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.
Imagine exploring two vastly different national parks, each offering unique and breathtaking experiences. On one hand, there’s Capitol Reef National Park, a desert oasis with towering cliffs and vibrant rock formations. On the other hand, there’s Dry Tortugas National Park, a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and historic fortifications. These two parks are a study in contrasts, and the choice of which one to visit is a difficult one. Whether you’re a fan of the rugged beauty of the desert or the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, you’re sure to find something to love at Capitol Reef and Dry Tortugas. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to embark on an adventure unlike any other!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
At Capitol Reef National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Overlook Trail, the Capitol Gorge Trail, and the Grand Wash Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations and landscapes, and are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park offers trails such as the Cassidy Arch Trail, the Chimney Rock Trail, and the Navajo Knobs Trail. These trails are longer, steeper, and more strenuous, and offer a more intense backcountry experience.
At Dry Tortugas National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Garden Key Trail, the Fort Jefferson Trail, and the Loggerhead Key Trail. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s historic sites, wildlife, and pristine beaches, and are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park offers the Long Key Trail, which is a strenuous backcountry hike that takes visitors through the park’s rugged wilderness.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there is a trail for you in these 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 Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems. Although these two parks are located in different regions of the country, they offer visitors the chance to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants that are not found anywhere else.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and several species of reptiles and birds. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including yucca, cacti, and Joshua trees. Visitors can also see a variety of birds, including golden eagles, hawks, and ravens.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located on a remote island chain off the coast of Florida and is known for its diverse marine life and bird populations. Visitors can expect to see a variety of sea turtles, including the green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle, as well as a variety of fish species, including barracuda and tarpon. The park is also home to several species of birds, including pelicans, frigatebirds, and terns, as well as several species of migratory birds that visit the park each year.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park offer visitors the chance to see a variety of unique wildlife and plants. Whether you’re interested in desert wildlife, marine life, or birdwatching, these two parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Dry Tortugas 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 | 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | Green-Winged Teal |
| Northern Pintail | American Pipit |
| American Wigeon | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Green-Winged Teal | Killdeer |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Rat |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Bobcat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| American Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Bluegill | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park are both known for their unique and breathtaking landscapes.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can explore the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface that is home to towering cliffs, vibrant rock formations, and narrow canyons. The park also features scenic overlooks, such as Grand Wash, that offer stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Additionally, the park is home to several historic sites, including the Pioneer Register, a collection of petroglyphs and inscriptions left by early settlers.
At Dry Tortugas National Park, visitors can explore the historic Fort Jefferson, a massive brick fortress located on Garden Key. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding waters and is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The park is also home to several bird species, including the roseate spoonbill and the frigate bird, which can often be seen soaring overhead. The clear, turquoise waters surrounding the park offer excellent opportunities for fishing and boating, and visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping on the park’s pristine beaches.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you’re exploring the rugged beauty of the desert or the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, you’re sure to find something to love at these two parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park offer visitors a range of popular activities, each with its own unique experience. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, scenic drives, or simply relaxing in nature, these two parks have something to offer.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. The park is also known for its scenic drives, including the scenic drive through the Waterpocket Fold, which offers stunning views of the park’s unique geology. In addition, visitors can enjoy ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational talks, which provide a deeper understanding of the park’s unique ecosystem and history.
Dry Tortugas National Park is known for its water-based activities, including snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking. The park’s crystal-clear waters offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving, where visitors can see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as it is home to several species of migratory birds, as well as a number of resident bird species.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park offer visitors a range of popular activities, from outdoor adventures to scenic drives and educational experiences. Whether you’re interested in hiking, snorkeling, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in nature, these two parks are sure to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park both experience a range of seasonal weather patterns, which can affect the best time of year to visit each park.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the weather is generally mild, with warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 30s. The park also experiences occasional thunderstorms and flash floods, especially during the monsoon season from July to September. The best time of year to visit Capitol Reef National Park is from spring to fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is generally dry and stable.
At Dry Tortugas National Park, the weather is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 90s throughout the year. The park is also subject to occasional hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the hurricane season from June to November. The best time of year to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is from December to May, when temperatures are mild and the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms is low.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park experience a range of seasonal weather patterns, which can affect the best time of year to visit each park. Whether you’re looking for mild temperatures, stable weather, or a chance to escape the heat, there is a perfect time of year for you to visit these parks.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but they offer different experiences for families traveling with children.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring natural wonders. The park offers several easy hikes and scenic drives, as well as opportunities for wildlife watching and picnicking. Children will love discovering the colorful rock formations and historic sites throughout the park.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy water activities and beach experiences. The clear, turquoise waters surrounding the park offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and boating. Children will love exploring the historic Fort Jefferson and playing on the park’s pristine beaches.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park are family-friendly destinations, but the best choice will depend on your family’s interests and preferences. If you’re looking for a desert adventure, Capitol Reef is a great choice. If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, Dry Tortugas is the way to go.