“Two parks, two very different worlds. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, USA, is a land of immense sand dunes, towering peaks, and rolling grasslands. Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, is in the heart of the Mojave Desert, California and is known for its unusual tree-like yucca plants and rock formations. Both parks have their unique charm and beauty that draws visitors from all over the world. However, which one is right for you? That’s what we aim to find out in this article.
We’ll take you on a journey through the Great Sand Dunes and Joshua Tree, highlighting their differences and similarities. From the best time to visit, to the activities and sights you can enjoy, we’ll give you an in-depth look into each park. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or just looking for a quiet place to relax, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to explore two of America’s most magnificent national parks and discover which one is the perfect destination for your next trip.”
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. At Great Sand Dunes, the star attraction is the sand dunes themselves, which can be hiked for a unique experience. Some popular trails include the Dunes Overlook, which is a short, easy hike with stunning views of the dunes, and the Medano Pass Primitive Road, which is a 4.5-mile hike through sand and streams. For the more adventurous, the High Dune hike is a challenging climb up a 750-foot sand dune.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique rock formations, including towering Joshua trees and massive boulders. Hiking trails range from easy nature walks to strenuous rock-scrambling adventures. Some popular trails include the Barker Dam Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that takes visitors through a desert oasis, and the Skull Rock Nature Trail, a 1.7-mile hike that takes visitors past unique rock formations. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Ryan Mountain Trail is a 3-mile round trip hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain, offering panoramic views of the park.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors of all abilities. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging rock-scrambling adventure, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Dune Trail | 4828.02 | 191.7192 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mosca Pass Trail | 10299.776 | 444.7032 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dunes Trail from Pinyon Flats | 7242.03 | 290.7792 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Sand Dunes Loop Trail | 8046.7 | 225.8568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 11909.116 | 598.932 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 12713.786 | 697.992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 804.67 | 26.8224 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 2414.01 | 80.772 | Moderate | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 40394.434 | 1079.9064 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 2896.812 | 47.8536 | Easy | 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 Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are two unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, each with its own unique characteristics.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including mule deer, pronghorns, and coyotes. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including hawks, falcons, and golden eagles. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including cacti and sagebrush.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique and diverse array of wildlife, including the namesake Joshua tree, as well as a variety of reptiles, such as lizards and snakes, and a number of bird species, including roadrunners and hawks. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and the endangered desert tortoise.
Both Parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, with Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve providing the opportunity to see a variety of mammals and birds in their natural habitats, while Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors the chance to see a diverse array of reptiles, birds, and plants, including the iconic Joshua tree.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes 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 |
| 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 Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Mule Deer | Fringed Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Long-Eared Bat | Pallid Bat |
| Badger | Ringtail |
| Ermine | Desert Cottontail |
| Snowshoe Hare | Virginia Opossum |
| Masked Shrew | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Water Shrew | Brush Deermouse |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Western Spotted Skunk |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Milksnake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Glossy Snake |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Goldfish |
| German Brown Trout | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes 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 Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado and is known for its towering sand dunes, which reach heights of up to 750 feet. The park also features the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop to the dunes, as well as the Medano Creek, which is a popular spot for visitors to cool off during the hot summer months.
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California and is famous for its unique landscapes, including the distinctive Joshua trees that give the park its name, as well as rocky formations, such as the Skull Rock, which is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. The park is also known for its stunning sunsets and sunrises, which are often viewed from the Keys View overlook.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to take in breathtaking natural landscapes and explore the unique geology of the area. Whether you’re interested in hiking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying the views, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are must-visit destinations for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventure.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are both unique in their own way, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. At the Great Sand Dunes, dune hiking, sand sledding, and stargazing are popular activities. The sand dunes themselves are a unique feature and a challenge to explore, providing a landscape unlike any other in the country. Sand sledding, either using a traditional sled or a plastic sled, is a fun activity for visitors of all ages. The park also offers great stargazing opportunities, with its clear night skies and minimal light pollution.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and opportunities for rock climbing. Visitors can hike amongst the unique landscape, taking in the beauty of the park’s iconic trees and rock formations. Rock climbing is a popular activity, with routes ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging for experienced climbers. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and rattlesnakes. Whether hiking, rock climbing, or simply taking in the unique beauty of the park, visitors to Joshua Tree National Park are sure to have a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but the seasonal weather can greatly impact when the best time to visit is.
The Great Sand Dunes are located in southern Colorado and boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America. The park experiences warm temperatures in the summer, with average highs in the 80s, and cool temperatures in the winter, with average lows in the 20s. Winter sports like snowboarding and sledding are popular in the park, but the sand dunes themselves can be too hot to hike on during the summer months.
Meanwhile, Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California and is known for its unique rock formations and Joshua trees. The park experiences hot temperatures in the summer, with average highs in the 90s, and cool temperatures in the winter, with average lows in the 40s. Winter is the best time to visit for rock climbing, as the cooler temperatures make for ideal conditions. Summer can be too hot for strenuous activities, but it is a great time to enjoy the park’s wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park offer unique experiences for visitors, but the seasonal weather greatly affects when the best time to visit is. Winter is the best time to experience winter sports at the Great Sand Dunes and rock climbing at Joshua Tree National Park, while summer is the best time to enjoy wildflowers at Joshua Tree and avoid the heat at the Great Sand Dunes.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, but they offer very different experiences. If you’re traveling with children, you may want to consider which park is best suited for your family.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is known for its towering sand dunes that cover over 30,000 acres. While the park offers a unique and beautiful landscape, it may not be the best choice for families with young children. The sand dunes can be difficult to climb and the park is located at a high elevation, which can be challenging for some visitors.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park offers a more family-friendly experience. The park is home to stunning rock formations, unique desert landscapes, and a variety of wildlife. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, which are suitable for children of all ages. Additionally, the park is located at a lower elevation, which makes it easier for families to explore and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
In conclusion, while both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park are beautiful and worth visiting, Joshua Tree National Park is likely the better choice for families with children.