Crater Lake National Park vs Joshua Tree National Park

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Crater Lake National Park vs Joshua Tree National Park

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.

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