Are you torn between visiting two of America’s most iconic national parks, but can’t decide which one to choose? Look no further! In this article, we will compare Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Joshua Tree National Park in California. From the rugged arctic tundra to the desert landscape, these two parks offer unique and breathtaking experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Gates of the Arctic, the northernmost national park in the United States, boasts 8.4 million acres of unspoiled wilderness. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the remote Alaskan arctic and encounter a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. For those looking for a true wilderness experience, Gates of the Arctic offers backpacking, camping, and rafting opportunities.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park in California offers a completely different landscape, with its signature Joshua trees and towering rock formations. This park is a mecca for rock climbers, offering challenging routes for climbers of all levels. Hikers can also explore the park’s diverse trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you’re looking to escape the city or challenge yourself in the great outdoors, Joshua Tree has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a unique hiking experience with its remote wilderness and rugged terrain. The park boasts several challenging hikes that take you deep into the backcountry, including the mas challenging one, the Kavik River Trail. This 35-mile hike takes you through beautiful valleys and over passes, with stunning views of the Brooks Range along the way. On the other hand, the easier trails, such as the Arrigetch Peaks Trail, offer breathtaking views without the same level of difficulty.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park in California offers a different type of hiking experience. With its desert landscape, the park offers a variety of hikes ranging from easy nature walks to challenging rock climbing routes. The park’s most popular hike, the Ryan Mountain Trail, is a strenuous 3-mile hike to the summit with panoramic views of the desert. On the other hand, for those looking for an easier hike, the Barker Dam Trail is a 1.3-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful desert oasis.
Both parks offer a unique hiking experience and a range of trails to suit different levels of difficulty. Whether you’re looking for a strenuous backcountry adventure or a leisurely nature walk, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are both unique in their own ways. When it comes to wildlife, both parks offer a wide range of species to observe.
At Gates of the Arctic, visitors can see a variety of arctic animals such as caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. Bird-watching is also popular here with species such as the ptarmigan, gyrfalcon, and golden eagle being commonly seen. The park also boasts a diverse array of plant species including alpine tundra and boreal forest habitats.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree is known for its desert environment and the unique species that thrive there. Some of the most commonly seen mammals in the park include the desert bighorn sheep, the black-tailed jackrabbit, and the kit fox. Bird-watching is also popular in Joshua Tree with species such as the roadrunner, the golden eagle, and the phainopepla being commonly seen. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of cactus species such as the Joshua tree, the beavertail cactus, and the cholla cactus.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park offer a wide array of wildlife to observe. Whether you’re interested in viewing arctic animals or desert species, both parks have something to offer for nature enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Deer Mouse |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Mink | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Wolf | House Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Cougar |
| Varying Hare | Mule Deer |
| River Otter | Gray Fox |
| Common Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | American Badger |
| Montane Shrew | Californian Myotis |
| Lynx | Snowhsoe Hare |
| Wolverine | Fringed Myotis |
| American Marten | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Grizzly Bear | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Meadow Vole | Pallid Bat |
| Moose | Ringtail |
| Least Weasel | Desert Cottontail |
| Pygmy Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Brush Deermouse | |
| Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Goldfish |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic 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
| Gates Of The Arctic 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. It features the Brooks Range, a majestic mountain range that runs through the park and provides breathtaking views for visitors. The park is also home to many beautiful rivers, including the Noatak River, which is a popular spot for rafting and canoeing. In addition, visitors can witness the Northern Lights, a spectacular natural phenomenon that is best seen in the park during the winter months.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in California and is famous for its unique desert landscapes. The park is home to the namesake Joshua trees, which are found only in the Mojave Desert. The park is also home to the Cholla Cactus Garden, a beautiful and surreal landscape featuring hundreds of cacti. Visitors can also explore the park’s many rock formations, including the famous Skull Rock, a large rock formation that resembles a human skull. The park is a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing, and is best visited in the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. In Gates of the Arctic, visitors can enjoy backpacking, fishing, and kayaking. The park is a wilderness area, with no roads or trails, making it a popular destination for those seeking a remote, backcountry experience. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, including opportunities to see Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and caribou.
In contrast, Joshua Tree is a great destination for rock climbing, camping, and stargazing. The park is known for its impressive rock formations and offers a range of climbing routes for climbers of all levels. The park is also a popular destination for camping, with several campgrounds offering access to the park’s scenic desert landscape. Finally, the dark skies above Joshua Tree make it an ideal location for stargazing, with opportunities to see the Milky Way and other celestial objects.
In conclusion, both parks offer a unique and exciting outdoor experience, but the activities on offer will appeal to different types of visitors. Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness adventure or a desert climb, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they have vastly different climates and weather patterns.
Located in Alaska, Gates of the Arctic experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures dropping to well below 0°F and snow accumulation reaching several feet. Summer temperatures remain cool, with daytime highs in the 50s-60s°F. This severe weather conditions make visiting the park difficult outside of the short summer season.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park in California has a more moderate climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach above 100°F, while winter temperatures are usually in the 50s-60s°F. Despite the hot summer weather, the park is busy during this time because it is the best time for rock climbing and other outdoor activities. Winter is a quieter time to visit, with mild weather and fewer visitors, but can also be ideal for camping and hiking.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for the weather and choose the best season to visit based on their preferred activities. Gates of the Arctic is best visited in summer, while Joshua Tree is busy in summer and winter. Regardless of the season, both parks offer stunning natural beauty and unique outdoor experiences.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most visited parks in the US, attracting millions of visitors each year. While both parks are great for families, they differ in terms of family-friendliness. Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness park located in Alaska, which is not accessible by road. It is a remote wilderness park, which is not ideal for families with young children. The park is best suited to families with older children, teenagers, and adults who are looking for a more challenging and rugged outdoor experience. There are no established trails, and visitors need to be self-sufficient.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in the desert of Southern California and is much more accessible. It is a great destination for families with young children. The park features a number of short, easy hikes and plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, bird watching, and stargazing. There are also ranger-led programs and educational activities for kids, making it a great place for families to learn about the desert environment. There are also plenty of picnic areas, campgrounds, and other amenities, making it a convenient and comfortable place for families to stay.
Overall, both Gates of the Arctic and Joshua Tree are family-friendly parks, but for different reasons. If you’re traveling with young children, Joshua Tree is the better option, while Gates of the Arctic is better for older children, teenagers, and adults.