Imagine standing beneath a towering arch that has been carved out of red rock by millions of years of erosion, or exploring a landscape that looks like it’s straight out of a fantasy movie. These are just some of the breathtaking experiences that await you at Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. Both of these parks are located in Utah, but they offer vastly different landscapes and activities that will leave you in awe. Arches National Park is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and otherworldly rock formations, while Capitol Reef National Park is known for its colorful cliffs, rugged canyons, and historic orchards. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic drive, these two parks have something for everyone. So, if you’re ready for an adventure in the heart of the American Southwest, grab your hiking boots and let’s explore Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park!
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both located in Utah and offer visitors a variety of hiking trails that allow them to explore the unique landscapes and natural beauty of the parks. Both parks offer a range of hikes that vary in difficulty, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous, backcountry treks. However, there are some notable differences in the types of hiking trails that can be found at each park.
Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue trail, which is a 1-mile round-trip hike that offers great views of the park’s rock formations, and the Double Arch trail, which is a 0.5-mile round-trip hike that leads to two of the park’s most famous arches. On the other hand, some of the more strenuous hikes in the park include the Delicate Arch trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to the park’s most famous arch, and the Devil’s Garden trail, which is a 7.2-mile round-trip hike that leads to several of the park’s arches.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged terrain and offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Capitol Gorge trail, which is a 2-mile round-trip hike that leads through a narrow canyon and offers great views of the park’s rock formations, and the Grand Wash trail, which is a 2-mile round-trip hike that leads through a narrow canyon. On the other hand, some of the more strenuous hikes in the park include the Cassidy Arch trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to a viewpoint of the park’s famous arch, and the Cathedral Valley trail, which is a 16-mile round-trip hike that leads through remote areas of the park and offers great views of the park’s rock formations.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer visitors a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous, backcountry treks. Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and offers hikes that lead to some of the park’s famous arches, while Capitol Reef National Park is known for its rugged terrain and offers hikes that lead through narrow canyons and remote areas of the park. Both parks offer visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and unique landscapes of the parks.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
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 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are located in the desert Southwest and offer a unique and diverse array of wildlife. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be found in each park can vary.
Arches National Park is home to a variety of desert animals including Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail, Coyotes, and Elk. The park is also home to a variety of birds such as Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Prairie Falcons. The park also has a number of unique plant species such as Joshua Trees, Yuccas, and Prickly Pear Cactus.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is also home to many desert animals such as Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, and Golden Eagles. The park is also home to some unique bird species such as the Pinyon Jay and the Greater Roadrunner. The park also has a number of unique plant species such as the Joshua Trees, Yuccas and the Opuntia Cactus.
Both parks are also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as lizards, snakes, and frogs. Additionally, both parks have a range of insects, spiders and other arthropods such as beetles, bees, and tarantulas, that can be seen around the park.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer a variety of wildlife to see, with a focus on desert animals and plants. However, the specific animals, birds, and plants that can be seen in each park may vary. If you’re interested in a specific type of wildlife, it would be best to research the park in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Capitol Reef 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
| Arches National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | American Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Badger | American Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Northern River Otter | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Eastern Racer | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Milksnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Western Whiptail |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Western Skink |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Canyon Treefrog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Mottled Sculpin |
| Common Carp | Speckled Dace |
| Speckled Dace | Black Bullhead |
| Yellow Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both located in Utah and are known for their unique and beautiful landscapes.
At Arches National Park, some of the most famous landscapes include the Delicate Arch, which is the most famous arch in the park and is a popular spot for hiking and photography. The Park Avenue Trail is another popular spot, which offers a short, easy hike through a narrow canyon with towering red rock walls. The Windows section of the park is also a must-see, featuring several large arches that frame the surrounding landscape.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the Waterpocket Fold is one of the most famous landscapes, which is a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that is visible from the park’s scenic drive. The Cathedral Valley section of the park is another must-see, featuring towering monoliths and otherworldly rock formations. The Hickman Bridge is also a popular spot, which is a natural bridge that spans over a small stream. The park also offers a beautiful scenic drive along the “scenic drive” that goes through the park, where you can see panoramic views of the park, including the Capitol Dome and the Temple of the Sun and Moon.
Both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer a wide variety of landscapes and natural wonders that will leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re interested in hiking, photography, or just taking in the scenery, these two parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the most popular activities at each park can vary.
Arches National Park is best known for its natural sandstone arches and unique geological formations. The park offers several short, easy hikes to some of the most famous arches, such as Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and Double Arch. The park also features several scenic drives along the main road, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led tours, which can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s geology and history.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, and unique geologic features such as the Waterpocket Fold. The park offers several hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to more strenuous backcountry hikes. The park also offers scenic drives, with highlights such as the Capitol Gorge, which is a narrow canyon with steep walls. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led tours, as well as ranger-led geology talks, which can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s geology and history.
Both parks also offer other activities such as rock climbing, camping, picnicking, and ranger-led programs. Visitors can also enjoy stargazing and wildlife viewing, as well as various ranger-led programs that take place on different seasons.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer a variety of activities that can appeal to different interests and skill levels. Arches National Park is more known for its natural sandstone arches, while Capitol Reef National Park is more known for its unique geologic features, such as the Waterpocket Fold and colorful sandstone cliffs. Both parks offer hiking, scenic drives, ranger-led tours, and other activities that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both located in Utah and have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park. Both parks have different temperatures and weather conditions depending on the season, which can impact the types of activities that are available and the overall visitor experience.
Arches National Park is located in the high desert and experiences hot summers and cold winters. The park’s summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for some visitors to comfortably hike and explore the park during the day. However, the park’s mild fall and spring temperatures make it a great time to visit for hiking and exploring the park’s natural beauty. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it too cold for some visitors to comfortably hike and explore the park. However, the park’s winter weather can also bring snow, which can make for a unique and beautiful experience.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is located in a semi-arid climate, and temperatures can vary greatly depending on the season. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for some visitors to comfortably hike and explore the park during the day. However, the park’s mild fall and spring temperatures make it a great time to visit for hiking and exploring the park’s natural beauty. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it too cold for some visitors to comfortably hike and explore the park. However, the park’s winter weather can also bring snow, which can make for a unique and beautiful experience.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park. The best time to visit both parks is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for hiking and exploring the park’s natural beauty. Summer temperatures can be too hot for some visitors, and winter temperatures can be too cold for some visitors, but winter can also bring snow which can make for a unique and beautiful experience. It is important to check the weather forecast before planning your visit and to be prepared for the weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are great options for families looking to explore the outdoors and experience the unique landscapes of Utah. However, there are some key differences between the two parks that may make one more suitable for families than the other.
Arches National Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities and trails, such as the Park Avenue Trail, which is a short and easy hike that offers great views of the surrounding landscape. The Windows section of the park is another popular spot for families, featuring several large arches that are easily accessible via a short hike. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a great way for children to learn about the park’s history and ecology while having fun.
Capitol Reef National Park also offers a variety of family-friendly activities and trails. The park features easy and short trails to scenic overlooks, such as the Goosenecks overlook, which offers a great view of the park’s beautiful landscape. The park also offers the Junior Ranger program, which is a great way for children to learn about the park’s history and ecology while having fun.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer great options for families looking to explore the outdoors and experience the unique landscapes of Utah. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Arches National Park may be a better option as it offers more family-friendly trails and activities that are easily accessible.