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 Cuyahoga Valley National Park are two unique and diverse national parks that offer visitors a range of experiences and activities. While both parks are located in different regions of the country and offer different landscapes, both are known for their breathtaking beauty and rich cultural history.
Capitol Reef is a desert park located in southern Utah, known for its towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to several popular hiking trails, including the Capitol Gorge Trail, the Navajo Knobs Trail, and the Cathedral Valley Trail, offering visitors a chance to explore the park’s unique landscape.
Cuyahoga Valley, on the other hand, is a lush and verdant park located in Ohio, known for its rolling hills, scenic waterways, and rich cultural heritage. The park is home to several popular hiking trails, including the Ledges Trail, the Buckeye Trail, and the Brandywine Falls Trail, offering visitors a chance to explore the park’s diverse landscape and rich history.
In conclusion, whether you’re looking for a desert adventure or a lush, green escape, Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both sure to provide an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty and diversity of these two incredible national parks!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Petrified Forest Trail, which is a short, 0.3-mile loop that takes visitors through a petrified forest, and the Rim Overlook Trail, which is a 1-mile hike that offers panoramic views of the park. For families with children, the park’s scenic drive is also a great option, as it offers opportunities to stop and explore various geological formations along the way.
For those looking for a challenge, the park’s Cassidy Arch Trail is a popular option. This 3-mile hike takes visitors to the top of a sandstone arch and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another difficult hike is the Grand Wash Trail, which is a 3-mile hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering cliffs on either side.
At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Ledges Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike that takes visitors through a rocky landscape with stunning views of the surrounding valley, and the Brandywine Falls Trail, which is a 0.7-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall.
For those looking for a challenge, the park’s Blue Hen Falls Trail is a popular option. This 4-mile hike takes visitors to a secluded waterfall and offers a strenuous workout with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Another difficult hike is the Buckeye Trail, which is a 20-mile hike that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers a variety of landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests.
Overall, both Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all abilities, from easy scenic walks to challenging hikes through stunning landscapes.
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 Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledges Trail | 4184.284 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Brandywine Gorge Trail | 2735.878 | 65.8368 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 162.7632 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Blue Hen Falls Trail | 804.67 | 23.7744 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Salt Run Trail | 6759.228 | 123.7488 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Plateau Trail | 7081.096 | 96.9264 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake | 6115.492 | 98.7552 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Buckeye Trail to Valley Bridle Trail Loop | 5471.756 | 119.7864 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wetmore Bridle Trail | 7563.898 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Brecksville Station | 7081.096 | 20.7264 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both home to diverse arrays of wildlife, including a variety of animals, birds, and plants. Here is a comparison of the wildlife you’ll see at each park:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Animals: Common mammals in the park include mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and coyotes. You may also see reptiles such as lizards and snakes, as well as various species of bats.
– Birds: The park is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds that have been recorded in the area. Some of the most commonly seen birds include the peregrine falcon, the western bluebird, and the canyon wren.
– Plants: The park is home to a variety of plant life, including cacti, wildflowers, and shrubs. Some of the most commonly seen plants include the creosote bush, the Joshua tree, and the yucca.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
– Animals: Common mammals in the park include white-tailed deer, raccoons, beavers, and coyotes. You may also see reptiles such as snakes and turtles, as well as various species of bats.
– Birds: The park is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species of birds that have been recorded in the area. Some of the most commonly seen birds include the great blue heron, the bald eagle, and the wood duck.
– Plants: The park is home to a variety of plant life, including trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Some of the most commonly seen plants include the maple tree, the oak tree, and the wildflowers of the prairie.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are rich in wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants in their natural habitats. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a nature lover, or simply looking to enjoy the great outdoors, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Cuyahoga Valley 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 | Cuyahoga Valley 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mink |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Badger |
| American Mink | Masked Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Red Squirrel |
| Common Gray Fox | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| American Badger | Red Bat |
| Ermine | White-Footed Mouse |
| California Myotis | Norway Rat |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Northern Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Northern Bluegill Sunfish |
| Mottled Sculpin | Northern Fathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Black Bullhead | European Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Northern Pike |
| Eastern Burbot | |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Eastern Milk Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Eastern Fence 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
| Capitol Reef National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Wood Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both famous for their unique landscapes and natural wonders.
At Capitol Reef, visitors can explore the park’s towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to several popular landmarks, including the Capitol Dome, the Grand Wash, and the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. Visitors can also explore the park’s scenic canyons, including the Capitol Gorge, the Sulphur Creek Canyon, and the Halls Creek Canyon.
Cuyahoga Valley, on the other hand, is known for its rolling hills, scenic waterways, and rich cultural heritage. The park is home to several popular landmarks, including the Brandywine Falls, the Ledges Overlook, and the Cuyahoga River, which runs through the heart of the park. Visitors can also explore the park’s diverse landscape, including its lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic valleys, as well as its rich cultural heritage, including several historic structures and sites.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are famous for their unique landscapes and natural wonders, offering visitors a chance to explore the beauty and diversity of these two incredible parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park offer different experiences for visitors.
At Capitol Reef, popular activities include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The park is known for its colorful sandstone formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust. Hikers can explore canyons, arches, and other geological wonders on trails like the Hickman Bridge Trail, Grand Wash Trail, and Cassidy Arch Trail.
At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, popular activities include hiking, biking, and scenic train rides. The park is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic river valleys. Hikers can explore the park’s many trails, including the Ledges Trail, the Buckeye Trail, and the Towpath Trail, which follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. Bikers can enjoy scenic rides on the park’s many bike paths, and visitors can take a scenic train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but Capitol Reef is better for those seeking outdoor adventures, while Cuyahoga Valley is better for those seeking a more relaxed experience with scenic train rides and gentle hikes.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park have different seasonal weather patterns that affect when the best time of year to visit each park is.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and experiences hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities challenging. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional snow and rain, making it a great time for hiking and exploring the park’s scenic drive. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and beautiful wildflowers in the spring and the changing leaves in the fall.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in northeastern Ohio, experiences four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making outdoor activities difficult. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, making it a great time for hiking and exploring the park’s waterfalls. Spring and fall are also popular times to visit, with mild temperatures and the park’s colorful foliage in the fall.
In conclusion, the best time of year to visit Capitol Reef National Park is in the spring and fall, while the best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park is in the summer and fall. Visitors should keep in mind the seasonal weather patterns when planning their trip to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park both offer different experiences for families traveling 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. The park’s scenic drive is also a great option for families, as it offers opportunities to stop and explore various geological formations along the way.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its scenic railway, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The park has several easy hikes that are suitable for families with children, including the Ledges Trail and the Brandywine Falls Trail. The park’s scenic railway is a popular option for families, as it offers a scenic ride through the heart of the park and provides opportunities to stop and explore various attractions along the way.
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 geological formations, while Cuyahoga Valley National Park is better for families who enjoy scenic railway rides, waterfalls, and hiking.