and ice, making it difficult to access many of the park’s attractions.
In conclusion, both Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and diverse landscapes and experiences, but they differ in terms of their seasonal weather conditions. The best time to visit each park depends on the weather and what you hope to experience while visiting.
Family Friendliness of Joshua Tree National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both unique and spectacular national parks, but they are quite different in terms of family-friendliness. Joshua Tree National Park is a great option for families with children, as it offers a wide range of outdoor activities suitable for all ages. From hiking and rock climbing to stargazing and wildlife watching, there is something for everyone. Additionally, the park’s desert environment makes it easy to explore and play in, with plenty of space for kids to run around and explore.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a more rugged and challenging place to visit with children. While it is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife, the rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions can make it difficult for young children to enjoy. The park is also more remote and less accessible than Joshua Tree, which can be a challenge for families with young children. However, for older children and adventurous families, Kenai Fjords can be an unforgettable experience.
Both parks offer unique and incredible experiences, but in terms of family-friendliness, Joshua Tree National Park is the better option for families with young children. With its wide range of activities, easy access, and welcoming climate, it is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your family.