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 Denali National Park & Preserve are two of the most magnificent and diverse national parks in the United States. One boasts towering sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, and scenic vistas, while the other showcases towering peaks, sprawling tundra, and diverse wildlife. These two parks are a testament to the beauty and diversity of our natural world, and they offer visitors the chance to escape into the great outdoors and experience the thrill of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, Capitol Reef and Denali have something to offer for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey to two of the most awe-inspiring and breathtaking parks in the country.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are both located in the western United States and offer unique hiking experiences for visitors.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can find a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Petrified Forest Trail and the Cassidy Arch Trail, which offer scenic views of the park’s geological formations. The park also offers challenging hikes, such as the Grand Wash Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon and requires some scrambling.
Denali National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Savage River Loop Trail and the Horseshoe Lake Trail, which offer scenic views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife. The park also offers challenging hikes, such as the Mount Healy Overlook Trail, which takes visitors to the top of Mount Healy for panoramic views of the park and surrounding wilderness.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Visitors should plan their trip in advance and be prepared for the park’s unique terrain and weather conditions when visiting Denali National Park & Preserve.
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 Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are both rich in wildlife, but each has its own unique features and species.
At Capitol Reef, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including lizards, snakes, squirrels, and rabbits. Additionally, the park is home to a number of bird species, including the American Kestrel, the Western Tanager, and the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay. There are also several species of plants that can be found in the park, including the Utah juniper, the pinyon pine, and the sagebrush.
In Denali National Park & Preserve, you can expect to see a large number of large mammals, such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Additionally, there are a number of bird species that can be found in the park, including the Golden Eagle, the Gyrfalcon, and the Sandhill Crane. The park is also home to a number of plant species, including the Alaska blueberry, the Labrador tea, and the dwarf birch.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are rich in wildlife, but each has its own unique species and features. Whether you’re interested in large mammals, birds, or plants, you’re sure to find something of interest in either park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Snowshoe Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Common Shrew |
| Red Fox | Water Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
| House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Lynx |
| American Mink | Wolverine |
| Mule Deer | American Marten |
| Common Gray Fox | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Grizzly Bear |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| American Badger | Moose |
| Ermine | Least Weasel |
| California Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Mottled Sculpin | Burbot |
| Speckled Dace | Coho Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Chinook Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Slimy Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned 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 | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are both known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders. At Capitol Reef, visitors can admire the towering sandstone cliffs and winding canyons that make up the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. The park also features scenic overlooks, such as the Goosenecks Overlook, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and canyons. Another popular destination is the Capitol Dome, a towering sandstone formation that can be seen from many parts of the park.
Denali National Park & Preserve is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), which rises to a height of 20,310 feet. The park is also known for its sprawling tundra, which is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the park road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. The park also features several popular hiking trails, including the Savage River Trail, which takes you through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and tundra.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are known for their breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. Whether you’re interested in towering sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, towering peaks, or sprawling tundra, these two parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve both offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef National Park, popular activities include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. Visitors also enjoy exploring the park’s historic sites, such as the Fruita Rural Historic District and the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. In addition, the park offers a number of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational presentations.
At Denali National Park & Preserve, popular activities include wildlife viewing, backpacking, hiking, and scenic drives. Visitors also enjoy taking part in ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and wildlife walks. In addition, the park offers a number of other outdoor activities, including fishing, rafting, and mountaineering. Visitors can also take part in educational programs, such as the Denali Natural History Tour and the Denali Backcountry Adventure.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, educational programs, or simply taking in the scenic beauty, there is something for everyone in these parks.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are located in different regions of the United States and experience different seasonal weather patterns.
At Capitol Reef National Park, located in southern Utah, the weather is generally dry and warm in the summer, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow is possible in the higher elevations. The best time of year to visit the park is from late spring to early fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s scenic drives and hiking trails are accessible.
At Denali National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, the weather is generally cool and wet in the summer, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow is common in the park throughout the year. The best time of year to visit the park is from late spring to early fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s scenic drives and hiking trails are accessible. However, visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as rain and snow are possible at any time of year.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve affects when is the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should plan their trip in advance and be prepared for the park’s unique weather conditions, especially when visiting Denali National Park & Preserve.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are both family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a unique experience for families traveling with children.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great option for families with young children as it offers several easy hikes and scenic drives that are suitable for all ages. The park features several picnic areas, as well as a campground, which is a great option for families who want to spend several days in the park. In addition, the park has several ranger-led activities and programs, including junior ranger programs and guided hikes, which are designed to educate and entertain children.
Denali National Park & Preserve is also a great option for families, but it may be more suitable for families with older children who are interested in outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The park offers several ranger-led activities and programs, including guided hikes and wildlife viewing tours, which are great for families who want to learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and wildlife. However, it’s important to note that some of the park’s hiking trails and scenic drives can be challenging, so it’s important to be prepared for a more strenuous experience.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are great options for families, but the best choice will depend on the age and interests of your children. If you’re traveling with young children, Capitol Reef may be the better option, while Denali may be more suitable for families with older children who are interested in outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.