Welcome to a journey through two of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the United States: Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. These two parks, located on opposite sides of the country, offer unique and contrasting landscapes that are sure to leave you breathless.
In the heart of southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert oasis of towering rocks and twisted trees. With its unique ecosystem and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder that this park attracts millions of visitors each year.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a journey back in time. It’s a land of ancient trees, fossilized and turned to stone, that tells a story of a world that once was. With its stunning rock formations and colorful landscapes, Petrified Forest National Park is a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for the Earth’s rich geological history.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a lover of natural history, these two parks are sure to leave an impression. So buckle up and get ready for a journey through two of the most unique and captivating national parks in the United States.
Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and each offers a unique experience for visitors. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous adventures.
At Joshua Tree, the easiest hike is the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop that winds through a rock-lined valley surrounded by towering boulder formations. On the other hand, the park’s most challenging hike is the Ryan Mountain Trail, a 3-mile round trip that gains over 1,000 feet in elevation and offers panoramic views of the desert landscape.
At Petrified Forest National Park, the easiest hike is the Giant Logs Trail, a 0.3-mile trail that takes visitors past some of the largest petrified logs in the park. The park’s most challenging hike is the Blue Mesa Trail, a 3.2-mile loop that takes hikers up and down a mesa and through a badlands-like landscape of colorful rock formations.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options, making them accessible to visitors of all abilities. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a strenuous adventure, Joshua Tree and Petrified Forest National Parks have something for everyone.
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 Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two premier parks in the United States that offer unique and diverse wildlife encounters. Joshua Tree is known for its namesake tree, the Joshua Tree, as well as desert animals such as the bighorn sheep, black-tailed jackrabbit, and rattlesnakes. Additionally, bird enthusiasts may find joy in observing species such as the roadrunner, phainopepla, and verdin. On the other hand, Petrified Forest is a haven for fossil hunters and those interested in plant life. Here, visitors can see the petrified wood for which the park is named, as well as cacti, such as the prickly pear, and wildlife like the pronghorn antelope and the black-tailed prairie dog.
While both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, Petrified Forest also has a rich history, with ancient petroglyphs and ruins of ancient civilizations. In contrast, Joshua Tree’s main attraction is its stunning desert landscape and unique rock formations. Both parks offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making them perfect destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the desert landscape of Joshua Tree or the petrified forests of Petrified Forest, both parks are sure to provide a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Joshua Tree National Park | Petrified Forest 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
| Joshua Tree National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Deer Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| House Mouse | Black Bear |
| Cougar | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Red Fox |
| American Badger | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Californian Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| Snowhsoe Hare | Mule Deer |
| Fringed Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Wolf |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Pallid Bat | Badger |
| Ringtail | California Myotis |
| Desert Cottontail | Fringed Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Brush Deermouse | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Western Spotted Skunk | Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Joshua Tree National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Glossy Snake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Common Kingsnake |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Insects
| Joshua Tree National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Joshua Tree National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Goldfish |
Amphibians
| Joshua Tree National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Canyon Treefrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is known for its distinctive, spiky Joshua Trees, which are actually a type of yucca. This park is also famous for its stunning rock formations, including the striking stacks known as the Pinnacles. Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its petrified wood, which is the remains of ancient trees that have turned to stone over time. This park is also known for its colorful badlands, as well as the striking Blue Mesa and Rainbow Forest areas, which are home to some of the best examples of petrified wood in the park.
Another popular landmark in Joshua Tree National Park is the Cholla Cactus Garden, which is a sea of spiky cacti that create a surreal landscape. In addition, the park is home to several hiking trails, including the popular Ryan Mountain Trail and the Lost Horse Mine Trail, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Petrified Forest National Park also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, backpacking, and birdwatching. Visitors can also explore the park’s scenic drives, including the Painted Desert Rim Drive and the Petrified Forest Loop Road, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer unique landscapes and outdoor experiences that attract millions of visitors each year. While both parks are known for their stunning geological formations and unique landscapes, the activities available to visitors differ greatly.
Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park are drawn to the park’s iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and scenic drives. In addition to hiking, rock climbing, and camping, the park also offers stargazing opportunities, with some of the darkest skies in Southern California. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at various overlooks for breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its extensive fossil beds, ancient petrified trees, and colorful badlands. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors to Petrified Forest National Park can also learn about the park’s rich Native American history and geology through guided tours and ranger-led programs. The park also features scenic drives, including the 28-mile long Park Road that offers stunning views of the petrified forest and surrounding badlands.
In conclusion, both Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer visitors unique outdoor experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking to enjoy scenic drives, explore ancient fossils, or simply relax under the stars, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique national parks with different weather patterns. Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California and has hot, dry summers and mild, cool winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach well over 100°F, making it important to stay hydrated and to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. On the other hand, the winter months are mild, with temperatures ranging from the high 40s to low 60s°F, making it a popular time for rock climbing and hiking.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, has a more extreme climate, with hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100°F and winter temperatures can dip below freezing. Snow is common in the park from November to March, making it a popular time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. However, the winter months also bring shorter days and limited park access, so it’s important to plan accordingly if visiting during these months.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the cooler months of the year, while the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is during the warmer months when park access is not limited by snow.
Family Friendliness of Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two magnificent National Parks in the United States, each with its unique beauty and attractions. Both Parks are family-friendly, but each in its own way.
At Joshua Tree National Park, families can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The park offers plenty of short and easy trails that are perfect for families with young children. Additionally, the park’s stunning rock formations and beautiful desert landscapes provide ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique opportunity to see ancient petrified wood and fossils. The park has several short and easy trails that take visitors through the heart of the petrified forest, which is perfect for families with young children. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led walks and talks that are designed specifically for families.
In conclusion, both Joshua Tree National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are great places for families to visit. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Petrified Forest National Park might be the better option, as it offers more opportunities for guided walks and talks specifically designed for families.