Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Joshua Tree National Park in California are both national parks that offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most unique and diverse landscapes in the country. Both parks are known for their rugged terrain, stunning rock formations and unique plant and animal life. Imagine the Badlands rugged badlands formations, layered with different colored rock and the Joshua Tree’s, the iconic tree that is only found in the Mojave Desert. Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and anyone looking for an adventure. But which park should you visit? In this article, we will compare the two parks and highlight the best things to see and do at each one, so you can decide which park is best for you. Whether you’re interested in hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, or just enjoying the natural beauty of these parks, we’ll give you the information you need to make the most of your visit. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both known for their beautiful landscapes and hiking trails. Both parks offer visitors a wide variety of hiking options, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Badlands National Park offers several short and easy hikes, such as the Door Trail and the Fossil Exhibit Trail. The Door Trail is a 0.75-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow passageway in the rock formations, while the Fossil Exhibit Trail is a 0.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a fossil-rich area of the park. The park also offers a few moderate hikes, such as the Badlands Loop Road, which is a 37-mile road that takes visitors through the park’s most scenic areas, and the Castle Trail, which is a 2-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of a rock formation for panoramic views of the park. The park’s most challenging hike is the Badlands Wilderness Loop, which is a 24-mile loop that takes hikers through the park’s remote wilderness areas.
Joshua Tree National Park offers several easy hikes, such as the Barker Dam Nature Trail, which is a 1.3-mile loop that takes visitors through the park’s Joshua tree forest and to a historic dam. The Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is a short, half-mile loop that takes visitors through a field of cholla cacti. The park also offers several moderate hikes, such as the Lost Horse Mine Trail, which is a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to an abandoned gold mine, and the Ryan Mountain Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of a mountain for panoramic views of the park. The park’s most challenging hike is the Ryan Mountain Summit, which is a 7-mile round-trip hike that takes hikers to the summit of Ryan Mountain and offers a strenuous climb.
In short, both Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park have a wide range of hiking options to suit all abilities and interests, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Visitors can choose from easy and short hikes to get a taste of the park, or longer and more strenuous hikes for a more adventurous experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
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 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Joshua Tree National Park in California are both home to a wide variety of wildlife. The types of animals, birds, and plants found in each park are quite different, depending on the unique habitats found in each park.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can expect to see bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, and turkey vultures. Visitors may also spot mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. In addition, the park’s mixed-grass prairie is home to a variety of plant species, including blue grama grass, buffalo grass, and yucca.
At Joshua Tree National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals including bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, and a variety of reptiles and mammals such as the Mojave ground squirrel, desert cottontail, and jackrabbits. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Greater Roadrunner, American Kestrel, and the Western Bluebird. The park is also well-known for its Joshua Trees, which are a type of yucca plant that is unique to the Mojave Desert. Additionally, visitors can see other desert plants such as the Cholla cactus, Joshua Tree Yucca, and the Beavertail cactus.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and plants. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants found in each park are quite different and depend on the unique habitats found in each park. Visitors interested in seeing specific types of wildlife and plants should research the park they plan to visit and plan their trip accordingly.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Joshua Tree 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
| Badlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Hoary Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Deer Mouse | House Mouse |
| Raccoon | Cougar |
| Porcupine | Mule Deer |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Gray Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Red Fox | American Badger |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Californian Myotis |
| House | Snowhsoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | Fringed Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Gray Fox | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Pallid Bat |
| Northern Myotis | Ringtail |
| Badger | Desert Cottontail |
| Weasel | Virginia Opossum |
| North American River Otter | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Common Shrew | Brush Deermouse |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Western Spotted Skunk |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Racer | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Western Rattlesnake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Milksnake | Glossy Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | Red Admiral |
| Red Admiral | Mourningcloak |
| Morning Cloak | Silvery Blue |
| Cabbage White | Variegated Fritillary |
| Silvery Blue | Buckeye |
| Common Check-Skipper | Gray Hairstreak |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Goldfish |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its colorful layered rock formations, deep canyons, and rugged terrain. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic drives and overlooks with stunning views of the park’s unique geology. The Pinnacles Overlook is a popular spot for sunset views, while the Badlands Wilderness Area offers hiking trails and backcountry camping opportunities.
Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique Joshua trees, as well as its rocky desert landscapes and boulder formations. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include the Joshua Tree Forest, which is home to thousands of Joshua trees, as well as other desert vegetation. The park also offers great opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and camping. Some of the most popular hiking trails in the park include the Barker Dam Trail, which offers great views of the Joshua trees, and the Lost Horse Mine Trail, which takes visitors on a historical tour of a former gold mine.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the types of activities available at each park are quite different.
At Badlands National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. There are several designated hiking trails within the park, including the Badlands Loop Road, which offers visitors the chance to see the park’s unique rock formations, as well as its wildlife. The park also has a backcountry hiking trail where visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain and see its unique geologic formations. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity at the park, with visitors often seeing bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and coyotes.
At Joshua Tree National Park, the most popular activities include rock climbing, stargazing, and hiking. The park is known for its unique rock formations, which provide an ideal setting for rock climbing. The park has over 8,000 climbing routes and is considered one of the top climbing destinations in the country. Stargazing is also popular at the park, as it is located in one of the darkest regions in the continental United States. Hiking is another popular activity at the park, with visitors able to explore the park’s unique desert landscape.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. However, the types of activities available at each park are quite different, with Badlands National Park offering more opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing, while Joshua Tree National Park is better known for rock climbing, stargazing, and hiking. Visitors interested in specific activities should research the park they plan to visit and plan their trip accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both located in the western United States, but they have very different climates. The weather at these two parks can vary greatly depending on the season, and this can affect when the best time of year to visit is.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota, and its climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the hottest, with average high temperatures reaching into the 90s. This is also the park’s peak season, with the most visitors and the best weather for hiking and outdoor activities. However, it also the driest season so it can be quite hot, and it is advisable to carry enough water and wear sunscreen. The fall months of September and October are also a good time to visit, as the temperatures are cooler and the park’s prairie grasses and wildflowers are in bloom. The winter months of November to February are the coldest, with average low temperatures dropping below freezing. The park is open during the winter, but many of the park’s roads and trails may be closed due to snow and ice.
Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, and its climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the hottest, with average high temperatures reaching into the 100s. This is also the park’s peak season, with the most visitors and the best weather for hiking and outdoor activities. However, it can be quite hot and it’s advisable to carry enough water and wear sunscreen. The spring and fall months of March through May and September through November are also a good time to visit, as the temperatures are cooler and the park’s wildflowers and cacti are in bloom. The winter months of December to February are the mildest, with average low temperatures in the 40s and 50s. The park is open year-round and the weather is pleasant during the winter, but some of the park’s roads and trails may be closed due to snow.
In short, the best time of year to visit Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park depends on the type of weather and activities you prefer. Both parks are busiest during the summer, but the park’s peak season could be different depending on the park’s location and climate. If you’re looking for cooler temperatures, spring and fall is a good time to visit. If you prefer milder weather, winter is a good time to visit. Whatever time of the year you choose to visit, be sure to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, and also check for park closures and other updates before you go.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are great places to visit with children, but they offer different types of experiences.
Badlands National Park is a great option for families who enjoy scenic drives and hiking. The park has several paved roads that are perfect for taking a leisurely drive and stopping at various overlooks to take in the beautiful views. The park also has several well-maintained hiking trails, many of which are easy to moderate and are suitable for children. Some popular family-friendly hikes include the Badlands Loop Road and the Window Trail. The park also has a visitor center with interactive exhibits and educational programs for children.
Joshua Tree National Park is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. The park offers many short and easy hiking trails that are perfect for children, many of them are also educational, such as the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. The park is also home to many interesting rock formations that are perfect for exploring and climbing. The park also has a visitor center with interactive exhibits and educational programs for children.
In general, Joshua Tree National Park may have more activities that appeal to children and families, like rock climbing or nature trails. However, both parks offer a great opportunity for children to experience nature, learn about the surrounding environment and the unique geology of the area. It ultimately depends on the interests and preferences of your family.