Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both unique and spectacular places to visit, but they offer vastly different experiences. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, rugged canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. If you’re looking for an adventure filled with snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming, Biscayne National Park is the place to go. But, if you’re looking for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring historical sites, Capitol Reef National Park is the perfect destination. Both parks offer an unparalleled beauty and a chance to explore nature’s wonders. Read on to discover what these two national parks have to offer and decide which one should be next on your bucket list.
Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park both offer visitors a wide range of hiking trails to explore, but the type of hiking experience can be quite different due to the different ecosystems and landscapes of each park.
Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, offers visitors a unique hiking experience as it is a water-based park. The park offers a variety of easy nature walks and boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the park’s mangrove forests, saltwater marshes, and sandy beaches. The park also offers a 2.6-mile hike to the historic Elliot Key, which is considered a moderate hike and offers visitors a chance to see the park’s unique flora and fauna.
Capitol Reef National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its rugged desert landscape and offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty. The park offers a variety of easy nature walks and short hikes that allow visitors to explore the park’s colorful rock formations, natural arches, and scenic vistas. The park also offers more challenging hikes such as the 6-mile hike to Cassidy Arch, which is considered a strenuous hike and offers visitors a chance to see the park’s spectacular geological features and panoramic views.
In conclusion, both Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer visitors a wide range of hiking trails to explore. Biscayne National Park offers visitors a unique water-based hiking experience with easy nature walks and boardwalks, while Capitol Reef National Park offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged desert landscape with a variety of easy and challenging hikes. Both parks also offer visitors the opportunity to see unique flora and fauna, as well as spectacular geological features.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
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 Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is primarily composed of water, with only a small portion of land. As such, the wildlife at Biscayne National Park is primarily marine life, including a variety of fish species, manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of bird species, such as pelicans, herons, and ospreys. The park also has a small number of land animals, including the Key deer, raccoons and the endangered Key Largo woodrat.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and is primarily composed of land. The park is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscape, which includes canyons, cliffs, and rock formations. The wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park includes a variety of mammals, such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and the greater sage-grouse. Visitors may also see a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including lizards, snakes and amphibians.
In terms of plants, Biscayne National Park has a variety of mangroves and seagrass beds that provide habitat for the marine life. The park also has a small number of tropical hardwood hammocks and pine rocklands. Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of plant communities, including juniper and pinion pine forests, as well as sagebrush and desert grasslands. The park is also home to a variety of fruit trees, such as apricot, peach, and apple trees, which were planted by early settlers.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is primarily composed of water and is home to a variety of marine life, while Capitol Reef National Park is primarily composed of land and is home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but the types of wildlife you’ll see will depend on the specific park you visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Biscayne 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 |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Mallard |
| American Robin | Canada Goose |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Merlin | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
| American Kestrel | Merlin |
| Bald Eagle | Barn Swallow |
| Song Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| European Starling | Great Blue Heron |
| Northern Pintail | Hermit Thrush |
| American Wigeon | American Kestrel |
| American Pipit | Bald Eagle |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Song Sparrow |
| Killdeer | European Starling |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Northern Pintail |
| Red-Winged Blackbird | American Wigeon |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Biscayne National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | Coyote |
| Striped Skunk | American Beaver |
| Raccoon | Muskrat |
| House Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Bobcat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Striped Skunk |
| White-Tailed Deer | Little Brown Bat |
| Virginia Opossum | Deer Mouse |
| Black Rat | Raccoon |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Black Bear |
| Least Shrew | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| American Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Biscayne National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Bluegill |
| Common Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
| Black Crappie | Black Bullhead |
| Brown Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Biscayne National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Reptiles
| Biscayne National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Biscayne National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its beautiful coral reefs and clear waters, which make it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The park also features mangrove forests, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including manatees and sea turtles. The park’s most famous landscape is the Biscayne Bay, which is a shallow lagoon that is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Florida Keys.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs and rock formations, which have been shaped over millions of years by erosion. The park also features a variety of natural features such as the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust, and the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, which offers panoramic views of the park’s landscapes. The park’s most famous landscape is the Cathedral Valley, which is characterized by the towering sandstone monoliths, the Temples of the Sun and Moon, that can be seen from the scenic drive.
Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Biscayne National Park is known for its water activities, such as snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as boating and fishing. The park is home to a diverse array of marine life, including a variety of fish species, manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The park also has a number of boat ramps, marinas, and canoe/kayak rentals, making it easy for visitors to explore the park by boat. Fishing is also popular in the park, with visitors able to catch a variety of fish species including bonefish, tarpon, and permit.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities. The park is home to a variety of trails, including the popular Capitol Gorge trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon and past some of the park’s most striking rock formations. The park also has a number of backpacking trails, including the Cathedral Valley Loop and the Halls Creek Narrows trail, which take visitors deep into the park’s remote wilderness. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is known for its water activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and fishing, while Capitol Reef National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the types of activities you’ll be able to participate in will depend on the specific park you visit.
Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are located in different regions of the United States, which means that their seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida, near the city of Miami. The park experiences a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers, and warm and mild winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the hottest, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit. The park also receives a lot of rainfall during the summer, with the heaviest rain falling in June, July, and September. The winter months of December, January, and February are the driest, with less humidity and temperatures in the 70s.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah, near the city of Torrey. The park experiences a desert climate, with hot summers, and cool to cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the hottest, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit. The park also receives very little rainfall during the summer months, with most of the annual precipitation falling during the winter months of December, January, and February.
In Biscayne National Park, the best time to visit is during the winter months, when the weather is milder and drier, making it more pleasant to explore the park’s natural beauty. However, it may also be a good idea to avoid the rainy summer months.
In Capitol Reef National Park, the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer months can be very hot, and winter months can be cold and snowy, making it difficult to enjoy the park.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is best visited in the winter for milder, drier weather, while Capitol Reef National Park is best visited in the spring and fall for milder temperatures.
Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Both Biscayne National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are great options for families looking to explore and experience the beauty of nature. However, they offer different types of activities and experiences that may make one more suitable for families with children than the other.
Biscayne National Park is a great option for families with children who are interested in water activities. The park’s clear waters and coral reefs make it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, and there are also several guided tours available that allow visitors to explore the park’s marine life and ecosystems. Additionally, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and activities for children, such as the Junior Ranger program and the Biscayne Kids Club.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great option for families with children who are interested in hiking and exploring. The park features a variety of hiking trails, many of which are short and easy, and offer great opportunities to see the park’s colorful sandstone cliffs and rock formations, as well as the wildlife that calls the park home. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, which allows children to learn about the park’s history and resources while earning a badge.
Overall, both parks offer a lot of activities and programs that are suitable for families with children. However, Biscayne National Park may be a better option for families with children who are interested in water activities, while Capitol Reef National Park may be a better option for families with children who are interested in hiking and exploring.