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

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge 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. Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Columbia River Gorge is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Also, Columbia River Gorge is famous for Vista House at Crown Point.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Columbia River Gorge and Joshua Tree National Park.

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

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

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Columbia River Gorge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge is a region with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Joshua Tree National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Is the Shopping Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is a region with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Columbia River Gorge has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

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 Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Joshua Tree National Park and Columbia River Gorge.

With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Columbia River Gorge are high quality to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Columbia River Gorge are high quality 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 Columbia River Gorge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Many backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

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 Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge are walkable places.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a walkable national park. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Joshua Tree National Park?

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park than Columbia River Gorge 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

One day in Joshua Tree National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic region of Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge 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 in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Joshua Tree National Park and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge is more expensive. And not only is Joshua Tree National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Joshua Tree National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Joshua Tree 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge than you might in Joshua Tree 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.