Joshua Tree National Park vs Death Valley National Park
California's two desert parks offer contrasting experiences. Joshua Tree combines accessibility with otherworldly landscapes close to Los Angeles, while Death Valley offers extreme geography and solitude in America's hottest, driest, and lowest national park.
California
1994
790,636 acres
3.1 million
$30/vehicle
536 - 5,814 ft
High (weekends)
California
1994
3.4 million acres
1.1 million
$30/vehicle
-282 - 11,049 ft
Low
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Joshua Tree National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | October-May, March for wildflowers | November-March, Avoid summer entirely |
| Top Highlights | Joshua trees, Keys View, Skull Rock | Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Dunes |
| Main Activities | Rock climbing, Hiking, Stargazing | Scenic driving, Photography, Hiking |
| Crowd Level | High (weekends) | Low |
| Entry Fee | $30/vehicle | $30/vehicle |
| Nearest Airport | Palm Springs (PSP) - 40 miles | Las Vegas (LAS) - 120 miles |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Close to LA (2.5 hours)
- + Excellent rock climbing
- + Dark skies
- + Two desert ecosystems
Cons
- - No water in park
- - Crowded weekends
- - Extreme summer heat
- - Cell service limited
Pros
- + Lowest point in North America
- + Incredibly diverse landscapes
- + Darkest skies in US
- + Fewer crowds
Cons
- - Extreme heat (summer deadly)
- - Very remote
- - Gas stations scarce
- - Accommodations expensive
Best For
Joshua Tree National Park is Best For:
Death Valley National Park is Best For:
Joshua Tree wins for accessibility and activities like rock climbing. Death Valley wins for extreme landscapes and dark skies but requires more planning and caution.
Choose Joshua Tree National Park if...
Choose Joshua Tree if you're visiting LA, want to rock climb, or prefer a more accessible desert experience with camping and activities.
Choose Death Valley National Park if...
Choose Death Valley if you're fascinated by extreme environments, want the darkest skies in America, or seek solitude in a vast, otherworldly landscape.
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