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 Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of landscapes and experiences that are unlike anything else in the world. From towering sand dunes to towering cliffs and canyons, these two parks offer a truly unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. So, buckle up and get ready to explore two of the most incredible parks in the United States!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States, offering a variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk in nature, these two parks have something to offer.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can explore a variety of easy and moderate hikes, including the scenic Grand Wash Trail, the family-friendly Rim Overlook Trail, and the challenging Cathedral Valley Trail. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the park offers the challenging hike to the summit of Navajo Knobs, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can hike the challenging High Dune Trail, which leads to the tallest dune in the park, or the easy Medano Creek Trail, which is perfect for families with young children. For those seeking a unique and strenuous hiking experience, the park offers the backpacking trip to the nearby 13,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely walk in nature or a challenging hike to a summit, these parks have something to offer. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and get ready to explore the beauty and wonder of Capitol Reef and Great Sand Dunes National 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 Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Dune Trail | 4828.02 | 191.7192 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mosca Pass Trail | 10299.776 | 444.7032 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dunes Trail from Pinyon Flats | 7242.03 | 290.7792 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Sand Dunes Loop Trail | 8046.7 | 225.8568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 11909.116 | 598.932 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 12713.786 | 697.992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 804.67 | 26.8224 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 2414.01 | 80.772 | Moderate | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 40394.434 | 1079.9064 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 2896.812 | 47.8536 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Animals: Bighorn sheep, pronghorns, mule deer, coyotes, rock squirrels, and lizards.
– Birds: Golden eagles, ravens, peregrine falcons, and various species of hawks and owls.
– Plants: Pinyon pine, juniper, sagebrush, and various species of cacti and wildflowers.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve:
– Animals: Elk, mule deer, pronghorns, coyotes, black bears, and mountain lions.
– Birds: Sandhill cranes, American avocets, mountain plovers, and various species of waterfowl.
– Plants: Sagebrush, piñon pine, and grasses such as buffalo and blue grama.
Both parks offer unique habitats and wildlife that reflect their respective environments. Capitol Reef is known for its rugged cliffs, canyons, and deserts, while Great Sand Dunes is known for its towering sand dunes and surrounding mountains. Visitors to both parks can expect to see a variety of wildlife and plants that are adapted to the unique conditions of each park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Great Sand Dunes 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 | 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 | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Mule Deer |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
| American Mink | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Long-Eared Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Badger |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Ermine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| American Badger | Masked Shrew |
| Ermine | Water Shrew |
| California Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | German Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Cutthroat Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Bull Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizards |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Milksnake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Eastern Fence 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 | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both known for their stunning and diverse landscapes. Both parks offer a range of natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can admire the towering cliffs and canyons that make up the park’s iconic landscape. The park is also home to a number of natural arches, including the famous Hickman Bridge, which spans 133 feet across a canyon. In addition to these natural wonders, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and hikes that offer stunning views of the park’s unique landscape.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can marvel at the towering sand dunes that make up the park’s signature landscape. The dunes are the tallest in North America and offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience. In addition to the sand dunes, visitors can also enjoy a range of other natural wonders, including mountain ranges, streams, and wetlands. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the Great Sand Dunes are sure to leave you in awe.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Whether you’re admiring towering cliffs and canyons or towering sand dunes, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Hiking: Exploring the scenic trails through the canyons, cliffs, and deserts of the park is a popular activity.
– Scenic drives: Taking a drive on the scenic roads through the park, including the scenic drive to the park’s main attraction, the Waterpocket Fold.
– Rock climbing: Climbing the park’s sandstone cliffs and towers is a popular activity for experienced climbers.
– Camping: Camping in the park’s designated campgrounds is a popular way to experience the park’s natural beauty.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve:
– Sandboarding and sledding: Sliding down the towering sand dunes is a popular activity for visitors of all ages.
– Hiking: Hiking to the top of the dunes, or exploring the surrounding mountains and forests is a popular activity.
– Wildlife viewing: Observing the park’s diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, and pronghorns, is a popular activity.
– Stargazing: The park’s clear night skies make it a popular destination for stargazing and astronomical observation.
Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, with each park offering unique experiences that reflect its environment and natural features. Whether it’s exploring the rugged beauty of Capitol Reef, or experiencing the thrill of sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes, visitors are sure to find plenty of exciting activities to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are two unique and diverse national parks that offer a variety of recreational opportunities and scenic landscapes for visitors. However, the weather at these two parks can vary greatly, affecting when is the best time of year to visit each park.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the weather is typically warm and dry during the summer months, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winter temperatures can be much cooler, with occasional snow and frost. Spring and fall are mild, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s. The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, the weather can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach the high 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. However, the park is also a popular destination for winter sports, such as sledding and snowboarding on the sand dunes.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve can greatly affect when is the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should consider the weather conditions and their own personal preferences when planning a visit to either park. Whether you’re seeking a warm summer vacation or a winter wonderland, these two parks offer a variety of recreational opportunities and scenic landscapes for visitors year-round.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both family-friendly parks, each offering a range of activities and experiences that are suitable for families. However, depending on your family’s interests and preferences, one park may be a better fit than the other.
At Capitol Reef National Park, families can enjoy scenic drives, hikes, and rock climbing. The park’s well-marked trails and easy-to-navigate roads make it a great choice for families with children of all ages. The park also offers a range of educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to engage children and help them learn about the park’s unique landscape and history.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, families can enjoy playing in the sand dunes, hiking, and stargazing. The park’s sand dunes offer a unique and unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. The park also offers a range of ranger-led activities and educational programs that are designed to engage children and help them learn about the park’s unique landscape and wildlife.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are family-friendly parks that offer a range of activities and experiences for families. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives and hikes or unique sand dune experiences, these two parks are sure to provide a fun and educational outdoor experience for families of all ages.