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 Glacier National Park are two of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders. While they may seem vastly different on the surface, these two parks offer a unique blend of beauty and adventure that will leave you in awe. Capitol Reef, located in the red rock desert of Utah, is a hidden gem that boasts towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and a rich history dating back to the pioneers. Meanwhile, Glacier National Park in Montana is a rugged wilderness of glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes that will take your breath away. Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, or simply a lover of the great outdoors, Capitol Reef and Glacier National Park are two destinations you won’t want to miss. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through two of America’s most spectacular parks!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, each with its own unique features and challenges.
At Capitol Reef, some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Overlook Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park’s landscape, and the Grand Wash Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering cliffs. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Cassidy Arch Trail is a challenging 3-mile round trip hike that leads to a stunning natural arch.
At Glacier National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, which offers stunning views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains, and the Trail of the Cedars, which winds through a beautiful cedar forest. For more experienced hikers, the Highline Trail is a challenging 11-mile hike that takes visitors along the Garden Wall, offering panoramic views of the park’s glaciers and peaks.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef and Glacier National Park offer a range of hiking trails to suit different skill levels and interests. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, both parks offer easy and challenging trails that allow you to explore the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
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 Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, each offering unique opportunities to see and learn about the animals, birds, and plants that call these parks home.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can see a variety of mammals, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorns. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes, lizards, and desert tortoises, as well as a variety of birds, including hawks, eagles, and vultures. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of unique and beautiful plants, including cacti, wildflowers, and Joshua trees.
At Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, visitors can see a variety of marine mammals, including whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises, as well as a variety of birds, including eagles, gulls, and puffins. The park is also home to a variety of fish and other marine life, including salmon, halibut, and crab. Additionally, the park is surrounded by lush and diverse forests, including stands of spruce, hemlock, and cedar, as well as a variety of mosses, lichens, and wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are rich in wildlife and offer unique and exciting opportunities to see and learn about the animals, birds, and plants that call these parks home. Whether you’re interested in desert wildlife or marine mammals, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable and educational experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Glacier 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 | Glacier 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 | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Ermine | California Myotis |
| California Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Longnose Sucker |
| Mottled Sculpin | Fathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Lake Trout |
| Black Bullhead | Northern Pike |
| Cutthroat Trout | Burbot |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| 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 | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Waterpocket Fold: a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust
– Chimney Rock: a tall sandstone spire
– Grand Wash: a narrow canyon with towering cliffs
– Capitol Dome: a large rock formation resembling a capitol building
Glacier National Park:
– Going-to-the-Sun Road: a scenic drive offering panoramic views of the park
– Grinnell Glacier: one of the largest glaciers in the park
– Hidden Lake: a serene alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks
– Logan Pass: a high-elevation pass with views of the surrounding mountains.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Hiking: trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes
– Scenic drives: the park has several scenic drives offering views of the Waterpocket Fold and other rock formations
– Rock Climbing: opportunities for technical rock climbing on the park’s sandstone cliffs
– Camping: several campgrounds for visitors to spend the night under the stars
Glacier National Park:
– Hiking: over 700 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes
– Scenic drives: the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers stunning views of the park’s mountains and glaciers
– Wildlife viewing: opportunities to see native wildlife such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and elk
– Boating: several lakes in the park offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience breathtaking natural beauty and a range of outdoor recreational activities. However, Capitol Reef is known for its unique geologic features, including the Waterpocket Fold, while Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park have vastly different climates, and the seasonal weather can greatly affect the best time to visit each park.
At Capitol Reef, the weather is generally warm and dry, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it a popular time for visitors seeking to escape the heat. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional snow and cold temperatures, making it a great time to visit for those looking to enjoy the park’s quiet beauty.
At Glacier National Park, the weather is much cooler and wetter, with cold winters and cool summers. Summer temperatures average in the mid-60s to low-70s, making it the best time to visit for those seeking to enjoy the park’s outdoor activities. Winter temperatures are extremely cold, with heavy snowfall, making it a popular time for winter sports enthusiasts but not ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park depends on your interests and the type of weather you prefer. Capitol Reef is best visited in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Glacier National Park is best visited in the summer, when temperatures are warmer and the park’s outdoor activities are accessible.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Glacier National Park offer unique experiences for families, but one might be better suited for your needs depending on your interests and the age of your children.
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Children may enjoy the Junior Ranger program, as well as hiking and exploring the park’s natural wonders.
Glacier National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Children may enjoy visiting the park’s lakes, glaciers, and learning about the local wildlife.
If you’re traveling with young children, Capitol Reef National Park may be a better option as it offers shorter and less strenuous hikes, while Glacier National Park may be more suitable for older children who enjoy more challenging outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique and enjoyable experiences for families, but the best option for you will depend on the interests and abilities of your children.