Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences that are sure to leave visitors in awe. While they are both located in the western part of the country, they couldn’t be more different.
Glacier National Park is a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes. In the summer, the landscape transforms into a lush green wilderness, dotted with wildflowers and wildlife. On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert oasis, with towering rock formations and surreal landscapes. The park is home to the eponymous Joshua trees, which are unique to the area and provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or just looking for a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two destinations that are not to be missed. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two incredible parks, and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure. So, pack your bags and grab your sunscreen, it’s time to hit the road!
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails to explore, from easy walks to strenuous adventures.
In Glacier National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Trail of the Cedars and the Hidden Lake Overlook. These trails offer scenic views and a chance to experience the beauty of the park without a lot of effort. On the other hand, some of the park’s hardest hikes include the Grinnell Glacier and the Highline Trail. These hikes can be challenging, with steep climbs and rough terrain, but the breathtaking views at the end make it all worth it.
Similarly, Joshua Tree National Park has a range of hikes to choose from. Some of the easiest hikes include the Skull Rock Nature Trail and the Barker Dam Trail. These trails are short and offer great opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Some of the park’s hardest hikes include the Ryan Mountain Trail and the Lost Horse Mine Trail. These hikes are strenuous and can be demanding, but the panoramic views from the top make it all worth it.
Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking options, from easy walks to challenging adventures. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there is a trail for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 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 Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and they offer unique wildlife experiences to visitors.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, elk, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a large number of bird species, including the bald eagle and the osprey. In addition to these larger animals, visitors may also spot smaller mammals, such as the snowshoe hare, the red squirrel, and the marmot, as well as reptiles like the garter snake and the western painted turtle.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique desert ecosystem and the diverse plant and animal life that thrives there. Commonly seen wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park include the Joshua tree, for which the park is named, as well as the desert bighorn sheep, the rattlesnake, and the jackrabbit. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the roadrunner, the cactus wren, and the phainopepla.
Overall, both Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park provide visitors with a rich and diverse wildlife experience. Whether you are interested in observing large mammals, bird watching, or exploring unique ecosystems, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier 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
| Glacier 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 |
| Mountain Lion | Fringed Myotis |
| Mink | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Mule Deer | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Gray Wolf | Pallid Bat |
| Long-Legged Bat | Ringtail |
| Long-Eared Bat | Desert Cottontail |
| Badger | Virginia Opossum |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| California Myotis | Brush Deermouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Goldfish |
| Brook Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
Insects
| Glacier National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Glacier National Park is known for its incredible mountain landscapes, glaciers, and alpine meadows. The park’s most famous landmark is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. The road is best traveled in the summer, when the snow has melted and visitors can enjoy the full panoramic view from the road’s many overlooks.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique and otherworldly landscape of giant rock formations and twisted Joshua trees. The park’s most iconic landscape is the boulder piles and stunning rock formations in the Wonderland of Rocks area. Visitors can hike through the maze of rocks, scramble up the boulders, and enjoy the stunning views from the top. Another popular area is the Cholla Cactus Garden, which is a field of spiny cactus that is especially beautiful in the spring when it blooms with wildflowers.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and breathtaking views. However, the activities that are most popular at each park tend to vary.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife watching, and boating. People love to drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and the surrounding mountains. Wildlife sightings are also popular, with visitors reporting sightings of grizzly bears, mountain goats, and other wildlife. Boating is also a popular activity on the park’s many lakes, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
At Joshua Tree National Park, the main attractions are rock climbing, stargazing, and hiking. Rock climbing is popular due to the park’s unique rock formations and challenging terrain. Stargazing is a popular activity in Joshua Tree due to its remote location and clear night skies. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails leading to hidden oases, unique rock formations, and scenic vistas.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, wildlife watching, or a challenging rock climb, both Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique landscapes and experiences, but the weather can greatly impact when is the best time to visit.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its rugged mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter can be harsh, with heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. Visitors should be prepared for rough weather conditions and limited access to park facilities.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is located in California and is famous for its unique desert landscape and rock formations. The park’s climate is much milder than Glacier, with average temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is the best time to visit, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors should be prepared for hot and dry conditions during the summer months.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer unique landscapes and experiences, but the weather greatly impacts when is the best time to visit. Summer is the best time to visit Glacier, while winter is the best time to visit Joshua Tree. Visitors should be prepared for the specific weather conditions of each park and plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have a lot to offer, but Glacier National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children.
Glacier National Park offers a wide range of activities that families with children can enjoy. From scenic boat tours on Lake McDonald to short hikes that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds and lodging options available, making it easy for families to find a place to stay.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park can be challenging for families with young children. While the park is known for its stunning rock formations and unique desert landscape, it is not as family-friendly as Glacier National Park. Hiking trails can be strenuous and the park is located in a remote area, making it difficult for families to find food and supplies.
In conclusion, while both parks offer unique experiences, Glacier National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children. With its wide range of activities and amenities, families can enjoy a fun and memorable vacation in this beautiful park.