Looking for a change of scenery? Two of America’s iconic national parks, Joshua Tree and Saguaro, are vastly different from one another and both offer unique landscapes and experiences.
Imagine standing amidst the towering, spiky trees of Joshua Tree. This park, located in Southern California, is a wonderland for rock climbers, hikers, and stargazers. The unique and otherworldly landscape is unlike anything else in the world.
Or, imagine yourself surrounded by the majestic, towering saguaro cacti in Saguaro National Park, located in Southern Arizona. This park offers a completely different experience, with its rich southwestern culture, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives.
Both parks are must-sees for nature lovers, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two remarkable natural wonders and compare them side by side. So pack your bags and grab your sunscreen, it’s time to hit the road and explore!
Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park are both popular destinations for those seeking a unique and challenging desert hiking experience.
At Joshua Tree, the trails range from easy nature walks to strenuous rock climbs. Some of the easiest hikes include the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, where visitors can explore a unique desert landscape and rock formations in just under a mile. The Barker Dam Nature Trail is also a popular choice, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert and rock formations in just over a mile. On the other hand, the strenuous trails in Joshua Tree include the Ryan Mountain Trail, which takes visitors to the top of Ryan Mountain for panoramic views, and the Climb Park, which offers opportunities for technical rock climbing.
Saguaro National Park, located in Tucson, Arizona, offers a similar range of hiking options. One of the easiest hikes is the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, a scenic 8-mile drive through the park’s iconic cactus forest. The Douglas Spring Trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors through the park’s beautiful desert landscape and cactus forest. For a more strenuous hike, the King Canyon Trail takes visitors deep into the park’s backcountry, offering stunning views of towering saguaro cacti and the surrounding mountains.
Overall, both Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a variety of hiking options for visitors of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is located in California and is known for its unique rock formations, as well as its diverse wildlife. Some of the most common animals you’ll see in the park include the Joshua tree (which the park is named after), desert bighorn sheep, and various species of lizards. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the roadrunner, golden eagle, and several species of owls.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its towering saguaro cactus, which are unique to the Sonoran Desert. In addition to the saguaro, the park is also home to a variety of animals, including the Gila monster, rattlesnakes, and several species of birds, such as the cactus wren and Gilded Flicker. The park is also home to a wide range of plants, including the ocotillo, cholla, and prickly pear cactus.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse range of wildlife, but each park has its own unique features. Joshua Tree is known for its unique rock formations and the Joshua tree, while Saguaro is known for its towering saguaro cactus. So, depending on what kind of wildlife you’re interested in seeing, either park can be a great choice.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Joshua Tree National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Joshua Tree National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Californian Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Snowhsoe Hare | Common Gray Fox |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Badger |
| Pallid Bat | Californis Myotis |
| Ringtail | Fringed Myotis |
| Desert Cottontail | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Virginia Opossum | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | Yuma Myotis |
| Brush Deermouse | Bighorn Sheep |
| Western Spotted Skunk | White-Tailed Deer |
Reptiles
| Joshua Tree National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Glossy Snake | Common Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Night Snake |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Joshua Tree National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Joshua Tree National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Goldfish |
Amphibians
| Joshua Tree National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Canyon Treefrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is known for its namesake tree, the Joshua tree, and its unique rock formations. The park’s landscape is characterized by large, spiky yucca trees, jagged rock formations, and sprawling deserts. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, including the famous Lost Horse Mine Trail and the Keys View Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is known for its towering cactus, the Saguaro cactus, and its varied desert landscapes. The park is divided into two districts, the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District, each offering unique landscapes and opportunities for exploration. Visitors can hike to scenic overlooks, such as Mica View, or walk along the Hugh Norris Trail, which winds through a dense forest of Saguaro cacti. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and roadrunners.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of the desert and explore the unique landscapes that define the American Southwest. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, Joshua Tree and Saguaro National Parks are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to experience the stunning beauty of the desert.
Things To-Do and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park
Both Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different experiences. Joshua Tree is known for its unique, spiky trees and rock formations, which make for great rock climbing opportunities. The park also offers scenic drives and stargazing at night, where visitors can see the Milky Way in all its glory.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering cactus forests, which provide shade and habitat for a variety of animals. Visitors can take scenic drives, go bird watching, and visit the park’s many desert trails. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and sunset walks.
For those looking for a unique experience, Joshua Tree offers camping in its backcountry, where visitors can hike and camp under the stars. Saguaro also offers camping, but with the added convenience of RV hookups and developed campgrounds.
For those looking for a more leisurely experience, both parks offer picnic areas and scenic drives, which provide a great way to enjoy the beauty of the desert without a lot of physical activity. Whether you want to hike, camp, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert, both Joshua Tree and Saguaro National Parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave Desert in California and has a unique desert climate. The weather is hot and dry during the summer months, with average temperatures ranging from 90-100°F. Winter temperatures are mild, with average temperatures in the 60-70°F range. The best time to visit Joshua Tree is during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of flash floods.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is in the Sonoran Desert and has a similar desert climate to Joshua Tree. Summer temperatures in Saguaro National Park can reach up to 100°F, but the nights are cooler than in Joshua Tree. Winter temperatures are mild, similar to Joshua Tree, with average temperatures in the 60-70°F range. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park is during the spring when the cacti are in bloom and the weather is mild.
Both Joshua Tree and Saguaro National Parks offer unique and beautiful desert landscapes, but their seasonal weather patterns are different. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to make the most of their visit and experience the best weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park are both popular destinations for families, each offering unique experiences and outdoor activities. However, when it comes to visiting with children, Saguaro National Park may be the better option. This park is located closer to major cities, making it easier to access and offering more options for food and accommodations. The park also has several picnic areas, and the visitors center provides educational programs and ranger-led activities for kids.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is more remote, making it a better option for those looking for a more rugged and isolated experience. While the park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring, it may be less suitable for families with very young children as the trails can be challenging and there are limited amenities. However, families with older children or teenagers who are looking for a adventure may find Joshua Tree to be a great destination.
Ultimately, the choice between these two parks will come down to personal preferences and the ages of the children in your group. Both parks offer beautiful views and unique landscapes that are sure to make for an unforgettable family vacation. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Saguaro National Park may be the more convenient and comfortable option.