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.
Welcome to the wild, wild west! Imagine towering rock formations, breathtaking canyons, and endless skies. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. These two parks are like two sides of a coin, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. While Capitol Reef National Park boasts of its stunning rock formations, hidden canyons, and historical sites, Grand Canyon National Park wows visitors with its vast and colorful canyons, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a great adventure, these two parks will not disappoint. So buckle up and get ready to explore some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its scenic and well-maintained trails that wind through the park’s colorful rock formations and canyons. Some of the easiest hikes in Capitol Reef include the Goosenecks Overlook Trail, a 0.3-mile paved trail that offers stunning views of the park’s canyons, and the Capitol Gorge Trail, a 2-mile round trip hike that leads to petroglyphs and a natural bridge.
On the other hand, Grand Canyon National Park is known for its challenging and strenuous hikes that lead to breathtaking views of the canyon. Some of the hardest hikes in Grand Canyon include the Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5-mile round trip hike that descends 4,380 feet into the canyon, and the South Kaibab Trail, a 7.1-mile round trip hike that descends over 4,000 feet into the canyon. For those looking for an easier hike, the Rim Trail, a 12-mile paved trail that follows the rim of the canyon, offers stunning views without the difficulty of a descent.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer a range of hiking options for visitors, from easy scenic trails to challenging backcountry hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Grand Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, known for their unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals including mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, coyotes, and rock squirrels. Some of the birds commonly seen in the park include golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. In terms of plants, the park is home to a variety of cacti, including the prickly pear, as well as sagebrush, junipers, and pinyon pines.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can expect to see a wider range of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the California Condor, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Bald Eagle. In terms of plants, the Grand Canyon is home to a diverse range of species, including the Ponderosa Pine, the Douglas Fir, and the Quaking Aspen, among others.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer unique wildlife experiences, with different animals, birds, and plants commonly seen at each park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Grand Canyon 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 | Grand Canyon 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mule Deer |
| American Mink | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | California Myotis |
| American Badger | North American River Otter |
| Ermine | Fringed Myotis |
| California Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Largemouth Bass |
| Speckled Dace | Green Sunfish |
| Black Bullhead | Bluegill |
| Cutthroat Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Milksnake |
| Tree Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Whiptail | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Western Skink | Tree Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Western Whiptail |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | Canyon Treefrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Waterpocket Fold: A 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust that is a defining feature of the park
– Chimney Rock: A towering sandstone spire that provides panoramic views of the park
– Hickman Bridge: A natural arch that is a popular hiking destination
– Goosenecks Overlook: A viewpoint that provides views of the meandering Sulphur Creek below
Grand Canyon National Park:
– Grand Canyon Village: A historic district that serves as the hub of park activities and offers breathtaking views of the canyon
– Bright Angel Trail: A popular hiking trail that leads down into the canyon
– South Rim: The most accessible and most visited part of the park, offering stunning views of the canyon and its many rock formations
– Havasu Falls: A picturesque waterfall that is accessible only by foot or horseback and is a popular destination for backpackers.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, known for their unique landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and scenic drives. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the popular Capitol Gorge Trail and the Grand Wash Trail, as well as take scenic drives through the park’s beautiful landscape. The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
At Grand Canyon National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, river rafting, and scenic drives. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the popular South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail, as well as take scenic drives through the park’s beautiful landscape. The park also offers opportunities for river rafting, camping, and wildlife watching.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife watching. However, the Grand Canyon National Park offers additional opportunities for river rafting and camping, while Capitol Reef National Park offers additional opportunities for rock climbing and horseback riding.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two unique national parks in the United States, each with its own unique climate and weather patterns.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Capitol Reef, as temperatures are mild and the park’s landscape is at its most vibrant.
Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures are usually in the 50s. The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park is spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s landscape is at its most stunning.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park have unique weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly, taking into consideration the weather and the park’s landscapes.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are great destinations for families, but they offer different experiences.
Capitol Reef National Park is considered to be more family-friendly due to its relatively small size, easy accessibility, and abundance of kid-friendly activities. There are several short and easy hikes, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs that are perfect for families with young children. The park also has picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers that offer educational opportunities for kids.
Grand Canyon National Park, on the other hand, is a much larger park with more challenging terrain and a wider range of activities. While it offers spectacular views and unique experiences, it can be overwhelming for some families, especially those with young children. The park has several scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and hiking trails, but the hikes can be long and strenuous, and the park can be crowded during peak season.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Capitol Reef National Park might be a better option due to its smaller size and more kid-friendly activities, while Grand Canyon National Park is better suited for families with older children or those looking for a more challenging and adventurous experience.