Park Comparison
Joshua Tree vs Redwood National and State Parks
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.
Redwood National and State Parks
The world's tallest trees stand in groves you can walk through on level trails, three hours north of San Francisco with a third the crowds.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Redwood National and State Parks 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.
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks welcomes 623K visitors annually across 206.2 square miles — about 3,021 visitors per square mile. Congestion is moderate, peaking in July.
Redwood National and State Parks edges out Joshua Tree on elbow room, though both can get busy in peak season.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
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
Redwood National and State Parks Top Activities
- photography 10/10
- hiking 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- wildlife viewing 9/10
- bird watching 8/10
Camping
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
- Want more trail options (190 miles vs 125)
Choose Redwood National and State Parks if you...
- Want to experience Coast Redwoods (Tallest Trees on Earth)
- Are looking for world-class wildlife viewing
- Are traveling on a budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Joshua Tree or Redwood National and State Parks?
It depends on what you're looking for. Joshua Tree is known for Joshua Trees, while Redwood National and State Parks is known for Coast Redwoods (Tallest Trees on Earth). Redwood National and State Parks is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Joshua Tree or Redwood National and State Parks more crowded?
Joshua Tree has a congestion index of 5.7/10 and receives 3.0M visitors per year. Redwood National and State Parks scores 3.2/10 with 623K annual visitors. Redwood National and State Parks is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree vs Redwood National and State Parks?
The best month to visit Joshua Tree is February, while Redwood National and State Parks is best visited in August. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.
Which has better hiking, Joshua Tree or Redwood National and State Parks?
Joshua Tree has 190 trail miles and Redwood National and State Parks has 125. Joshua Tree offers significantly more trail variety.