Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique and diverse array of natural wonders, from towering mesas and deep canyons to twisted Joshua trees and prickly cacti. If you’re looking for a true wilderness adventure, a visit to either of these parks is sure to leave you in awe. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the striking sandstone spires of Canyonlands to the twisted Joshua Trees of Joshua Tree, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots and let’s dive in to compare these two beautiful parks.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park both offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the terrain and landscapes of the two parks are quite different.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the desert region of the southwestern United States and is known for its spectacular canyons, mesas, and red rock formations. Some of the most popular hikes at Canyonlands National Park include the Mesa Arch Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s canyons and mesas, and the White Rim Trail, which is a challenging multi-day backpacking trail that offers breathtaking views of the park’s canyons and mesas.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in the desert region of southern California and is known for its unique Joshua trees, as well as its rugged rock formations. Some of the most popular hikes at Joshua Tree National Park include the Ryan Mountain Trail, which is a moderate hike that offers breathtaking views of the park’s unique Joshua trees and rock formations, and the Boy Scout Trail, which is a challenging hike that offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged rock formations.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park offers hikes such as the Mesa Arch Trail and the White Rim Trail that offers views of canyons and mesas, while Joshua Tree National Park offers hikes such as the Ryan Mountain Trail and the Boy Scout Trail that offers views of Joshua trees and rock formations. Both parks offer different types of outdoor experiences, but both are great choices for visitors looking to explore the unique landscapes of the region and hike in the desert.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | loop | 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 Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. In Canyonlands, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of reptiles, including lizards and snakes.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique desert plants and animals. The park is home to the Joshua tree, a tree species that is unique to the Mojave Desert. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of mammals such as bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and black-tailed jackrabbits. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of birds, including the roadrunner, greater roadrunner, and desert sparrow. The park also offers a variety of reptiles such as desert iguana and horned lizard. Both parks offers a unique experience for visitors to see different types of wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands 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
| Canyonlands 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 |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Porcupine | Gray Fox |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | American Badger |
| Red Fox | Californian Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowhsoe Hare |
| House Mouse | Fringed Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| American Mink | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Pallid Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Ringtail |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Desert Cottontail |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| American Badger | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Ermine | Brush Deermouse |
| California Myotis | Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Goldfish |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Eastern Racer | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Glossy Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Canyonlands National Park is known for its dramatic landscape of deep canyons, towering mesas, and impressive rock formations. The park is divided into three districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The Island in the Sky offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and mesas, and is home to several popular overlooks, including Grand View Point and Green River Overlook. The Needles district is known for its red rock spires and towering monoliths, as well as its hiking trails, including the Chesler Park Loop and the Joint Trail. The Maze is the most remote and least visited district, and offers a true wilderness experience for those who are willing to venture off the beaten path.
Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, is known for its namesake Joshua trees, which are actually a type of yucca tree. The park is also home to an array of other desert plants and cacti, as well as a diverse array of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep and jackrabbits. The park’s landscape is characterized by twisted Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and wide-open deserts. The park is also home to many popular hiking trails, including the Hidden Valley Nature Trail and the Barker Dam Nature Trail. Other popular activities in the park include rock climbing, stargazing, and bird watching.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park both offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities at Canyonlands National Park include hiking, backpacking, and camping. The park offers several easy and moderate trails for visitors to explore, including the Mesa Arch Trail and the Upheaval Dome Trail. The park also offers several strenuous backpacking trails for more experienced hikers. The most famous landscapes at Canyonlands National Park include the Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.
At Joshua Tree National Park, some of the most popular activities include rock climbing, hiking, and camping. The park offers several easy and moderate trails for visitors to explore, including the Hidden Valley Nature Trail and the Barker Dam Nature Trail. The park also offers several strenuous backpacking trails for more experienced hikers. The most famous landscapes at Joshua Tree National Park include the Joshua Tree Forest, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Keys View.
In terms of family-friendliness, both Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are great options for families. Both parks offer easy and moderate trails, as well as educational opportunities for children. However, Joshua Tree National Park may be a better option for families with young children, as it offers shorter and more manageable hikes.
In terms of wildlife, Canyonlands National Park is home to a variety of animals such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and several species of lizards. The park is also home to several bird species such as the golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, and peregrine falcon. Joshua Tree National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, black-tailed jackrabbits, and several species of lizards. The park is also home to several bird species such as the greater roadrunner, Gambel’s quail, and the verdin.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park both have different weather patterns due to their different locations and elevations.
Canyonlands National Park, located in Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is at a high elevation, and temperatures can vary greatly between day and night. The summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Canyonlands National Park as the temperature is milder and the wildflowers are in bloom.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park, located in California, also has a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. The park is at a lower elevation than Canyonlands National Park, and temperatures are typically a few degrees warmer. The summer months can also be very hot in Joshua Tree National Park, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are also the best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park, as the temperature is milder and the wildflowers are in bloom.
In summary, both Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are hot in the summer and mild in the spring and fall. The best time to visit both parks is in the spring and fall when the temperature is milder and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, Canyonlands National Park is at a higher elevation than Joshua Tree National Park, and temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, so visitors should be prepared for these variations when planning a visit.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Both Canyonlands National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer plenty of family-friendly activities, but depending on what your family is looking for, one park may be a better fit than the other.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged and remote wilderness, so it may not be the best option for families with very young children. However, the Island in the Sky district, offers some easy hikes and scenic drives that are suitable for families with children. Additionally, Canyonlands has a visitor center that provides educational opportunities for kids and families.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is a bit more accessible for families with young children. The park has several short, easy nature trails and the park’s visitor center has educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that are suitable for kids. Additionally, Joshua Tree offers a Junior Ranger program and other ranger-led programs that are specifically designed for kids.
Overall, Joshua Tree National Park may be a better option for families with young children, as it offers more accessible activities and educational opportunities, while Canyonlands National Park may be a better fit for families with older children who are up for a more rugged wilderness experience.