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 Lassen Volcanic National Park are two unique and fascinating parks, each offering visitors a chance to explore diverse landscapes and geological wonders. Capitol Reef is known for its colorful sandstone formations and rich history, while Lassen Volcanic is home to a range of volcanic features, including steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots. Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, or simply a lover of natural beauty, these two parks are sure to captivate and inspire. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure as we compare Capitol Reef and Lassen Volcanic, two of America’s most awe-inspiring national parks.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. However, the type of landscapes and difficulty levels of the trails vary between the two parks.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some popular trails include the Capitol Gorge Trail, which takes you through a narrow canyon, and the Hickman Bridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Grand Wash Trail is another easy hike that takes you through a scenic canyon.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its volcanic landscapes and offers a unique hiking experience. The park is home to several active volcanic features, such as fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and hot springs. Some of the most popular trails in the park include the Bumpass Hell Trail, which takes you through a geothermal area, and the Lassen Peak Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This trail is strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness, but the views from the top are worth the effort.
In conclusion, both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but the type of landscapes and difficulty levels vary. Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park can enjoy a variety of trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes, while those visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park can experience unique volcanic landscapes and challenging hikes.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife and are great destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. At Capitol Reef, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep, as well as a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, and turkey vultures. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plants, including yucca, prickly pear cactus, and wildflowers, which bloom in the spring and summer months.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is also known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer, as well as a variety of bird species, including the Sierra Nevada red fox and the rare willow flycatcher. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including the Lassen silverspot butterfly, which is found only in the park, and the Lassen lupine, a unique species of wildflower that blooms in the summer months.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are known for their diverse wildlife and are great destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to spot rare birds, admire colorful wildflowers, or catch a glimpse of majestic wildlife, these parks are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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 | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Fox |
| Red Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| House Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | Fringed Myotis |
| American Mink | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Yuma Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Bighorn Sheep |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Tailed Vole |
| American Badger | Ringtail |
| Ermine | Virginia Opossum |
| California Myotis | Wolverine |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Fathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Black Bullhead | Silver Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | King Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Nightsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Striped Whipsnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Tree Lizard | Western Skink |
| Western Whiptail | Western Fence Lizard |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah and Lassen Volcanic National Park in California are two unique parks with diverse landscapes. Capitol Reef is known for its towering rock formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface. Visitors can explore the park’s canyons, arches, and natural bridges, such as the famous Cassidy Arch. On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is famous for its volcanic landscapes, including the Lassen Peak, an active volcano that last erupted in 1915. The park is also home to boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Both parks offer stunning vistas and breathtaking natural wonders, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both offer a variety of popular activities for visitors.
At Capitol Reef, some of the most popular activities include hiking, scenic driving, rock climbing, and exploring the park’s unique geology. Hikers can enjoy trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes, taking in views of the park’s stunning sandstone cliffs and canyons. Scenic drives through the park offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while rock climbing enthusiasts can test their skills on the park’s challenging cliffs.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a unique landscape of volcanic formations and hot springs. Popular activities here include hiking, camping, and exploring the park’s geothermal features. Hikers can take on trails that lead to the summit of Lassen Peak, the park’s most famous landmark, or explore the park’s many other volcanic features, including fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and hot springs. The park also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Both parks offer a range of activities to suit different interests and skill levels, making them great destinations for families and visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or a chance to explore unique geological features, Capitol Reef and Lassen Volcanic National Parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
The seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park can greatly affect when is the best time of year to visit each park. Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and has a warm, arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The park is at its best from April to June and September to November, when temperatures are mild and the weather is dry. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities challenging.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and has a more varied climate, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The park is at its best from June to September, when temperatures are warm and the weather is dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. During the winter months, the park is covered in snow and is popular with skiers and snowshoers.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is from April to June and September to November, when temperatures are mild and the weather is dry. The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is from June to September, when temperatures are warm and the weather is dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of these parks, it’s important to consider the seasonal weather when planning your visit.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer unique experiences for families, but each has its own advantages.
Capitol Reef National Park has scenic drives, easy hikes, and ranger-led activities for children. It also has a visitors center with educational exhibits, and a Junior Ranger program for kids. The park is also known for its scenic beauty, with red rock formations and fruit orchards.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, offers opportunities for families to explore volcanic landscapes, including geysers, mud pots, and hot springs. It also has easy hikes to lakes and waterfalls, and ranger-led activities.
In conclusion, both parks are family-friendly, but if you’re traveling with children and looking for a mix of scenic beauty and educational opportunities, Capitol Reef National Park might be the better choice. If you’re looking for a unique volcanic experience, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great option.