Imagine two of America’s most iconic national parks, each with its own unique beauty and adventure to offer. On one hand, there’s the rugged and otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park, where twisted and spiky trees reach towards the sky, and rock formations create a playground for climbers. On the other hand, there’s the geothermal wonderland of Yellowstone National Park, where steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and explosive geysers paint a dramatic landscape.
So, which one should you visit? That’s the question we aim to answer in this article. We’ll take a closer look at what each park has to offer and explore the pros and cons of each destination. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a quiet escape from the city, we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up, grab a map and let’s hit the road!
Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone and Joshua Tree National Parks offer unique hiking experiences. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features and scenic vistas. The park features a variety of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Some popular easy hikes include the 0.5-mile boardwalk trail to see the colorful hot springs at Mammoth Hot Springs and the 1.1-mile trail to the Lower Geyser Basin. On the other hand, the strenuous 11-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Mount Washburn offers breathtaking panoramic views of the park.
In contrast, Joshua Tree is famous for its unique desert landscapes and rock formations. The park offers a range of trails, from easy nature walks to challenging rock climbs. Some popular easy hikes include the 1-mile loop trail to the Cholla Cactus Garden and the 0.3-mile trail to the Skull Rock. For those seeking a more strenuous adventure, the 8-mile round-trip hike to the top of Ryan Mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, both Yellowstone and Joshua Tree National Parks offer a variety of trails to suit your ability and interests.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks, and for good reason. Both are known for their diverse and abundant wildlife, but there are some important differences between the two.
In Yellowstone, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of mammals, including bison, elk, moose, and wolves. The park is also home to many species of birds, including eagles, owls, and the threatened trumpeter swan. In addition to the large mammals, visitors can also see smaller animals, such as beavers, marmots, and pronghorns.
In contrast, Joshua Tree is known for its unique desert environment and the wildlife that thrives there. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes, lizards, and tortoises. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the cactus wren, Gambel’s quail, and the roadrunner. Visitors can also see a variety of mammals, including desert bighorn sheep, kit foxes, and black-tailed jackrabbits.
Both parks are also home to a variety of unique plant species, including Joshua trees in Joshua Tree and geysers in Yellowstone. Overall, both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and experience the beauty of the great outdoors. However, the specific types of wildlife you will see will depend on which park you visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Joshua Tree National Park | Yellowstone 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 | 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 |
Mammals
| Joshua Tree National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Hoary Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Little Brown Bat |
| House Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Cougar | Raccoon |
| Mule Deer | Black Bear |
| Gray Fox | Porcupine |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Silver-Haired Bat |
| American Badger | Hoary Bat |
| Californian Myotis | Red Fox |
| Snowhsoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Fringed Myotis | House Mouse |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Mink |
| Pallid Bat | Mule Deer |
| Ringtail | Wolf |
| Desert Cottontail | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | Badger |
| Brush Deermouse | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Western Spotted Skunk | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Joshua Tree National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
Insects
| Joshua Tree National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch |
| Red Admiral | American Painted Lady |
| Mourningcloak | Red Admiral |
| Silvery Blue | Mourning Cloak |
| Variegated Fritillary | Silvery Blue |
| Buckeye | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Gray Hairstreak | Common Sulphur |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Fish
| Joshua Tree National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Goldfish | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Joshua Tree National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Canyon Treefrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that are truly awe-inspiring.
At Joshua Tree, visitors can see the park’s namesake tree, a species of yucca that is unique to the Mojave Desert. The park’s massive granite formations, including the famous “Skull Rock,” are a popular attraction for rock climbers and hikers. Additionally, Joshua Tree offers stunning sunsets and starry skies, making it a popular spot for stargazing and night photography.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The park’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful, is a must-see for any visitor to the park. In addition to its geothermal wonders, Yellowstone is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Visitors can take in the stunning views from overlooks such as Mount Washburn and Lamar Valley.
Overall, both Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features such as geysers, hot springs and mudpots. In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique rock formations and desert landscapes. Visitors to Yellowstone can enjoy exploring the thermal features and also go for wildlife viewing as it is home to many species of animals such as Bison, elk and bears.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree is a popular destination for rock climbing and stargazing, attracting adventure seekers and astronomers. It’s also a great place for scenic drives and photography, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the beautiful desert landscapes.
In terms of accessibility, Yellowstone is larger and offers more facilities, including lodges, campgrounds and restaurants. Joshua Tree, on the other hand, is a bit more remote and has limited facilities. However, both parks offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both Yellowstone and Joshua Tree National Parks offer unique experiences and are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features and diverse wildlife, Joshua Tree is famous for its rock formations and stargazing opportunities. Both parks offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and are worth visiting.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. However, their seasonal weather patterns are quite different and impact when is the best time to visit each park.
Yellowstone experiences cold and snowy winters, with temperatures dropping below freezing. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 80°F, making it a popular time for visitors to hike and explore the park. The spring and fall seasons offer mild temperatures and less crowds, making it a good time to visit for a more peaceful experience.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave Desert and experiences hot, arid conditions in the summer, with temperatures reaching up to 100°F. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional frosty nights, making it the best time to visit for those seeking milder weather. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and an array of wildflowers and cactus blooms, making it an ideal time to visit for nature enthusiasts.
In conclusion, when visiting either Yellowstone or Joshua Tree National Park, it’s important to consider the seasonal weather patterns and how it may affect your visit. While Yellowstone is best visited in the summer for hiking and exploring, Joshua Tree is best visited in the winter for milder weather or in the spring and fall for wildflowers and cactus blooms.
Family Friendliness of Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Joshua Tree National Park both offer unique and stunning landscapes, but they differ greatly in terms of family-friendliness. Yellowstone is renowned for its geothermal features and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for families. The park has multiple campgrounds, picnic areas, and educational ranger programs for kids. There is also a famous geyser, called Old Faithful, that erupts every 90 minutes and is an exciting experience for families.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its distinctive desert landscape and rock formations, but it may not be as suitable for families with young children. The park offers limited amenities, with only a few campgrounds and picnic areas. Additionally, the landscape may be challenging for little ones, as the hikes are often rocky and strenuous. However, for families with older children who enjoy outdoor adventures and exploring unique landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park is a great destination.
In conclusion, Yellowstone National Park is the better option for families with young children, while Joshua Tree National Park is better suited for families with older children who are adventurous and enjoy exploring unique landscapes.