Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most unique and beautiful national parks in the American Southwest. Both parks offer a range of scenic vistas, stunning rock formations, and diverse wildlife, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. While each park has its own unique character and charm, they both offer a chance to explore the rugged beauty of the American Southwest. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual sightseer, a visit to Capitol Reef National Park or Joshua Tree National Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, grab your hiking gear, and get ready to discover the natural wonders of these two amazing parks!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels.
Capitol Reef National Park features trails that range from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Overlook Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s sandstone formations, and the Fruita Historic District Trail, which showcases the park’s rich history and cultural heritage. On the other hand, the more challenging hikes include the Grand Wash Trail, which takes you through a narrow canyon, and the Cassidy Arch Trail, which leads to a beautiful arch with panoramic views of the park.
Similarly, Joshua Tree National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular easy hikes include the Cholla Cactus Garden, which showcases the park’s unique desert vegetation, and the Lost Horse Mine Trail, which takes you to an abandoned gold mine. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging hikes such as the Ryan Mountain Trail, which leads to the summit of a 5,456-foot peak, and the Barker Dam Trail, which takes you through a scenic desert landscape dotted with rock formations and wildlife.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer a range of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels and interests, making them both great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hickman Bridge Trail | 2735.878 | 129.8448 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cassidy Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 213.9696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead | 7081.096 | 121.92 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chimney Rock Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 241.7064 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cohab Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 241.7064 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Navajo Knobs Trail | 14001.258 | 650.748 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Goosenecks & Sunset Point | 4023.35 | 165.8112 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Capitol Gorge Trail | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sulphur Creek Route | 18507.41 | 427.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim Overlook Trail | 6598.294 | 320.9544 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Mountain Trail | 4828.02 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Barker Dam Nature Trail | 2896.812 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Valley Nature Trail | 1609.34 | 34.7472 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lost Palms Oasis | 11587.248 | 312.7248 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Arch Rock Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail | 4506.152 | 188.976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail | 11104.446 | 277.9776 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Skull Rock Nature Trail | 2735.878 | 48.768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Willow Hole Trail | 10943.512 | 74.9808 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park both offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. Capitol Reef National Park is home to a variety of mammals such as deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. The park also has a large number of bird species, including peregrine falcons and golden eagles. In addition, the park is known for its diverse plant life, including the iconic yucca trees and prickly pear cactus.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its namesake Joshua trees, which are a type of yucca tree that grows in the Mojave Desert. The park also has a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and rattlesnakes. In addition, the park is home to a diverse range of plants, including cacti, wildflowers, and creosote bushes.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences that are sure to delight visitors, but Joshua Tree National Park is particularly known for its unique and diverse desert ecosystems.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Hoary Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Deer Mouse | House Mouse |
| Raccoon | Cougar |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Porcupine | Gray Fox |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | American Badger |
| Red Fox | Californian Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowhsoe Hare |
| House Mouse | Fringed Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| American Mink | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Pallid Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Ringtail |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Desert Cottontail |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| American Badger | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Ermine | Brush Deermouse |
| California Myotis | Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Goldfish |
| Brown Trout | |
| Bluegill | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Glossy Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning rock formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust, and the Navajo Sandstone cliffs, which tower over the park’s canyons and valleys. The park also offers scenic overlooks, such as the Rim Overlook and the Grand Wash Overlook, which offer panoramic views of the park’s canyons and valleys. In addition, the park is home to a range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and a variety of bird species.
Joshua Tree National Park is known for its iconic Joshua trees, which are a type of yucca plant that grows only in the park and surrounding areas. The park is also home to a range of other unique landscapes, including the Cholla Cactus Garden, a field of spiky cactus plants, and the Keys View Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains. In addition, the park is home to a range of wildlife, including desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer a range of stunning landscapes and natural wonders for visitors to explore, including scenic overlooks, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike or a peaceful picnic, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but each park has its own unique features and attractions.
At Capitol Reef National Park, popular activities include hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing. The park is known for its unique rock formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, which is a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, and visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the park’s scenic byways. Wildlife viewing opportunities include seeing desert bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and other desert animals.
At Joshua Tree National Park, popular activities include rock climbing, hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park is famous for its unique Joshua trees, which are a type of yucca plant, and its dramatic rock formations. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, and rock climbers come from around the world to climb the park’s many routes. Stargazing is a popular activity at Joshua Tree, and visitors can enjoy clear night skies away from city lights. Wildlife viewing opportunities include seeing desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, and other desert animals.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, or stargazing, both parks offer a unique and memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two unique parks located in different parts of the country. The seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures ranging from 90°F to below freezing. The best time to visit the park is from spring to fall, when temperatures are mild and hiking conditions are ideal. On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park experiences hot and dry conditions throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 100°F in the summer and 50°F to 70°F in the winter. The best time to visit Joshua Tree is from October to May, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. It’s important to note that both parks can experience sudden weather changes, so it’s best to come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are great options for families looking for outdoor adventures. However, each park offers different experiences and activities that may be more or less appealing to families with children.
Capitol Reef National Park offers a range of family-friendly activities, including scenic drives, easy hikes, and ranger-led programs. The park’s visitors center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a great place for families to learn about the park’s history and wildlife. In addition, the park’s campgrounds offer a range of camping options, including RV sites and tent camping, making it a great place for families to spend time together in the great outdoors.
Joshua Tree National Park also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including scenic drives, easy hikes, and ranger-led programs. The park’s visitors center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a great place for families to learn about the park’s history and wildlife. In addition, the park’s campgrounds offer a range of camping options, including RV sites and tent camping, making it a great place for families to spend time together in the great outdoors.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are great options for families looking for outdoor adventures. The specific park that is best for your family will depend on your individual interests and the types of activities and experiences you are looking for.