“Have you ever struggled to choose between exploring the rugged wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park and the breathtaking cliffs at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve? Well, struggle no more! In this article, we’ll pit these two national treasures against each other to see which one comes out on top.
Get ready to discover the unique landscapes, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions that make these parks truly special. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or history buff, you’ll find something to love about both Joshua Tree and New River Gorge.
So grab a notebook and pen, and get ready to take some notes. We’ll start by exploring the high desert of Joshua Tree, where you’ll find towering Joshua trees, rock formations that will take your breath away, and a night sky that will leave you in awe. Then, we’ll head over to New River Gorge, where you’ll find rolling hills, rushing rivers, and towering cliffs that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
The question is, which park will come out on top? Will it be the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree or the rugged beauty of New River Gorge? Read on to find out!”
Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both popular hiking destinations in the United States, each offering unique landscapes and challenges for hikers.
At Joshua Tree National Park, the trails range from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Skull Rock Nature Trail and the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail. These trails are short, well-marked, and offer stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes include the Lost Horse Mine Trail and the Ryan Mountain Trail. These hikes are longer, steeper, and offer challenging terrain.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged terrain and technical hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Endless Wall Trail and the Long Point Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the New River Gorge and are relatively flat. However, some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Kaymoor Trail and the Nuttall Trail. These hikes are steep, often require rock climbing, and offer challenging terrain for experienced hikers.
Overall, both Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a range of hiking options for hikers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, these parks have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most unique and beautiful national parks in the United States. While they are vastly different, they both offer unique opportunities to observe wildlife.
At Joshua Tree National Park, you can see a variety of desert animals like bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to many bird species like the roadrunner, Gambel’s quail, and the greater roadrunner. In addition to its diverse animal life, Joshua Tree is also home to a variety of cacti and wildflowers like the Joshua tree, cholla cactus, and Mojave aster.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is home to a diverse array of wildlife including black bears, white-tailed deer, and foxes. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 150 species of birds like the raven, turkey vulture, and the peregrine falcon. New River Gorge is also home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including hemlocks, rhododendrons, and wildflowers like the rosebay rhododendron.
Whether you’re interested in observing wildlife or just taking in the beauty of nature, both Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique and unforgettable experiences.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Joshua Tree National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Kestrel | American Pipit |
| Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
| Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Joshua Tree National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Hoary Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Little Brown Bat |
| House Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Cougar | Raccoon |
| Mule Deer | Black Bear |
| Gray Fox | Porcupine |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Silver-Haired Bat |
| American Badger | Hoary Bat |
| Californian Myotis | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowhsoe Hare | House Mouse |
| Fringed Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Wolf |
| Pallid Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Ringtail | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Desert Cottontail | Ermine |
| Virginia Opossum | California Myotis |
| Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | Snowshoe Hare |
| Brush Deermouse | North American River Otter |
| Western Spotted Skunk | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Joshua Tree National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
Insects
| Joshua Tree National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Monarch Butterfly | Silvery Blue |
| Red Admiral | Purplish Copper |
| Mourningcloak | Anise Swallowtail |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Joshua Tree National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Goldfish | Rainbow Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Joshua Tree National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Canyon Treefrog | Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California and is known for its unique and surreal rock formations, including its famous Joshua trees that give the park its name. These trees are found nowhere else in the world and are a true sight to behold. In addition to the Joshua trees, the park is also home to other beautiful landscapes such as massive rock formations, hidden canyons and stunning desert vistas.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in America, and is a popular spot for rock climbers and sightseers alike. But the park is also home to other stunning natural wonders, including the New River Gorge itself, which is one of the oldest rivers in the world, and is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls. The park also offers amazing hiking trails and scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Things To-Do and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two distinct national parks that offer visitors a range of outdoor activities. Both parks are popular destinations for rock climbing, hiking, and camping, but they each have unique features that set them apart.
At Joshua Tree, rock climbing is an especially popular activity due to the park’s impressive rock formations and abundance of climbing routes. The park also offers visitors opportunities for stargazing, birdwatching, and scenic drives. In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its white-water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities on the New River, as well as its scenic overlooks and hiking trails.
Another popular activity at New River Gorge is bridge-jumping, which involves jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge into the river below. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a more relaxed outdoor experience, both Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something to offer. Whether you choose to explore one or both, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two distinct parks with different climates. Joshua Tree is located in the Mojave Desert and experiences hot, dry summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is from October to May when temperatures are mild, making it easier to hike and explore the park’s scenic beauty. On the other hand, New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall, when temperatures are mild and perfect for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and white water rafting.
The weather also affects the landscape and vegetation in each park. Joshua Tree is known for its iconic Joshua trees, which only thrive in hot, arid conditions. In contrast, New River Gorge is a lush forest with deciduous trees that change color in the fall, creating a stunning display.
Visitors should consider the weather when planning a trip to either park. Joshua Tree is a popular destination during the cooler months and can become crowded during peak season. New River Gorge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and can become busy during the summer months, especially on weekends. Therefore, visitors should plan accordingly and be prepared for the seasonal weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of America’s most popular national parks. Both parks offer families unique opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, but they have different strengths when it comes to being family-friendly.
Joshua Tree National Park is a great choice for families who are looking for an outdoor adventure. With its unique rock formations, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails, there is something for everyone. Children will love exploring the park’s many cacti and rock formations, and families can take a scenic drive to see the vast desert landscape. However, there are few amenities in Joshua Tree, and the park can get very hot in the summer, so families should come prepared.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is a great choice for families who are looking for a more laid-back experience. With its stunning views of the New River and its many recreational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, and white-water rafting, families can enjoy a variety of activities. The park also has several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers, making it a more convenient option for families. Additionally, the park is located in the Appalachian Mountains, which offer a cooler climate than the desert of Joshua Tree.
In conclusion, both Joshua Tree National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great options for families, but the best park for your family will depend on your specific interests and needs. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, then Joshua Tree might be the best choice. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, then New River Gorge might be a better option.