Both Desert areas and both without much water. One is about 2000 feet below the other, which makes for a very arid area suitable for cactus, boulders and lots of sand. Temperatures can very as much as 50 degrees between the two at the same time. Both are near Palm Springs, one in the mountains and the other in the high desert. You need to take a tram to get to San Jacinto State Park which is full of Pines and beautiful in a green way while Joshua is arid at its best. If you’re thinking of visiting, give your group a full two days to see the areas, but both are well worth viewing.