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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park are two of the most unique and captivating national parks in the United States. These parks are vastly different from each other, yet they both offer a chance to explore some of the most fascinating landscapes in the world. Capitol Reef National Park is a land of towering red rock formations and rugged canyons, while Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a mysterious underworld of towering stalactites and shimmering pools. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a little inspiration, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. So get ready to lace up your hiking boots and pack your sense of wonder, because we’re about to embark on a journey through two of the most spectacular parks in the country!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Easy Hikes: The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive offers several easy hikes, including the scenic Rim Overlook and the Petroglyph Panel trail.
– Hard Hikes: The park also offers several challenging hikes, including the demanding Cassidy Arch trail and the multi-day Grand Wash trail.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Easy Hikes: The park offers several easy trails, including the Big Room self-guided tour and the Natural Entrance trail.
– Hard Hikes: For more adventurous hikers, the park offers the challenging Guadalupe Ridge trail and the strenuous Outer Loop trail.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, from easy scenic walks to challenging multi-day hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous adventure, these parks have something to offer.
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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both known for their unique and diverse wildlife, but each park offers a slightly different experience for visitors interested in observing wildlife.
At Capitol Reef, visitors can see a variety of desert wildlife, including lizards, snakes, and mammals such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, turkey vultures, and rock wrens. In addition to wildlife, Capitol Reef is also known for its diverse plant life, including cacti, wildflowers, and shrubs that are well adapted to the harsh desert environment.
Carlsbad Caverns is also home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife, including bats, beetles, and other insects that live in the caves. Above ground, visitors can see a variety of bird species, including roadrunners, hawks, and hummingbirds. The park is also home to a number of mammals, including mule deer, coyotes, and squirrels. In addition to wildlife, Carlsbad Caverns is also known for its unique plant life, including cacti, yucca, and other species that are well adapted to the arid desert environment.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef and Carlsbad Caverns offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences for visitors. While Capitol Reef is known for its desert wildlife, Carlsbad Caverns is known for its underground wildlife, including bats and insects, as well as its diverse bird life and mammal species. Whether you’re interested in observing above-ground or underground wildlife, both parks are great destinations for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Carlsbad Caverns 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 | Carlsbad Caverns 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 | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| House Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Mountain Lion | Common Gray Fox |
| American Mink | Gray Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | California Myotis |
| American Badger | Fringed Myotis |
| Ermine | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| California Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Mosquitofish |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Eastern Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Green Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Gartersnake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Desert Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Texas Nightsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | New Mexico Milksnake |
| Tree Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Whiptail | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Western Skink | Big Bend Tree Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Barred Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both known for their unique and stunning landscapes.
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Waterpocket Fold: A 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface, the Waterpocket Fold is one of the park’s most famous landscapes.
– Chimney Rock: A tall, thin rock formation, Chimney Rock is a popular landmark in the park.
– Grand Wash: A deep, narrow canyon, Grand Wash is a popular destination for hiking and backpacking.
– Fruita Historic District: The Fruita Historic District is a picturesque area of the park with orchards, historic buildings, and scenic vistas.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Carlsbad Cavern: The park’s main attraction, Carlsbad Cavern is a massive limestone cave system with stunning formations and underground pools.
– Guadalupe Ridge: A scenic mountain range, Guadalupe Ridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
– Chihuahuan Desert: The park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, a unique and rugged landscape with cactus, yucca, and other desert plants.
– Bat Flight: During the summer months, visitors can witness the nightly bat flight from Carlsbad Cavern, as thousands of bats emerge from the cave to hunt for insects.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park both offer unique and stunning landscapes, from the towering rock formations of Chimney Rock and Guadalupe Ridge to the breathtaking beauty of the Waterpocket Fold and Carlsbad Cavern. Whether you’re looking for scenic vistas, historic landmarks, or unique natural wonders, these parks have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that offer visitors a range of outdoor activities. Here is a comparison of the most popular activities at each park:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
– Scenic drives: The park has several scenic drives, including the scenic drive along State Route 24, which offers views of the park’s stunning landscape.
– Rock Climbing: The park is a popular destination for rock climbers, with several challenging routes available.
– Camping: There are several campgrounds in the park, offering visitors the opportunity to spend the night under the stars.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Cave tours: The park is famous for its caves, and visitors can take guided tours to explore the underground formations.
– Bat watching: The park is home to several species of bats, and visitors can watch them emerge from the caves at sunset.
– Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the park, including the Natural Entrance Trail, which takes visitors from the entrance of the cave to the Big Room.
– Camping: There is a campground in the park, offering visitors the opportunity to spend the night surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.
In conclusion, visitors to Capitol Reef National Park enjoy hiking, scenic drives, rock climbing, and camping, while visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park love cave tours, bat watching, hiking, and camping.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are located in different regions of the United States and therefore have different seasonal weather patterns. Understanding the weather patterns of each park is important when deciding when to visit.
Capitol Reef is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it the least favorable time to visit for those who prefer cooler weather. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
Carlsbad Caverns is located in southern New Mexico and has a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 90°F, making it the least favorable time to visit for those who prefer cooler weather. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional light snow. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is clear.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef and Carlsbad Caverns experience hot summers and mild winters, but the best time to visit each park depends on personal preference. If you prefer cooler weather, it is best to visit in the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder. If you don’t mind the heat, summer can be a great time to visit, but be prepared for hot temperatures and potential thunderstorms.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both family-friendly destinations, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here is a comparison of how family-friendly each park is:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Family-friendly Activities: The park offers several family-friendly activities, including scenic drives, easy hikes, and ranger-led programs.
– Accessibility: Some of the park’s most popular attractions, such as the Fruita Historic District and the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, are easily accessible by car.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Family-friendly Activities: The park offers several family-friendly activities, including self-guided tours of the Big Room, ranger-led programs, and the nightly bat flight.
– Accessibility: The park’s main attraction, Carlsbad Cavern, is accessible by elevator, making it a great option for families with young children or mobility concerns.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are family-friendly destinations, offering a range of activities and attractions that are accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. If you’re traveling with children, Carlsbad Caverns National Park may be a better option, as its main attraction is easily accessible by elevator. However, both parks offer a range of family-friendly activities and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.