Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks are two gorgeous public lands tucked deep into the desert. Located in southern California, just a few hours from one another, many people often choose to visit Death Valley and Joshua Tree on the same trip. Maybe even tackle all the California National Parks in one epic road trip!
But if you are short on time and have to decide between Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks, this is the guide for you!
In this Death Valley Vs. Joshua Tree guide, I will share the differences between the two National Parks in southern California. That way you can decide if you should visit Death Valley or Joshua Tree. Or both!
Spoiler Alert: You can’t go wrong either way!
NOTE: This is just a comparison guide between the two parks. If you are looking for the best things to do, top hikes, and where to stay in/near each of the parks, then you’ll want to read these other guides:
Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree: Which Should You Visit?
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Know Before You Go to Death Valley and Joshua Tree
Death Valley: Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth! Avoid visiting this park during the summer. Read my blog post for 8 important things to know before visiting Death Valley.
Joshua Tree: Most of the visitor centers are outside of the park, and most of the potable water is limited to the perimeter of the park. Read my blog post for 7 key things you must know before visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
PRO TIP: You’ll want to bring your America the Beautiful pass to these National Parks to avoid paying the hefty entrance fees! Without the pass, Death Valley’s fee is $30/vehicle and Joshua Tree’s fee is $30/vehicle.
Location: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park hugs the California/Nevada border and has 6 main paved entrances. On the east side, you can access the park via CA 190 from Death Valley Junction CA, SR 374 from Beatty NV, CA 178 from Shoshone CA, or SR 267 from US 95 NV. On the west side, you can access the park via CA 190 from Olancha, CA (SR 136 from Lone Pine, CA) or SR 178 (Panamint Valley Rd) from Trona, CA. Many dirt entrances grant access to the park as well; these are more remote and have no nearby services. Get directions to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center here.
Joshua Tree National Park sits about 100 miles above the USA/Mexico border in southern California. There are 3 main entrances – Cottonwood, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms. Cottonwood is the southernmost entrance and can be accessed from I-10. Joshua Tree is the west entrance and can be accessed from Highway 62 in the town of Joshua Tree. Twentynine Palms is the north entrance and can be accessed from Highway 62 in the town of Twentynine Palms. Get directions to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center now.
Vehicle Accessibility: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park’s main park road (CA-190) is paved and suitable for 2WD vehicles. Many of the spur roads are gravel and could require 4WD, depending on current weather and conditions. Travel on backcountry roads is allowed, but you’ll need a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. Off-roading is strictly prohibited.
Joshua Tree National Park’s two main roads – Pinto Basin and Park Boulevard – are paved and suitable for 2WD vehicles. Many of the spur roads are gravel but are still suitable for 2WD. Travel on backcountry roads is allowed, but some require a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. Off-roading is prohibited.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park’s main scenic drive is CA-190. The roughly 100-mile road stretches from the west to the east side of the park. The whole drive is incredibly scenic and has many pull-offs; several of the park’s highlights are along this road.
Joshua Tree National Park’s main scenic drives are Pinto Basin Road and Park Boulevard. Pinto Basin Road travels from the South (Cottonwood) entrance to the Park Boulevard intersection. Park Boulevard travels from the North (Twentynine Palms) to the West (Joshua Tree) entrance. Both roads are scenic with variable landscapes; there are many pull-offs.
Hiking Trails: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park has a wide range of hiking trails. Death Valley has something for everyone, from strenuous backpacking routes to easy bang-for-your-buck hikes. Unique features like salt flats, sand dunes, and slot canyons make these hikes extremely diverse and interesting. The best trail in Death Valley is Golden Canyon/Gower Gulch/Badlands Loop.
Joshua Tree National Park also has a diverse range of hiking trails. There are complex backpacking routes, easy strolls, and everything in between. On these Joshua Tree hikes, you’ll find features like jumbo boulders, slot canyons, cholla cactus gardens, mountains, unique rock formations, and natural arches. The best trails in Joshua Tree are Hidden Valley (with Chasm of Doom spur) and Split Rock.
Camping: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park has seven developed campgrounds: Furnace Creek, Texas Springs, Sunset, Stovepipe Wells, Emigrant, Wildrose, and Mesquite Spring. Furnace Creek is the only campground in the park that accepts reservations (from mid-October through mid-April). The rest are first-come, first-served. There are also primitive and private campgrounds and backcountry campsites. Read more about camping in Death Valley here.
Joshua Tree National Park has eight developed campgrounds: Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan, Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle. Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle are first-come, first-served; the rest require reservations. There are also backcountry campsites – permit required. Read more about camping in Joshua Tree here.
Winter/Summer Access: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park is best visited in the winter. Since winter is peak season for Death Valley, all roads, campgrounds, trails, and facilities are open. Due to the extreme temperatures, it is not recommended to visit Death Valley in the summer. If you do decide to visit in the summer, I’d recommend hiking early in the morning or late at night, or avoiding hiking altogether.
