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 Death Valley National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. These two parks offer a stark contrast in landscapes, from the towering sandstone cliffs of Capitol Reef to the scorching deserts of Death Valley. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, these two parks have something to offer for everyone. Get ready to explore the rugged beauty of Capitol Reef and the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley as we compare and contrast these two amazing parks. So, buckle up and let’s embark on a journey through the heart of these two iconic destinations!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, but they offer vastly different landscapes and experiences. Capitol Reef is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, and scenic vistas, while Death Valley is famous for its vast deserts, rugged mountains, and unique geological formations.
In terms of easiest hikes, Capitol Reef has the Grand Wash Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip hike that follows a narrow canyon and offers views of towering cliffs and unique rock formations. Another option is the Capitol Gorge Trail, a 2-mile round trip hike that takes you through a narrow canyon filled with petroglyphs and pioneer inscriptions.
Death Valley, on the other hand, has several easy hikes, including the Badwater Basin Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Another option is the Artist’s Drive, a 9-mile scenic drive that offers views of colorful rock formations and canyons.
In terms of hardest hikes, Capitol Reef has the Cassidy Arch Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of a towering sandstone arch with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Another challenging hike is the Chimney Rock Trail, a 2-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of a towering rock formation with steep inclines and narrow paths.
Death Valley also has several difficult hikes, including the Telescope Peak Trail, a 14-mile round trip hike that takes you to the highest point in the park at 11,049 feet, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Another challenging hike is the Darwin Falls Trail, a 7-mile round trip hike that takes you to a waterfall in the Panamint Mountains with steep inclines and rough terrain.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for you at these two iconic parks.
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 Death Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail | 2896.812 | 2.7432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail | 4506.152 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point | 643.736 | 15.8496 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dante’s View Trail | 2574.944 | 109.728 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Telescope Peak Trail | 19312.08 | 1012.8504 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral | 4667.086 | 174.9552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point | 9334.172 | 332.8416 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Mosaic Canyon Trail | 5632.69 | 324.9168 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Death Valley Natural Bridge Road | 6920.162 | 304.8 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road | 3057.746 | 68.8848 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park are both located in the western United States and offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and rock wrens. In addition to wildlife, the park is known for its diverse plant life, including Joshua trees, yucca plants, and cactus species.
Death Valley National Park, located in California and Nevada, is known for its unique and diverse desert ecosystem. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and kit foxes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including burrowing owls, phainopeplas, and roadrunners. In addition to wildlife, the park is known for its unique plant life, including creosote bushes, Joshua trees, and desert wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors, with a variety of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen. Visitors should be aware of the park’s rules and regulations regarding wildlife viewing and should always keep a safe distance from wildlife for their own safety and the safety of the animals.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Death 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 | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Big Brown Bat |
| Big Brown Bat | Bobcat |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Black Bear | Hoary Bat |
| Porcupine | House Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| House Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Badger |
| American Mink | Californian Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Fringed Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Common Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| American Badger | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Ermine | Western Harvest Mouse |
| California Myotis | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Mosquitofish |
| Bluegill | Goldfish |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Common Kingsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Smith������S Black-Headed Snake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Glossy Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Western Whiptail | Western Fence Lizard |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Tiger Salamander | Canyon Treefrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, towering monoliths, and unique rock formations. One of the most famous landscapes at Capitol Reef is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s surface that is visible from many of the park’s scenic overlooks. Another popular feature is the Capitol Dome, a towering sandstone spire that rises over 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its vast deserts, towering sand dunes, and otherworldly landscapes. One of the most famous landscapes at Death Valley is Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Another popular feature is Zabriskie Point, a scenic overlook that offers panoramic views of the valley’s multicolored sandstone formations. The park also boasts several mountain ranges, including the Panamint Range and the Amargosa Range, which offer great opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Both Capitol Reef and Death Valley National Park offer a wealth of natural wonders to explore, from towering cliffs to scorching deserts. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or a chance to immerse yourself in nature, these two parks are sure to deliver.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park are both popular national parks in the western United States and offer a variety of activities for visitors.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the most popular activities include scenic drives, hiking, and exploring the park’s geological formations. Visitors can drive the scenic route through the park, stopping to hike and explore various formations along the way. The park is also known for its challenging hikes, including the hike to Cassidy Arch and the Grand Wash Trail. In addition, visitors can explore the park’s historic orchards and learn about the park’s history and cultural heritage.
At Death Valley National Park, the most popular activities include scenic drives, hiking, and exploring the park’s unique desert environment. Visitors can drive the scenic route through the park, stopping to hike and explore various attractions along the way. The park is also known for its challenging hikes, including the hike to Telescope Peak and the hike to Dante’s View. In addition, visitors can explore the park’s salt flats, sand dunes, and unique geological formations, such as Badwater Basin and the Devil’s Golf Course.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors, including scenic drives, hiking, and exploring unique geological formations. Visitors should plan their trip in advance and be prepared for the park’s challenging hikes and unique desert environment when visiting Death Valley National Park.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park are located in two different regions of the United States and therefore have vastly different climates and weather patterns. Understanding the seasonal weather in each park is important for determining the best time to visit.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, making it the best time to visit for those who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities. Winter temperatures are mild with occasional snow, making it a great time for those who enjoy cooler weather and scenic views of snow-capped mountains.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in eastern California and has one of the harshest climates in the world. Summer temperatures can reach up to 120°F, making it extremely hot and inhospitable for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures are mild, making it the best time to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views of the desert landscape.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the summer months for warm weather and outdoor activities, while the best time to visit Death Valley National Park is during the winter months for milder temperatures and scenic views of the desert landscape. It is important to keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable and it is always a good idea to check the forecast and pack accordingly before your visit to either park.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Death Valley National Park are both unique and beautiful parks, but they cater to different types of families. Capitol Reef is generally considered more family-friendly due to its milder climate and well-maintained trails. It’s a great place for families to hike, picnic, and explore the colorful rock formations. On the other hand, Death Valley can be more challenging for families due to its extreme temperatures and remote location. It’s recommended that families visit in the cooler months and be prepared for the heat if they choose to visit in the summer. Additionally, some of the trails at Death Valley can be strenuous and may not be suitable for young children. Overall, Capitol Reef is a better option for families looking for a more traditional park experience, while Death Valley is better for families who are up for an adventure and want to experience a unique and challenging environment.