Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most iconic and beloved national parks in the United States. These parks offer visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of the American West in all its glory. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, these parks have something for everyone.
Denali, located in Alaska, is a rugged and wild park that is home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali. With its vast and pristine wilderness, visitors can explore glaciers, tundra, and wildlife such as moose, caribou, and grizzly bears.
Meanwhile, Joshua Tree, located in California, is known for its surreal landscapes and unique rock formations. The park is home to the famous Joshua trees, which are named after the biblical story of Joshua leading the Israelites to the promised land. With its warm, desert climate, Joshua Tree is a popular destination for rock climbing, camping, and stargazing.
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two amazing parks, looking at their unique features, activities, and what sets them apart. So get ready to pack your bags and hit the road, as we explore the best of Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park!
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are two popular US national parks that offer unique hiking experiences.
Denali National Park & Preserve is known for its challenging hikes, with the most difficult being the Mount McKinley climb, which requires technical climbing skills and proper gear. For those seeking less strenuous experiences, the park also has easier hikes such as the Horseshoe Lake trail, which offers great views of the park’s wildlife and scenic beauty.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert park that offers a range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to strenuous rock climbing. Hikes such as the Lost Horse Mine trail and the Fortynine Palms Oasis trail are considered easy, while the more challenging hikes include the Ryan Mountain trail and the Hidden Valley trail. The park’s unique geology and diverse landscapes make for unforgettable hiking experiences.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking experiences, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging climbs. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique look at the natural world, but the wildlife you’ll see at each is quite different.
At Denali, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou. In addition, the park is also home to many species of birds, including the bald eagle and the golden eagle. The park’s diverse landscape, from the tundra to the forest, provides habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, making it a truly unique place.
At Joshua Tree, visitors will find a much different landscape. The park is known for its namesake Joshua trees, which are actually a type of yucca, as well as its diverse population of reptiles, including the desert tortoise and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to many species of birds, including the roadrunner and the cactus wren. Additionally, visitors may also see bighorn sheep, coyotes, and other mammals unique to the desert environment.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in large mammals or desert reptiles, each park has something to offer. So, plan your trip and get ready to experience the natural beauty of these two amazing parks!
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mink | House Mouse |
| Wolf | Cougar |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| Snowshoe Hare | Gray Fox |
| River Otter | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Shrew | American Badger |
| Water Shrew | Californian Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | Snowhsoe Hare |
| Montane Shrew | Fringed Myotis |
| Lynx | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Wolverine | Western Harvest Mouse |
| American Marten | Pallid Bat |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Ringtail |
| Grizzly Bear | Desert Cottontail |
| Meadow Vole | Virginia Opossum |
| Moose | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Least Weasel | Brush Deermouse |
| Pygmy Shrew | Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Goldfish |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
Insects
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, and is best known for its stunning mountain ranges, including Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. Visitors can explore the park through scenic drives, backpacking trips, or guided tours.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in California and is famous for its unique rock formations, including the iconic Joshua trees which give the park its name. This park is a popular destination for rock climbers and offers a range of hiking trails that take visitors through the diverse landscapes of the park, including canyons, valleys and deserts.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors, including camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, the landscapes of Denali and Joshua Tree are unique and offer different experiences for visitors. Denali is a place for those seeking breathtaking mountain views, while Joshua Tree is a destination for those interested in exploring the unique and otherworldly rock formations of the desert. Regardless of your interests, both parks are must-visit destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska and Joshua Tree National Park, California are both known for their unique landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Denali is a vast wilderness area where visitors can experience true wilderness, including wildlife viewing. The park is home to grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Visitors can also take scenic drives or take part in ranger-led activities like sled dog demonstrations.
Joshua Tree, on the other hand, is known for its unique rock formations and desert environment. Rock climbing and bouldering are popular activities, as well as hiking and camping. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the iconic Joshua tree and desert tortoises.
For those interested in stargazing, both parks offer clear, dark skies and opportunities to view the night sky. Denali has a designated stargazing area, while Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply seeking to immerse yourself in nature, both Denali and Joshua Tree offer a chance to escape the city and connect with the beautiful landscapes of the American West.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, and Joshua Tree National Park, located in California, have vastly different climates and weather patterns. Denali is known for its long, harsh winters with temperatures dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall. On the other hand, Joshua Tree experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F.
Due to the extreme weather in Denali, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June through August. The park is filled with wildflowers and the wildlife is more active during this time. On the other hand, the extreme heat in Joshua Tree makes the cooler months of October through May the best time to visit. This is also a great time to view the park’s famous Joshua trees, which are more visible in the cooler weather.
Visitors should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather, regardless of the time of year, in both parks. In Denali, sudden snowstorms can occur even in the summer and in Joshua Tree, flash floods and thunderstorms can occur during the winter months.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather greatly affects the best time of year to visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. Visitors should consider the weather when planning their trip and be prepared for unexpected changes in weather.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are great destinations for families, but each has its own unique features that make it more suitable for families with children.
Denali National Park & Preserve is known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife, making it a great choice for families who love nature and outdoor activities. The park offers a variety of scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led activities that are perfect for families. The park also has several campgrounds and lodges that are kid-friendly, making it easy for families to spend several days exploring the park.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is a bit more rugged and remote, but it offers a unique desert landscape that is perfect for families who want to experience the beauty of the desert. The park has over 400 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities, making it a great choice for families who are looking for adventure. There are also several campgrounds and RV parks in the surrounding area, allowing families to spend a few days in the park without having to worry about lodging accommodations.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are great options for families looking for a fun and educational outdoor adventure. However, families with young children may find Denali National Park & Preserve to be the more kid-friendly option, while families with older children may prefer Joshua Tree National Park for its unique desert landscape and adventure opportunities.