Park Comparison

Joshua Tree vs National Park of American Samoa

Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.

Updated

The Quick Take

Joshua Tree

Two desert ecosystems meet where the Mojave's yuccas give way to the Colorado's slopes and granite formations split by ancient forces.

National Park of American Samoa

The only national park south of the equator protects volcanic peaks, coral reefs, and villages across three South Pacific islands.

At a Glance

Joshua Tree National Park of American Samoa
Crowd Level Moderate Crowds Room to Breathe
Best Month February February
Location CA AS
Size 1,234 sq mi 21.1 sq mi
Visitors (2024) 3.0M 22,567

The Crowd Picture

National Park of American Samoa sees less than half the visitors Joshua Tree gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree welcomes 3.0M visitors annually across 1,234 square miles — about 2,425 visitors per square mile. Congestion is high, peaking in March.

National Park of American Samoa

National Park of American Samoa welcomes 22,567 visitors annually across 21.1 square miles — about 1,070 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in April.

Verdict

National Park of American Samoa is dramatically less congested than Joshua Tree — you'll feel the difference on every trail.

When to Go

Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.

Joshua Tree
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
National Park of American Samoa
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Low Moderate High Peak Best month

Trails & Activities

Total Trails
✓ 190 mi vs 28 mi

Joshua Tree National Park has more trail mileage for exploration.

Joshua Tree Top Activities

  • stargazing 10/10
  • rock climbing 9/10
  • photography 9/10
  • hiking 8/10
  • scenic driving 8/10

National Park of American Samoa Top Activities

  • swimming 9/10
  • photography 9/10
  • kayaking canoeing 8/10
  • wildlife viewing 8/10
  • bird watching 8/10

Camping

Campgrounds
✓ 501 sites vs 0 sites

Joshua Tree National Park offers significantly more camping options.

The Bottom Line

Choose Joshua Tree if you...

  • Want to experience Joshua Trees
  • Are looking for world-class stargazing
  • Are a first-time national park visitor
  • Want more trail options (190 miles vs 28)
or

Choose National Park of American Samoa if you...

  • Want to experience Pola Island
  • Are looking for world-class swimming
  • Want fewer crowds and more solitude

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Joshua Tree or National Park of American Samoa?

It depends on what you're looking for. Joshua Tree is known for Joshua Trees, while National Park of American Samoa is known for Pola Island. National Park of American Samoa is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.

Is Joshua Tree or National Park of American Samoa more crowded?

Joshua Tree has a congestion index of 5.7/10 and receives 3.0M visitors per year. National Park of American Samoa scores 1.2/10 with 22,567 annual visitors. National Park of American Samoa is the quieter option.

When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree vs National Park of American Samoa?

The best month to visit Joshua Tree is February, while National Park of American Samoa is best visited in February. Since both peak at the same time, plan well in advance.

Which has better hiking, Joshua Tree or National Park of American Samoa?

Joshua Tree has 190 trail miles and National Park of American Samoa has 28. Joshua Tree offers significantly more trail variety.

Read More

Full guide to Joshua Tree → Full guide to National Park of American Samoa →