A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Joshua Tree National Park vs. Glacier National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Glacier National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Joshua Tree National Park and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glacier National Park is better known for its food, resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its museums and hiking. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Also, Glacier National Park is famous for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Is the Food Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Glacier National Park is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Glacier National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park offer decent nightlife.

Joshua Tree National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Glacier National Park. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is a park with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a few great resort options. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Glacier National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly national park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Glacier National Park are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Joshua Tree National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Couples visit Glacier National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park and Glacier National Park are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Glacier National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Glacier National Park is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park are walkable places.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a very walkable national park. You need a car to truly explore the park.

Glacier National Park is not a walkable national park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Joshua Tree National Park and Glacier National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park than in Glacier National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Joshua Tree National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

Families should spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park than Glacier National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Joshua Tree National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Glacier National Park than Joshua Tree National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Glacier National Park that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glacier National Park than Joshua Tree National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Glacier National Park.

One day in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

In Joshua Tree National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the gorgeous park of Glacier National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Glacier National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Glacier National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Glacier National Park?

You'll find around the unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Glacier National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Joshua Tree National Park and Glacier National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Joshua Tree National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Joshua Tree National Park than you might in Glacier National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive? and Is Glacier National Park Expensive?.