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 Crater Lake National Park are two of the most stunning and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Capitol Reef is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, historic orchards, and pristine desert landscapes. Here, visitors can explore the park’s scenic drives, take a leisurely hike through the Fruita Historic Orchard, or marvel at the beauty of the park’s towering monoliths.
Crater Lake, on the other hand, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs, and stunning vistas. Visitors can hike to the rim of the lake for breathtaking views, take a scenic drive around the rim, or take a boat tour of the lake to get up close and personal with the park’s stunning scenery.
So whether you’re looking to explore the rugged beauty of the desert or the pristine waters of Crater Lake, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure in two of the most stunning national parks in the country!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its scenic sandstone formations, and its trails range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Capitol Gorge Trail and the Rim Overlook Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s geological features. On the other hand, the most strenuous hike in the park is the Cohab Canyon Trail, which takes hikers through a narrow slot canyon and requires some scrambling over rocks.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is centered around the stunning blue waters of Crater Lake and offers hikes that showcase the beauty of the lake and the surrounding area. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of the lake, and the Watchman Peak Trail, which takes hikers to the top of a nearby mountain for even more breathtaking views. The most challenging hike in the park is the Garfield Peak Trail, which takes hikers to the top of the park’s highest peak and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging workout, both 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 Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. While the parks are located in different regions of the country and have different climates, both are known for their unique ecosystems and the abundant wildlife that can be found within them.
At Capitol Reef, visitors can expect to see a variety of desert-dwelling animals, including pronghorns, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and jackrabbits. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American kestrel, the western meadowlark, and the western kingbird. In addition, the park is home to a number of unique plant species, including the Joshua tree, the prickly pear cactus, and the Mormon tea.
Crater Lake, on the other hand, is home to a number of woodland and water-dwelling species. Visitors can expect to see black bears, mountain lions, and other large mammals, as well as a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the osprey, and the common loon. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including the western red cedar, the Douglas fir, and the Pacific yew.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer visitors the chance to experience a wide range of wildlife in diverse and stunning ecosystems. Whether you’re looking to see desert-dwelling animals or woodland creatures, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Crater Lake 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 | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Crater Lake 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 | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | American Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Lake Trout |
| Speckled Dace | Silver Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Kokanee Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Skink |
| Common Kingsnake | Western Fence Lizard |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning sandstone formations and unique geological features. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust that is visible from various overlooks in the park. Another popular feature is the Capitol Dome, a towering sandstone formation that is a popular spot for photography. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the scenic drive through Capitol Gorge, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon surrounded by towering cliffs.
Crater Lake National Park is centered around the stunning blue waters of Crater Lake, which is the main attraction of the park. The lake is surrounded by the caldera, a massive volcanic crater that is over 6,000 feet deep and provides breathtaking views from various overlooks around the rim. Another popular feature in the park is Wizard Island, a cinder cone volcano that rises from the center of the lake. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the Rim Drive, which takes visitors around the entire rim of the lake and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer a variety of breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders for visitors to explore. From towering sandstone formations to stunning blue lakes and scenic drives, both parks provide a wealth of opportunities for visitors to experience the beauty of the natural world.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park both offer visitors a variety of popular activities to enjoy. While the parks are located in different regions of the country and offer different landscapes, both are known for their unique and diverse recreational opportunities.
At Capitol Reef, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The park is home to several popular hiking trails, including the Capitol Gorge Trail, the Navajo Knobs Trail, and the Cathedral Valley Trail. Rock climbers will appreciate the park’s challenging cliffs and towers, while scenic drives offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique landscape.
Crater Lake, on the other hand, is best known for its stunning lake and the surrounding caldera. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. The park is home to several popular hiking trails, including the Garfield Peak Trail, the Watchman Peak Trail, and the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Fishing is a popular activity on the lake, and visitors can also enjoy boat tours of the lake and its surrounding caldera.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer visitors a range of popular activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, scenic drives, or simply a chance to relax and take in the beauty of nature, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park are located in different regions of the United States and therefore have different seasonal weather patterns. Here is a comparison of the seasonal weather at each park and how it affects the best time of year to visit:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Summer temperatures can be hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid 80s to low 90s.
– Winter temperatures are mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid 40s to mid 50s.
– The best time of year to visit Capitol Reef National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded.
Crater Lake National Park:
– Summer temperatures are mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to mid 70s.
– Winter temperatures are cold, with snow and ice covering the park.
– The best time of year to visit Crater Lake National Park is in the summer, when temperatures are mild and the park is accessible for hiking and other outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park affects the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park should plan their trip for the spring or fall, while visitors to Crater Lake National Park should plan their trip for the summer. Regardless of when you visit, both parks offer a range of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor experiences that are sure to leave you in awe.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Crater Lake National Park both offer different experiences for families with children.
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its scenic drive, hiking trails, and geological formations. The park has several easy hikes that are suitable for families with children, including the Petrified Forest Trail and the Cassidy Arch Trail.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning blue lake and numerous hiking trails, including the rim drive that offers breathtaking views of the lake. Some of the park’s trails, like the Cleetwood Cove Trail, can be challenging, but they offer a great opportunity for families to spend time together and enjoy nature.
In terms of which park is better for families with children, it ultimately depends on the interests and abilities of the children and the family. Capitol Reef National Park is better for families who enjoy scenic drives and easier hikes, while Crater Lake National Park is better for families who enjoy challenging hikes and stunning natural beauty.