Crater Lake National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Crater Lake is a serene, crystal-clear lake surrounded by towering cliffs and ancient forests, while Joshua Tree is a surreal landscape of twisted trees and towering rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or adventure-seeker, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, buckle up for an epic cross-country journey as we explore the best of Crater Lake and Joshua Tree!
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Joshua Tree National Park in California both offer a diverse range of hiking trails. Crater Lake is known for its stunning views of the lake and caldera, while Joshua Tree is recognized for its unique rock formations and desert landscapes.
The Rim Drive Trail at Crater Lake is an easy hike, a paved road that circles the lake and offers panoramic views from various overlooks. For a more strenuous hike, the Cleetwood Cove Trail descends 1.1 miles to the lake shore, where visitors can take a boat tour or swim. The park’s most challenging hike is the Mount Scott Trail, an 8.7-mile round-trip hike to the park’s second highest peak with sweeping views.
At Joshua Tree, the Skull Rock Trail is an easy 0.75-mile loop that takes visitors to the park’s iconic rock formation. For a more challenging hike, the Ryan Mountain Trail leads 2.5 miles to the park’s highest peak and offers panoramic views of the desert. The most strenuous hike is the Boy Scout Trail, a 7.2-mile round-trip through rugged terrain and towering rock formations.
Both parks offer hiking options for visitors with different abilities and interests, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Both also boast unique natural features with Crater Lake offering breathtaking views of the lake and caldera, and Joshua Tree featuring its signature rock formations and desert landscapes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | 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 Crater Lake National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Crater Lake and Joshua Tree National Parks both offer unique wildlife experiences. Crater Lake is a habitat for animals such as black bears, river otters, mule deer and pikas. Birdwatching is popular here, with species like common loons, ospreys, and great blue herons often spotted. It has conifer forests & wildflowers. Joshua Tree is home to desert wildlife like bighorn sheep, tortoises & rattlesnakes. It’s also a birding destination with roadrunners, spotted owls & phainopeplas. Its vegetation includes Joshua trees, cholla cacti, creosote bushes & yuccas.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake 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 |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Crater Lake 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 |
| Mink | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Pallid Bat |
| Gray Fox | Ringtail |
| Wolf | Desert Cottontail |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| American Badger | Brush Deermouse |
| Ermine | Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Goldfish |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Racer | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Western Skink | Glossy Snake |
| Western Fence Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Monarch Butterfly |
| Honey Bee | Red Admiral |
| Purplish Copper | Mourningcloak |
| Anise Swallowtail | Silvery Blue |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Crater Lake NP boasts a crystal clear, deep blue lake surrounded by towering cliffs & volcanic peaks. Its 33-mile Rim Drive offers panoramic views. Hiking, boat tours available.
At Joshua Tree NP, unique landscapes incl. Joshua trees, rock formations & desert wilderness. Park covers 790,000 acres, offers hiking, rock climbing & scenic drives.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Crater Lake NP boasts crystal-clear blue lake, scenic drives, boat tours, fishing, & camping. Joshua Tree NP has unique rock formations, Joshua trees, rock climbing, stargazing, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails. Crater Lake is known for its water activities, Joshua Tree for desert adventures & rock climbing. Both parks offer breathtaking views and peaceful escape from city life.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Crater Lake NP and Joshua Tree NP have distinct climates due to their locations. Crater Lake, in Oregon, has cool, moist weather with summer temps of 40-60°F (4-15°C) and winter temps of 30-40°F (-1 to 4°C). Winter snow is common Nov-June. Joshua Tree, in California, is a desert with hot summers (up to 100°F/38°C) and cool winters (30-40°F/-1 to 4°C), with minimal rain Nov-March. The best time to visit Crater Lake is June-Sept for warm weather and accessible facilities/roads. Visit Joshua Tree Oct-May for cooler weather, comfortable outdoor activities, and blooming wildflowers.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Crater Lake offers scenic views, boat tours, and easy hikes for families with kids. Joshua Tree has unique rock formations and desert landscapes, but may have less structured activities for young children. However, it offers ranger programs and stargazing for older kids/teens. Both have well-maintained trails and accessible facilities, but Crater Lake has more services. The choice ultimately depends on children’s age and interests.