Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both natural wonders that offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe. Both parks are located in the American Southwest and are known for their stunning red rock formations, but each park has its own unique features that make them stand out. Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos, which are tall, thin rock spires that look like they were sculpted by an ancient civilization. Capitol Reef, on the other hand, is known for its colorful cliffs and valleys that create a natural barrier that runs for nearly 100 miles. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiking enthusiast, or just someone looking for a peaceful escape, these parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we take you on a journey to compare these two spectacular parks.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Trail, which is a paved and mostly flat trail that offers spectacular views of the park’s hoodoos. Another easy hike is the Queens Garden Trail, which is a 1.8-mile trail that leads to a natural amphitheater filled with hoodoos.
On the other hand, some of the more challenging hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park include the Fairyland Loop Trail, which is an 8-mile trail that takes visitors through a variety of landscapes including hoodoos, forests and meadows. Another challenging hike is the Peekaboo Loop Trail, which is a 5-mile hike that offers views of the park’s hoodoos and canyons.
At Capitol Reef National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Goosenecks Overlook Trail, which is a 0.5-mile trail that offers views of the park’s waterpocket fold and the Sulphur Creek Trail, which is a 3-mile hike that takes visitors through a variety of landscapes including rocky canyons and a beautiful stream.
On the other hand, some of the more challenging hikes at Capitol Reef National Park include the Cassidy Arch Trail, which is a 5-mile hike that takes visitors through a rugged and remote landscape and the Cathedral Valley Trail, which is a 16-mile hike that takes visitors through a variety of landscapes including rocky canyons and a beautiful stream.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, from easy hikes like the Rim Trail and the Queens Garden Trail, to more challenging hikes like the Fairyland Loop Trail and the Peekaboo Loop Trail. Capitol Reef National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, from easy hikes like the Goosenecks Overlook Trail and the Sulphur Creek Trail, to more challenging hikes like the Cassidy Arch Trail and the Cathedral Valley Trail.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 4184.284 | 189.8904 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Fairyland Loop Trail | 11909.116 | 469.6968 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Peekaboo Loop Trail | 8368.568 | 442.8744 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Navajo Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 139.9032 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 175.8696 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Sunset Point to Sunrise Point | 1770.274 | 24.9936 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail | 1609.34 | 35.9664 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Queen Victoria via Queen’s Garden Loop | 3379.614 | 123.7488 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tower Bridge Trail | 5471.756 | 251.7648 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) | 10138.842 | 456.8952 | Moderate | loop | 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 Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Bryce Canyon National Park, visitors may see mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and elk, as well as a variety of bird species such as the American Dipper, the Peregrine Falcon, and the White-throated Swift. The park is also home to a number of small mammals, including the North American porcupine and the American marten.
Capitol Reef National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot a number of bird species, including the Golden Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, and the American Dipper. The park is also known for its diverse array of reptiles, including the desert horned lizard and the Great Basin collared lizard.
Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are also home to a variety of unique and beautiful plant species. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its vibrant hoodoos, which are towering spires of rock formed by erosion. Visitors may also see a variety of wildflowers in the spring, including the sego lily and the Indian paintbrush.
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs and rock formations, as well as its orchards of fruit trees, including apricot, apple, and peach. Visitors may also see a variety of wildflowers in the spring and early summer, including the desert mariposa lily and the desert globemallow.
Overall, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Both parks are great options for families, but the activities and trails available may vary. It is recommended to check the park’s website or visitor center for more information on specific activities and trails for families.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon 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
| Bryce Canyon 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 |
| Mule Deer | American Mink |
| Common Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | American Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | 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 |
| Striped Whipsnake | Nightsnake |
| Tree Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Skink | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Fish
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | |
| Bluegill | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its otherworldly hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that have been carved by erosion. The park’s most famous feature is the Bryce Amphitheater, a horseshoe-shaped basin filled with hoodoos that is best viewed from the rim. Visitors can hike down into the basin to get a closer look at the hoodoos, or take a scenic drive to see them from different angles. Additionally, Bryce Canyon offers a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s unique landscape, including the Queens Garden Trail, the Navajo Loop Trail, and the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its colorful sandstone formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust. Visitors can explore the Fold by taking a scenic drive or by hiking on one of the park’s many trails, such as the Capitol Gorge Trail, the Grand Wash Trail, or the Hickman Bridge Trail. The park also offers a variety of other natural features, including the Fruita Historic District, a historic orchard that is still in operation today, and the Cathedral Valley, a remote area of the park that offers excellent hiking and camping opportunities.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both known for their unique and stunning natural landscapes, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, visitors can explore the park’s famous hoodoos, which are tall and thin spires of rock that have been formed by erosion. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, with the most popular being the Rim Trail, which offers spectacular views of the hoodoos from above. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the park’s main road, or take a horseback ride through the park. Other popular activities include stargazing, as the park is known for its dark skies, and ranger-led tours and programs.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful cliffs and rock formations, as well as its natural arches and bridges. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, with the most popular being the Capitol Gorge Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon filled with geological wonders. Other popular activities include scenic drives, camping, and rock climbing. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the park’s historic Fruita Orchard, which includes a glimpse into the area’s early pioneer history.
Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but Bryce Canyon National Park is known more for its hiking trails and scenic drives, while Capitol Reef National Park is known for its rock formations, arches, and historic orchards. Both are great for family friendly activities and outdoor experiences.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park both have unique weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit.
Bryce Canyon National Park has a high desert climate, with hot summers and cool winters. During the summer months of June to August, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), making it the perfect time for visitors to enjoy the park’s hiking trails and scenic drives. However, the summer months can also be quite crowded. The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park is during the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) when temperatures are milder and the crowds are smaller.
On the other hand, Capitol Reef National Park has a semi-arid climate, with mild winters and hot summers. During the summer months of June to August, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), making it the perfect time for visitors to enjoy the park’s hiking trails and scenic drives. However, the summer months can also be quite crowded. The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) when temperatures are milder and the crowds are smaller.
In summary, the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and the crowds are smaller. Visitors should also be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both great options for families looking to enjoy the outdoors and explore natural wonders. Both parks offer a variety of activities that are suitable for children, such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations, which are a must-see for visitors of all ages. The park offers a number of easy, kid-friendly hikes, such as the Bryce Canyon Nature Trail, which is a half-mile long and offers great views of the hoodoos. The park also has a junior ranger program and ranger-led activities for children.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is home to a diverse landscape of canyons, cliffs, and rock formations. The park offers a number of family-friendly activities, including the Capitol Gorge Trail, which is an easy hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering rock walls. The park also has a junior ranger program and ranger-led activities for children.
Overall, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are great options for families looking for an adventure. Both parks offer a variety of activities that are suitable for children and provide a unique and memorable experience.