Descending from the sky-reaching peaks of Joshua Tree to the shimmering dunes of White Sands, the American Southwest presents two vastly different but equally stunning national parks. Both Joshua Tree and White Sands boast unique landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe, but which one is right for you?
Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road, as we embark on a journey to compare these two iconic parks. From rock formations to sand dunes, and everything in between, we’ll dive into what makes each park special and why you should add it to your bucket list.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge, or just looking for a relaxing escape from city life, both Joshua Tree and White Sands have something to offer. So, buckle up and join us as we discover which park is the ultimate destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California and is known for its unique rock formations and diverse hiking trails. Many of the trails in Joshua Tree are challenging and require a certain level of fitness. The Park has several easy hikes for families and visitors who just want to enjoy the scenery. A popular easy hike is the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail, a 0.3-mile loop that takes visitors through a field of spiky cacti.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, offers a completely different hiking experience. Instead of rocks and cacti, visitors hike through the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The park has several easy trails for families, including the Dune Life Nature Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that takes visitors through the unique ecosystem of the dunes. However, the park also offers a few challenging hikes, such as the Alkali Flat Trail, a 6-mile out-and-back hike that takes visitors to the park’s remote backcountry.
Both parks have their own unique hiking experiences and offer something for visitors of all fitness levels. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike in Joshua Tree or a leisurely stroll in White Sands, both 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 White Sands National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 6 |
Wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is known for its stunning white sand dunes, but it is also home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see animals such as jackrabbits, kit foxes, and pronghorns. Additionally, birdwatchers can spot species such as roadrunners, Horned Larks, and Olive Sparrows. In terms of vegetation, creosote bush and yucca plants are common sights in the park.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the iconic Joshua trees for which the park is named. Along with the Joshua trees, visitors can also expect to see animals such as bighorn sheep, black-tailed jackrabbits, and rattlesnakes. In addition to these, birdwatchers can spot bird species such as roadrunners, golden eagles, and phainopeplas. The park is also home to a variety of cacti and succulents, including the cholla cactus.
Both parks offer unique and exciting wildlife experiences, but White Sands is known for its serene and isolated environment, while Joshua Tree is known for its rugged and otherworldly landscape. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, animal sightings, or botany, both of these parks are sure to provide a memorable and educational experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Joshua Tree National Park | White Sands 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 | White Sands National Park |
---|---|
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 | Red Fox |
Snowhsoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Fringed Myotis | House Mouse |
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Mountain Lion |
Western Harvest Mouse | Mink |
Pallid Bat | Common Gray Fox |
Ringtail | Plains Wolf |
Desert Cottontail | American Badger |
Virginia Opossum | Ermine |
Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | Snowshoe Hare |
Brush Deermouse | River Otter |
Western Spotted Skunk | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
Joshua Tree National Park | White Sands 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 |
Insects
Joshua Tree National Park | White Sands National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourningcloak | |
Silvery Blue | |
Variegated Fritillary | |
Buckeye | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
Joshua Tree National Park | White Sands National Park |
---|---|
Goldfish | Largemouth Bass |
Longnose Sucker | |
Green Sunfish | |
Bluegill | |
Fathead Minnow | |
Golden Shiner | |
Lake Trout | |
Northern Pike | |
Ellpout | |
Mottled Sculpin | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Black Crappie | |
Black Bullhead | |
Creek Chub | |
Brown Bullhead | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Joshua Tree National Park | White Sands National Park |
---|---|
Canyon Treefrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is known for its large expanse of white sand dunes. The sand dunes are made of gypsum, which is a unique type of sand that is not found in many other places. Visitors can walk, sled, or even sandboard on the dunes. The park also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its otherworldly landscapes, including its namesake tree species, the Joshua tree. The park is also home to many large rock formations, including the iconic Keys View and Skull Rock. Visitors can hike, rock climb, or take scenic drives to see the natural beauty of the park. The park also offers a unique night sky experience, as it is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning that visitors can stargaze and see the Milky Way with minimal light pollution.
Both parks offer visitors an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. White Sands offers a unique and pristine landscape of white sand dunes, while Joshua Tree offers a vibrant and rugged desert landscape with its iconic Joshua trees and rock formations. Whether you are looking for a peaceful outdoor escape or an adventure in nature, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park are two unique parks in the United States that offer different experiences to visitors. Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California and is known for its famous Joshua tree forests and rock formations. The park is a popular destination for rock climbing, and offers challenging routes for both beginners and experienced climbers. In addition, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and stargazing at night.
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico and is the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The park is well known for its snow-white sand dunes that attract beach-goers looking for a desert oasis. Visitors can enjoy sand sledding, hiking, and picnicking in the shaded picnic area. In addition, the park offers ranger-led tours, stargazing, and full moon walks. White Sands is also a popular spot for photographers, as the unique dune formations and changing light create stunning landscapes.
Both parks offer unique experiences and attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a desert adventure or just want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the parks, Joshua Tree and White Sands have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park
Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park are two popular national parks located in the southwestern United States. Despite being located in the same region, these parks have different climates and weather patterns that affect when is the best time to visit each park.
Joshua Tree National Park is located in the high desert and experiences hot and dry summers with temperatures reaching up to 100°F (38°C). Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C). The best time to visit Joshua Tree is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the desert flora is in bloom.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and experiences hot and dry summers with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C). Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C). The best time to visit White Sands is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild and the sand dunes are less crowded.
In conclusion, the weather at Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park affects the best time to visit each park. Visitors should plan their trips based on their preferred weather conditions and activities. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit both parks as the weather is mild and the parks are less crowded.
Family Friendliness of Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park
Both Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park are family-friendly destinations, however, each has unique features that make them better suited for different types of families. Joshua Tree National Park is great for families who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure. With its unique rock formations, hiking trails, and climbing opportunities, there is plenty to keep kids entertained and engaged. However, it may not be the best option for families with young children or those who are looking for more relaxed activities.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park is a great option for families with young children or those looking for a more relaxed experience. With its vast sands dunes, visitors can go on a leisurely hike, have a picnic, or just play in the sand. The park also offers ranger-led programs and a visitors center with educational exhibits, making it a great choice for families looking to learn more about the unique ecosystem.
In conclusion, both Joshua Tree National Park and White Sands National Park are great options for families looking to spend time in nature. However, for families with young children or those looking for a more relaxed experience, White Sands National Park may be the better choice. For families who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure, Joshua Tree National Park may be the better option.