“Picture this: towering rock formations, striking sunsets, and vast, sprawling landscapes. These two national parks, Joshua Tree and Wrangell-St. Elias, couldn’t be more different, yet both offer unique and breathtaking experiences.
In the arid deserts of California, Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for rock climbers, hikers, and stargazers alike. The park’s twisted, spiky trees are its signature feature and provide a stark contrast to the surrounding barren landscape.
In Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a wilderness of a different sort. With its glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife, it is a true testament to the power of nature. Visitors can explore the park via helicopter, snowmobile or even by dogsled, making it a truly immersive experience.
So, which national park is right for you? Read on to find out more about these two incredible destinations and how they compare.”
Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes. The park’s signature hike is the 1.3-mile Barker Dam Trail, a flat, easy trail that offers scenic views of the park’s iconic Joshua trees and rock formations. For something a little more challenging, try the 3-mile Lost Horse Mine Trail, which leads to the site of an abandoned gold mine and offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
On the other hand, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, and offers a diverse range of hiking opportunities, from easy river walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park’s most popular hike is the Root Glacier Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. For something even more challenging, try the multi-day backpacking trip to Mount Wrangell, which reaches an elevation of over 14,000 feet and offers panoramic views of the park’s vast wilderness.
Both parks offer unique and challenging hiking experiences, and each one is worth a visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, you’ll find it in either Joshua Tree National Park or Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve.
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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Both Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are known for their unique and diverse wildlife, but each park offers its own unique viewing experience.
At Joshua Tree National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, and the iconic Joshua tree for which the park is named. The park is also home to a diverse bird population, including roadrunners, hawks, and golden eagles. In addition to its wildlife, Joshua Tree is famous for its stunning rock formations and night skies, making it a popular destination for stargazing and rock climbing.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including brown and black bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with visitors having the chance to see a variety of species, including the bald eagle, gyrfalcon, and Steller’s jay. In addition to its wildlife, Wrangell-St. Elias is also known for its stunning glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and vast wilderness, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Both parks offer unique and unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences, but visitors looking for a more diverse range of wildlife should consider visiting Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, while those interested in a desert environment and stargazing should consider visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Joshua Tree National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & 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 | 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 | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | Porcupine |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Puma |
| Cougar | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Californian Myotis | Land Otter |
| Snowhsoe Hare | Common Shrew |
| Fringed Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Pallid Bat | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Ringtail | Lynx |
| Desert Cottontail | Wolverine |
| Virginia Opossum | American Marten |
| Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Brush Deermouse | Grizzly Bear |
| Western Spotted Skunk | Meadow Vole |
Reptiles
| Joshua Tree National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Silvery Blue |
| Painted Lady | Clouded Sulphur |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Joshua Tree National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Goldfish | Steelhead |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Joshua Tree National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Canyon Treefrog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both unique and breathtaking national parks located in the United States.
At Joshua Tree, visitors can witness the park’s famous Joshua Trees, which are an iconic symbol of the Mojave Desert. The park is also home to stunning rock formations, including giant piles of boulders and towering rock spires, making it a popular destination for rock climbers. In addition, the park features breathtaking desert landscapes, including canyons, valleys, and sand dunes.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is the largest national park in the United States. The park is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Wrangell Mountains, which are the largest volcanic field in North America. Visitors to the park can also see glaciers, including the largest glacier in North America, the Malaspina Glacier. The park is also home to numerous lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, including the Root Glacier, which is a popular destination for ice climbing.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you are a nature lover, hiker, or photographer, you are sure to find something to admire at Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve.
Things To-Do and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their unique landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and breathtaking views. While both parks offer a range of outdoor activities, there are some key differences between the two.
At Joshua Tree National Park, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park is famous for its unique rock formations, which draws rock climbers from around the world. The clear night skies in Joshua Tree make it an ideal place for stargazing. Visitors can also spot a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and rattlesnakes.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers a more rugged wilderness experience. The park is a popular destination for backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears and caribou. Visitors can also take scenic drives through the park to see its breathtaking views.
In conclusion, both Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer a range of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors. While Joshua Tree is known for its unique rock formations and night skies, Wrangell-St. Elias is a rugged wilderness experience with glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and abundant wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique and popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique landscapes and experiences for visitors, but the weather conditions can be quite different. In Joshua Tree National Park, located in southern California, the weather is warm and arid throughout the year, with summer temperatures often reaching over 100°F. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing at night, but are generally mild during the day. The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and experiences a much different climate. The park is known for its harsh, cold weather and heavy snowfall. Summer temperatures are cool, with average temperatures in the 50s, while winter temperatures can drop to below 0°F. The park also receives a large amount of snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The best time to visit Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, when the weather is milder and snow has melted, allowing visitors to access the park’s many trails and scenic vistas.
Family Friendliness of Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, but they have different attractions and experiences to offer. When it comes to visiting with children, Joshua Tree National Park might be a better choice.
The park is located in southern California, and it has a milder climate, making it a great destination for families with young children. Joshua Tree is also home to many trails and rock formations that are easy to explore and offer stunning views. The park’s unique landscape is a draw for kids of all ages, who will enjoy climbing on the boulders and exploring the desert environment.
Wrangell – St. Elias, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its vast wilderness and glaciers. While the park is definitely a breathtaking destination, it is not as family-friendly as Joshua Tree. The remote location and harsh climate can make it difficult for families with young children to explore and enjoy the park. Additionally, Wrangell – St. Elias is much larger than Joshua Tree, making it more challenging to navigate, especially for families with young kids.
In conclusion, while both national parks have a lot to offer, Joshua Tree National Park is probably a better choice if you are traveling with children. The milder climate, easily accessible trails and unique landscape make it a great destination for families.