Joshua Tree National Park is best visited in the late fall, winter, or early spring when the temperatures are milder and all campgrounds are open. Since Joshua Tree can experience extreme temperatures in the summer months, I wouldn’t recommend visiting from June – August. White Tank and Belle Campgrounds close completely in the summer while some sections of Indian Cove, Black Rock, and Cottonwood Campgrounds close in the summer. Snow is possible in the winter.
Like these comparison articles? I’ve got another comparison of ZION VS GRAND CANYON! Check it out here.
Dogs: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park allows leashed pets in developed areas, such as paved roads, unpaved roads, parking lots, campgrounds, and outside of federal buildings. Pets are not permitted on trails, in designated wilderness areas, or inside of federal buildings. I do not recommend bringing your dog from late spring through early fall.
Joshua Tree National Park only allows leashed pets at picnic areas, campgrounds, on the paved Oasis of Mara and Keys View trails, and within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in park buildings.
PAVEMENT AND PAW SAFETY
| Air Temperature | Asphalt Temperature |
| 77ºF / 25ºC | 125ºF / 52ºC |
| 86ºF / 30ºC | 135ºF / 57ºC |
| 87ºF / 31ºC | 143ºF / 62ºC |
| 102ºF / 39ºC | 167ºF / 75ºC |
Amenities: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park has campgrounds, visitor centers, restrooms, picnic areas, and potable water.
Joshua Tree National Park has campgrounds, visitor centers, restrooms, picnic areas, and potable water.
Crowds: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park can get crowded in the late fall, winter, and early spring, but since the park is so large, the crowds don’t feel too bad. However, the trailheads and popular destinations like Badwater Basin, Golden Canyon, Artists Palette, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes can feel quite crowded because of their small parking areas. The park received 1.3 million visitors in 2025.
Joshua Tree National Park can get extremely crowded in the late fall, winter, and early spring. The park received a staggering 2.9 million visitors in 2025.
Size: Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree
Death Valley National Park – 3.4 million acres. It is the largest National Park in the lower 48 states!
Joshua Tree National Park – 792,623 acres, around a quarter of the size of Death Valley!
Death Valley or Joshua Tree: FAQs
I Just Have One Day – Should I Visit Death Valley Or Joshua Tree?
If you only have one day, I’d visit Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree is much smaller and easier to conquer in one day.
For one day in Joshua Tree, I’d recommend strolling through the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise, hiking the Hidden Valley Nature Trail (with Chasm of Doom spur), and then doing a half-day rock climbing tour. (This is the rock climbing tour we did!)
Suppose you’d prefer to spend one day in Death Valley. In that case, I’d see Badwater Basin at Sunrise, explore Artists Palette, hike the Golden Canyon/Gower Gulch/Badlands Trail, explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and see Zabriskie Point at Sunset. Check out my ideal one-day Death Valley itinerary here!
Can I See Death Valley And Joshua Tree In One Day?
No. Seeing both parks in one day isn’t realistic.
How Far Is Death Valley From Joshua Tree National Park?
Typically, it takes around 4-5 hours to drive from Death Valley to Joshua Tree.
Here are some distances:
- Furnace Creek to Joshua Tree: 240 miles (4 hours)
- Furnace Creek to Cottonwood: 275 miles (5 hours)
- Furnace Creek to Twentynine Palms: 240 miles (4 hours)
- Panamint Springs to Joshua Tree: 240 miles (4 hours)
- Panamint Springs to Cottonwood: 285 miles (5 hours)
- Panamint Springs to Twentynine Palms: 240 miles (4 hours)
Like these comparison articles? I’ve got another comparison of VALLEY OF FIRE VS RED ROCK CANYON. Check it out here.
Death Valley Vs Joshua Tree: Final Verdict
If you are still torn about which park you should visit, here is a lightning-round style chart to help you:
Do you…
Only have one day? Joshua Tree
Have multiple days? Death Valley
Want to get away from the crowds? Death Valley
Want diverse backpacking opportunities? Death Valley
Want to explore backcountry roads? Both have many!
Want easier trails? Joshua Tree
Want cooler temperatures or to see snow? Joshua Tree
Need Help Planning Your Death Valley or Joshua Tree Trip?
Here are some Death Valley and Joshua Tree guides that are up on the blog right now!
- How to Spend One Day in Death Valley
- 8 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Death Valley
- Should You Visit Death Valley in October? Yes! Here’s Why
- 7 Key Things You Must Know Before Visiting Joshua Tree
- 5 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
- A Full Guide to the Best Joshua Tree Climbing Guides
- Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree: Ultimate Guide
- The Secret to Finding the Chasm of Doom in Joshua Tree
- Add These 2 Joshua Tree Sunrise Spots To Your List
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
- Zion National Park
- Havasupai
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Page, Arizona
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