Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both tucked away in the southwestern United States, offering visitors a chance to escape into the wild and explore breathtaking landscapes. These parks are like two sides of a coin, with Big Bend offering a vast desert wilderness, and Capitol Reef showcasing a colorful and rugged desert landscape. If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you from hot, arid deserts to colorful rock formations and towering cliffs, then these two parks are for you. Imagine hiking through the rugged terrain of Big Bend and then cooling off by taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of Capitol Reef. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or just looking for a unique vacation destination, Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are sure to leave you in awe. Keep reading to find out more about the unique features, activities and best time to visit these parks.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Big Bend National Park has over 150 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Loop Trail, which is a 1.5-mile trail that offers great views of the Chisos Mountains, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is a 1.4-mile trail that takes visitors to the base of the impressive Santa Elena Canyon. For more strenuous hikes, visitors can tackle the Emory Peak Trail, which is a 8.4-mile round trip hike that leads to the highest point in the park, or the South Rim Trail, which is a 13-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains.
Capitol Reef National Park has a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Capitol Gorge Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip hike that leads to an historic pioneer register, and the Rim Overlook Trail, which is a 0.5-mile round trip hike that offers great views of the park’s colorful cliffs. For more strenuous hikes, visitors can tackle the Cassidy Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that leads to an impressive natural arch, or the Grand Wash Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that leads through a narrow canyon with high towering walls.
In summary, Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park both offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Big Bend National Park is known for its strenuous backpacking trips, while Capitol Reef National Park has a variety of trails, some easy nature walks and some strenuous hikes. Both parks offer a great opportunity for visitors to explore the beauty of the nature and enjoy the outdoor activities.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
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 Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a variety of animals, birds, and plants. However, the types of wildlife that can be found in each park are quite different.
Big Bend National Park is known for its desert wildlife, which includes species such as the desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and white-tailed deer. The park is also home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the desert tortoise, collared lizard, and Rio Grande leopard frog. The park is also a great place for birdwatching, with over 450 species of birds recorded in the park, including the white-tailed hawk, Montezuma quail, and roadrunner.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse array of wildlife that can be found in its high desert environment. The park is home to many species of mammals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and rock squirrels. The park also has a variety of birds species including the golden eagle, turkey vulture, and white-throated swift. The park is also home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians such as the Great Basin rattlesnake, collared lizard, and the desert horned lizard.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its desert wildlife such as desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and white-tailed deer, as well as a variety of reptiles and amphibians, and over 450 species of birds. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its diverse array of wildlife that can be found in its high desert environment, such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, rock squirrels, golden eagle, turkey vulture, and white-throated swift, as well as a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend 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
| Big Bend 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 |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Common Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Wolf | American Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| American Badger | Common Gray Fox |
| California Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | American Badger |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Ermine |
| Western Harvest Mouse | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Desert Kingsnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Texas Nightsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Mexican Milksnake | Nightsnake |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Glossy Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Western Skink |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Mottled Sculpin |
| Common Carp | Speckled Dace |
| Longnose Dace | Black Bullhead |
| Yellow Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park both offer visitors a wide variety of beautiful landscapes and natural features.
Big Bend National Park is known for its vast desert wilderness, which is home to a wide variety of cacti, yucca, and other desert plants. The park also features the Chisos Mountains, which offer visitors the opportunity to hike to the summit for panoramic views of the park. The Rio Grande River also runs through the park and offers visitors the opportunity to raft, kayak, or canoe. Other notable landscapes in the park include the Santa Elena Canyon, which is a 1,500-foot-deep canyon carved by the Rio Grande, and the Hot Springs, which is a historic area with hot springs and a bathhouse.
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its colorful and rugged desert landscape, which features towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and natural arches. The park’s most famous landscape is the Waterpocket Fold, which is a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. Other notable landscapes in the park include the Capitol Dome, which is a large white sandstone formation that looks like a miniature version of the U.S. Capitol, and the Hickman Bridge, which is a natural arch that visitors can hike to. The park also features the Fremont River, which is a popular spot for swimming and fishing.
Both Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer visitors a wide variety of beautiful landscapes and natural features to explore. Whether you’re looking to hike to the summit of the Chisos Mountains or explore the narrow canyons of the Waterpocket Fold, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the types of activities that are most popular at each park can vary quite a bit.
Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails. The park has over 150 miles of trails that lead visitors through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the park. Some of the most popular hikes include the Chisos Basin Trail, the South Rim Trail, and the Emory Peak Trail. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and taking scenic drives to view the park’s stunning landscape.
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its hiking and canyoneering. The park has over 70 miles of trails that take visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the park. Some of the most popular hikes include the Capitol Gorge Trail, the Grand Wash Trail, and the Cassidy Arch Trail. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and taking scenic drives to view the park’s stunning landscape. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, stargazing, and ranger-led programs.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, camping, picnicking, and taking scenic drives, while Capitol Reef National Park is known for its hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing, stargazing, and ranger-led programs, as well as camping, picnicking, and taking scenic drives. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy and are great places to explore the natural beauty of the desert.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both located in the western United States, but have vastly different weather patterns due to their geographic locations.
Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas, and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is known for its scorching heat, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder, and the park’s wildflowers and cacti are in bloom. Winter months can also be a good time to visit, but temperatures can drop below freezing at night and snowfall is rare.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in Southern Utah, and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is known for its mild temperatures, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-80s to low 90s during the summer months. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder, and the park’s wildflowers and fruit trees are in bloom. The park can also be visited in the summer, but it can be hot in the day. Winter months can also be a good time to visit, but temperatures can drop below freezing at night, and snowfall is possible.
In summary, Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park have vastly different weather patterns due to their geographic locations. Big Bend National Park is known for its hot summers and mild winters, while Capitol Reef National Park is known for its mild temperatures, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit each park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder, and the park’s wildflowers and trees are in bloom. Visitors should be prepared for the heat and cold, accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Both Big Bend National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer visitors a wide variety of activities and experiences, but they have different levels of accessibility and family-friendliness.
Big Bend National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a wilderness experience. The park has a wide variety of hiking trails that are suitable for families with children, including the Chisos Mountains and the Santa Elena Canyon. The park also offers ranger-led programs that are suitable for children, such as the “Junior Ranger” program, which teaches children about the park’s history and wildlife. Additionally, the park has a campground that is suitable for families, and there are also nearby towns where you can find accommodations.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging for families with young children. The park has a lot of rugged terrain that can be difficult for young children to navigate, and many of the park’s hiking trails are steep and rocky. However, the park does have some family-friendly hikes, such as the hike to Hickman Bridge, which is a natural arch that visitors can hike to. The park also has a visitor center that offers ranger-led programs and exhibits that are suitable for children.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is better for families who are looking for a wilderness experience, while Capitol Reef National Park is better for families who are looking for a more challenging outdoor adventure. Both parks offer a wide variety of activities, but the accessibility and family-friendliness of the park may vary.