Park comparison
Joshua Tree vs Death Valley
California's two deserts, both at their best from November through March.
Joshua Tree is the climber's desert: twisted trees, granite boulders, and easy access from LA and Palm Springs. Death Valley is the extreme desert: the hottest, driest, lowest park in America, best as a winter escape across huge empty distances. Pick Joshua Tree for a weekend, Death Valley for the expedition.
Side by side
| Joshua Tree | Death Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Best time to go | Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov | Nov–Mar |
| Crowds | Busiest in March, April and November | Busiest in March |
| Landscape | Hot desert | Hot desert |
| Established | 1994 | 1994 |
| Location | California | California & Nevada |
Month by month
Questions
Which is better, Joshua Tree or Death Valley?
Neither is objectively better. Joshua Tree is the climber's desert: twisted trees, granite boulders, and easy access from LA and Palm Springs. Death Valley is the extreme desert: the hottest, driest, lowest park in America, best as a winter escape across huge empty distances. Pick Joshua Tree for a weekend, Death Valley for the expedition.
Can you visit Joshua Tree and Death Valley in one trip?
Yes, and you should. They're about 243 miles apart, an easy pairing.
When is the best time to visit both Joshua Tree and Death Valley?
Look for the overlap: Joshua Tree is best Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov and Death Valley is best Nov–Mar. The sweet spot for both is October through April.
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