Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. While both are renowned for their geological wonders and stunning landscapes, each has its own distinct personality and charm.
In this article, we will take a closer look at these two parks, comparing and contrasting the geological wonders, wildlife, and recreational activities available. Which park will come out on top as the ultimate destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts?
From the fiery, constantly changing terrain of the volcanoes in Hawai’i, to the towering, spiky rocks of Joshua Tree, both parks offer breathtaking views and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a wildlife photographer, or simply someone seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, these two parks promise to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore two of America’s most incredible natural wonders. The stage is set for a showdown between these two geological giants, and the only question left is, which park will come out on top?
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most iconic parks in the United States, each offering its own unique landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Hawai’i Volcanoes is known for its active volcanoes, offering trails that take hikers through lava fields and past steam vents. Some of the easier hikes include the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes you through a cooled lava lake, and the Devastation Trail, which offers views of the aftermath of the 1959 eruption. For those seeking a greater challenge, the Mauna Ulu Trail takes you through a rugged and remote area of the park, while the Napau Trail takes you to the summit of Napau Crater.
In stark contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its striking rock formations and unique desert landscape. The park offers a variety of trails that take you through this otherworldly landscape, including the easy Barker Dam Trail and the more challenging Ryan Mountain Trail. The park is also home to several iconic rock formations, including the famous Skull Rock, which can be reached via a short but strenuous hike. For those seeking an even greater challenge, the 49 Palms Oasis Trail takes you through a remote and rugged area of the park to a hidden oasis.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable hiking experience, whether you’re looking for an easy and relaxing trail or a challenging and strenuous hike.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is known for its unique combination of volcanic landscapes and exotic wildlife. Visitors can observe a wide variety of birds, including the Hawaiian Goose, the Nene, and several species of honeycreepers. On the ground, visitors may encounter the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, the Hawaiian Petrel, and several species of endemic insects. In terms of plant life, the park is home to an array of unique and diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, subalpine forests, and deserts.
Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, is located in the desert region of Southern California and is known for its unique and iconic Joshua trees, as well as its diverse collection of wildlife. Visitors can observe a variety of mammals such as bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and black-tailed jackrabbits. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including the Greater Roadrunner, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and the Chuckwalla. In terms of plant life, the park is home to several species of cacti, including the Prickly Pear and the Cholla, as well as the iconic Joshua trees from which the park takes its name.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Canada Goose | Northern Harrier |
| Great Blue Heron | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Rock Pigeon | Osprey |
| House Sparrow | Tree Swallow |
| Northern Mockingbird | Mallard |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Canada Goose |
| Wild Turkey | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Barn Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Cattle Egret | American Robin |
| Sanderling | Great Horned Owl |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Chukar | Northern Flicker |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Merlin |
| Northern Cardinal | Barn Swallow |
| California Quail | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | Big Brown Bat |
| ‘Iole | Bobcat |
| Domestic Cattle | Deer Mouse |
| Feral Hog | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Cougar | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| Californian Myotis | |
| Snowhsoe Hare | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse | |
| Pallid Bat | |
| Ringtail | |
| Desert Cottontail | |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | |
| Brush Deermouse | |
| Western Spotted Skunk |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Orange Sulphur |
| Monarch Butterfly | Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Cabbage White | Mourningcloak |
| Honey Bee | Silvery Blue |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | 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 |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most unique and diverse parks in the country. It is home to the famous Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes and the park offers incredible opportunities to see active volcanic activity up close and personal. The park’s landscape is constantly changing due to the volcanic activity, making each visit to the park a unique experience. Visitors can hike through the park’s many trails, including the popular Kīlauea Iki Trail, which offers views of the volcano’s crater and steam vents.
On the other side, Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave Desert and is known for its stunning rock formations, including the famous Joshua Trees, which are found nowhere else in the world. The park is also home to a diverse landscape of deserts, mountains, and canyons, making it the perfect place for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The park’s many trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Lost Horse Mine Trail and the Boy Scout Trail, which lead to some of the park’s most stunning overlooks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. In Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can witness the power of nature as they hike through the park’s volcanic landscapes. The park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and visitors can observe these volcanoes from designated viewing areas or by taking guided hikes.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave Desert and is known for its unique rock formations and the iconic Joshua Tree. Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, camping, and star-gazing. The park is also home to several scenic drives, including the scenic loop that takes visitors through some of the most stunning landscapes in the park.
Whether you are looking to witness the power of nature or explore unique landscapes, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer something for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic drive, these parks are sure to provide you with a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both unique and amazing places to visit, but the seasonal weather at each park is very different. The weather at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is relatively mild throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the park can be quite wet, with heavy rainfall during the winter months. In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its hot and arid climate, with temperatures often reaching 100 degrees or more during the summer months. The park is also very dry, with occasional rainfall during the winter months.
The weather conditions at each park significantly impact the best time of year to visit. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the best time to visit is typically during the drier, summer months of June to August. During this time, visitors can enjoy clear skies and mild temperatures, making it a great time to explore the park’s many trails and scenic views. On the other hand, the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the cooler, winter months of November to February. During this time, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures and clear skies, making it a great time to hike, camp, and stargaze.
Overall, both parks offer incredible experiences, but the seasonal weather conditions play a significant role in determining the best time to visit. It is important to consider the weather conditions when planning a trip to either Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or Joshua Tree National Park.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two very different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. When it comes to traveling with children, both parks offer plenty of opportunities for families to explore and learn together, but one park stands out as being more family-friendly.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an excellent destination for families with kids. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, it offers a chance for kids to immerse themselves in nature and learn about the geological processes that shape our planet. In addition, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational talks, that are designed specifically for families with young children.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is a great park for families who love hiking and rock climbing. The park is known for its unique rock formations and desert landscapes, and offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore and climb. However, the park can be quite remote and may not have as many amenities as other parks. Additionally, some of the park’s trails may not be suitable for younger children, making it a better choice for families with older kids.
In conclusion, both parks have their own unique charm and offer a great opportunity for families to learn and explore. However, if you’re traveling with younger children, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the better choice with its family-friendly programs and amenities.