The Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States. Both boast breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll be comparing these two parks, highlighting the best things to do, see, and experience in each.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, you’ll be amazed by the rugged beauty of the Great Basin National Park. From the towering peaks of the Snake Range to the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees, this park is truly a nature lover’s paradise. On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert oasis that’s home to some of the most unusual and striking rock formations in the world. With its towering Joshua Trees and otherworldly landscapes, this park is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure and solitude.
So, which park is right for you? If you’re looking for a rugged outdoor experience filled with stunning natural beauty, the Great Basin National Park may be the perfect choice. If you’re searching for a more otherworldly experience, the Joshua Tree National Park is the place to be. In this article, we’ll dive deep into these two incredible parks, giving you a comprehensive guide to help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of hiking trails, each with their own set of challenges and rewards. In terms of hiking trails, Great Basin National Park is home to some of the most scenic and challenging hikes in the country. The park’s most popular hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which takes visitors through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the 13-mile Wheeler Peak Trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its rocky terrain and unique rock formations. The park’s most popular hike is the Ryan Mountain Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of Ryan Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding desert. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the 49 Palms Oasis Trail is a 6.7-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a desert wash and up to a hidden oasis surrounded by towering palm trees.
Both parks offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. No matter what your level of experience, both Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer something for everyone, making them both must-visit destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
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 Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two stunning parks located in the western United States. Both parks have a rich and diverse range of wildlife.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as pronghorns, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Additionally, bird enthusiasts will have the opportunity to spot species like sage thrashers, pygmy nuthatches, and mountain bluebirds. The park is also home to a number of unique plants, including the ancient bristlecone pines, which are some of the oldest trees in the world.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its desert environment and the diverse range of plant and animal life that thrives in this environment. Visitors can expect to see a range of animals, including desert bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, and black-tailed jackrabbits. Birdwatchers will appreciate the chance to spot species like roadrunners, golden eagles, and cactus wrens. The park is also famous for its eponymous Joshua trees, which are unique to the Mojave desert.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural world, with their own unique set of wildlife to admire. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the outdoors, you’ll find plenty to appreciate at both Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin 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
| Great Basin 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 |
| Porcupine | Mule Deer |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Gray Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Red Fox | American Badger |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Californian Myotis |
| House Mouse | Snowhsoe Hare |
| Lion | Fringed Myotis |
| Mink | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Mule Deer | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Pallid Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Ringtail |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Desert Cottontail |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Badger | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Ermine | Brush Deermouse |
| Californis Myotis | Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Goldfish |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Canyon Treefrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Gopher Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Glossy Snake |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | Red Admiral |
| Red Admiral | Mourningcloak |
| Mourningcloak | Silvery Blue |
| Cabbage White | Variegated Fritillary |
| Silvery Blue | Buckeye |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Gray Hairstreak |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Basin National Park in Nevada is known for its ancient Bristlecone Pine trees and the Lehman Caves. The Bristlecone Pine trees are some of the oldest living organisms on earth, and visitors to the park can take guided walks to see them. The Lehman Caves offer a unique underground experience, with stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. There are also several scenic drives and trails in the park that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park in California is famous for its namesake trees and other unique desert landscapes. The park is also home to several rock formations, including the famous Skull Rock and Hidden Valley. Visitors can also hike to the top of Keys View for stunning views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains. In addition to the stunning landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park is also a popular destination for stargazing and rock climbing, with opportunities for both activities throughout the park.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, with a variety of natural wonders to explore. Whether you’re interested in ancient trees, stunning caves, or unique desert landscapes, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their unique landscapes and diverse range of activities.
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada and is known for its stunning views of the night sky. The park is home to the Lehman Caves, which offer visitors a chance to explore the underground world of stalactites and stalagmites. In addition, the park offers a range of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Visitors also love to take scenic drives through the park and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California and is known for its unique rock formations and desert landscapes. The park is a popular destination for rock climbers, who come to test their skills on the challenging cliffs and boulders. In addition, the park offers a range of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. Visitors also love to take scenic drives through the park and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding desert landscape.
Overall, both Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, these parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique landscapes and breathtaking views, but the weather conditions in each park are significantly different.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and experiences a high desert climate. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F and during the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing. The park receives an average of 13 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling in the form of snow. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of snow.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in California and experiences a desert climate. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 120°F and during the winter, temperatures can dip below freezing. The park receives only 4 inches of precipitation annually, making it a relatively dry area. The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Additionally, the spring is the best time to see the wildflowers in bloom.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique experiences, but the weather conditions in each park should be considered when planning a trip. Visitors to Great Basin National Park should be prepared for colder temperatures and the possibility of snow, while visitors to Joshua Tree National Park should be prepared for hot temperatures and limited rainfall.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, both offering a unique experience for visitors. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Great Basin National Park is a great option for families looking for a more relaxed and peaceful experience. With its scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs, there’s something for everyone in the family. The park’s star attraction, the Lehman Caves, is a must-see for families with kids. The guided tours are educational and interactive, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds that offer a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together and enjoy the outdoors.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is a more rugged and adventurous park that might be better suited for older children and teenagers. With its unique rock formations and challenging hiking trails, it’s perfect for families who love to explore and be active. The park’s desert landscape provides a unique and memorable experience for visitors, but it can also be harsh and unforgiving. Visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures and limited shade, so it’s important to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are great options for families, but each park has a different vibe. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and educational experience, Great Basin National Park is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more rugged and adventurous experience, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect choice.