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 Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two vastly different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. One is located in the heart of the red rock deserts of southern Utah, while the other is nestled in the remote wilderness of northern Alaska. Both parks offer stunning landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and opportunities for adventure, but the similarities end there.
Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, and ancient petroglyphs, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and beauty of the American Southwest. On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a true wilderness experience, with vast expanses of tundra, rugged mountains, and pristine rivers, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or a peaceful retreat, Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve have something to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure, as we explore the unique landscapes and experiences that these two amazing parks have to offer.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both known for their stunning landscapes and opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, the hiking trails at these two parks offer very different experiences.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the hiking trails range from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Overlook Trail and the Cassidy Arch Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations. For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Grand Wash Trail and the Halls Creek Narrows Trail offer longer, more strenuous hikes through the park’s rugged backcountry.
In contrast, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offers a completely different kind of hiking experience. The park is located in Alaska’s remote Arctic wilderness, and its trails are often unmarked and challenging. Hiking in the park requires a high level of backcountry skills and experience, as well as proper planning and equipment. Some of the park’s most popular hikes include the Arrigetch Peaks and the Anaktuvuk Pass, both of which offer stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness.
In conclusion, the hiking trails at Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer very different experiences. Capitol Reef National Park offers a range of trails for hikers of all skill levels, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness destination best suited for experienced backcountry hikers.
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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both known for their diverse and abundant wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that you’ll see in each park can vary greatly.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of desert-dwelling animals, including pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and a variety of reptiles and rodents. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and vultures, as well as a variety of plants, including cacti, yucca, and sagebrush.
At Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, visitors can expect to see a variety of arctic and sub-arctic wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and moose. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including ptarmigans, ravens, and eagles, as well as a variety of plants, including tundra, spruce, and birch forests.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that you’ll see in each park can vary greatly depending on the park’s unique climate and geography. Whether you’re a fan of desert-dwelling animals or arctic wildlife, these parks are sure to offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Gates Of The Arctic 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 | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Northern Pintail |
| Bald Eagle | American Wigeon |
| Song Sparrow | Green-Winged Teal |
| European Starling | American Pipit |
| Northern Pintail | Swainson’s Thrush |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Varying Hare |
| Porcupine | River Otter |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Common Shrew |
| Hoary Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Red Fox | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Lynx |
| House Mouse | Wolverine |
| Mountain Lion | American Marten |
| American Mink | Grizzly Bear |
| Mule Deer | Meadow Vole |
| Common Gray Fox | Moose |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Least Weasel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| American Badger | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Mottled Sculpin | Eelpout |
| Speckled Dace | King Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Gates Of The Arctic 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 | Gates Of The Arctic 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Each park offers unique and diverse natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. Visitors can explore the scenic drive along the park’s main road, which winds through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the most famous landmarks in the park include the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust, and Chimney Rock, a towering sandstone spire that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding desert.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged wilderness and pristine landscapes. The park is located in the heart of the Brooks Range, a mountain range that runs through northern Alaska and is home to some of the most rugged and remote wilderness in the United States. Visitors can explore vast expanses of tundra, crystal clear rivers, and towering mountains that offer breathtaking vistas and endless opportunities for adventure. Some of the most famous landmarks in the park include the Arrigetch Peaks, a group of towering granite spires that are a popular destination for mountaineers, and the Noatak River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in Alaska.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re looking for towering cliffs, rugged wilderness, or breathtaking vistas, these two amazing parks have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the activities available at each park are quite different.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The park is home to a number of popular trails, including the Capitol Gorge Trail, a 2-mile hike that winds through a narrow canyon and past ancient petroglyphs, and the Grand Wash Trail, a 3-mile hike that leads through a narrow canyon and past towering cliffs. Rock climbers can enjoy challenging routes up the park’s towering sandstone cliffs, while visitors looking for a more relaxed experience can enjoy scenic drives along the park’s main road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
At Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including backpacking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to some of the most rugged and remote wilderness in the United States, and visitors can explore vast expanses of tundra, crystal clear rivers, and towering mountains. Backpacking trips are a popular activity, with visitors exploring the park’s remote wilderness and camping under the stars. Fishing is also a popular activity, with visitors casting their lines in the park’s clear rivers and lakes in search of Arctic grayling, Arctic char, and other species of fish. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with visitors having the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and moose.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the activities available at each park are quite different. Whether you’re looking for challenging hikes, scenic drives, or remote wilderness adventures, these two amazing parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both known for their unique and varied climates, but the seasonal weather patterns in each park can be quite different.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can expect hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. The park’s location in the desert means that temperatures can reach well over 100°F during the summer months, making it important for visitors to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the park’s scenic landscapes are in full bloom.
At Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, visitors can expect long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The park’s location in the Arctic means that temperatures can drop well below 0°F during the winter months, making it important for visitors to be prepared for extreme cold and snow. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when temperatures are more mild and the park’s scenic landscapes are accessible by foot, boat, or floatplane.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer visitors a unique and varied climate, but the best time of year to visit each park will depend on the type of weather that you’re comfortable with and the types of activities that you’re interested in. Whether you’re looking for hot, dry desert landscapes or cold, snowy Arctic environments, these parks are sure to offer something for everyone.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park is considered more family-friendly than Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. Capitol Reef has many trails and scenic drives that are suitable for families, as well as a visitor center with educational exhibits. In contrast, Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness area with limited facilities and challenging terrain, making it less suitable for families with young children. If you’re traveling with children, Capitol Reef would be the better choice.