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 Haleakalā National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore breathtaking landscapes, witness incredible wildlife, and experience the beauty of nature in its purest form. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, these two parks have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the similarities and differences between Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park, and help you decide which park is right for your next adventure. So, grab your hiking shoes and let’s get started!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both popular destinations for hiking and outdoor recreation, offering a variety of trails for visitors to explore. Here’s a comparison of the hiking trails at these two parks:
Capitol Reef National Park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Petroglyph Panel Trail, which is a short, 0.3-mile trail that takes visitors to a rock art panel, and the Cassidy Arch Trail, which is a 2-mile round-trip hike to a scenic arch. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Cathedral Valley Loop is a 7-mile trail that takes visitors through a scenic valley filled with towering monoliths.
Haleakalā National Park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Sliding Sands Trail, which is a 2.6-mile round-trip hike through a scenic volcanic landscape, and the Halemau’u Trail, which is a 2.6-mile round-trip hike to a scenic overlook. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Kalahaku Overlook Trail is a strenuous 7.6-mile hike that takes visitors to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the park.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike, 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 Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Animals: Visitors to Capitol Reef can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns, desert bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Other common wildlife in the park include squirrels, rabbits, and various species of reptiles.
– Birds: The park is home to a diverse range of bird species, including eagles, hawks, and vultures. Other bird species commonly seen in the park include rock doves, ravens, and roadrunners.
– Plants: Capitol Reef is known for its unique and diverse range of plant life, including cacti, wildflowers, and sagebrush. The park is also home to a variety of fruit and nut trees, such as pinyon pine and juniper.
Haleakalā National Park:
– Animals: Visitors to Haleakalā can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including Hawaiian hoary bats, mongooses, and axis deer. Other common wildlife in the park include feral goats, sheep, and various species of birds.
– Birds: The park is home to a diverse range of bird species, including Hawaiian honeycreepers, albatrosses, and petrels. Other bird species commonly seen in the park include shearwaters, boobies, and terns.
– Plants: Haleakalā is known for its unique and diverse range of plant life, including endemic species of Hawaiian plants, such as the silversword and the native hibiscus. The park is also home to a variety of ferns, mosses, and other native Hawaiian plants.
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer a diverse range of wildlife and plant life for visitors to explore and enjoy. Whether it’s the unique desert landscape of Capitol Reef or the tropical beauty of Haleakalā, visitors are sure to be amazed by the beauty of these parks and the diversity of life they support. So pack your binoculars and get ready to explore the wildlife of these two amazing parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
| Osprey | House Sparrow |
| Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
| Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| American Robin | Chukar |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
| Northern Flicker | California Quail |
| Merlin | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | Black Rat |
| Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Bobcat | Feral Hog |
| 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 | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Bluegill | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Haleakalā 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 | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its striking sandstone formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface. Visitors can explore the park’s canyons, cliffs, and domes through scenic drives, hikes, and backcountry adventures. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include Cathedral Valley, Chimney Rock, and Grand Wash.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is famous for its towering shield volcano and unique landscapes. The park encompasses the summit of Haleakalā, which rises to over 10,000 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike through the park’s diverse ecosystems, from the dry and barren summit to the lush and tropical lower slopes. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Silversword Loop, the Summit Trail, and the Halemau’u Trail.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park both offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef National Park, popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and scenic driving. The park boasts several trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes, that offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique geologic formations and scenic landscapes. The park’s scenic drives, including the Scenic Drive, offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s red rock formations and rolling countryside from the comfort of their car.
At Haleakalā National Park, popular activities include hiking, stargazing, and scenic driving. The park’s summit trail offers visitors the chance to hike to the top of the massive shield volcano and admire the breathtaking views from the top. The park is also known for its clear night skies, which offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. The park’s scenic drives, including the Road to the Sky, offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s rolling hills, lush rainforests, and rugged coastline.
Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, so the best park to visit depends on your personal interests and the type of experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re interested in exploring the unique geologic formations of Capitol Reef or admiring the stunning views from the top of Haleakalā, both parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Summer: Summer temperatures in Capitol Reef can be quite hot, with average temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Visitors during this time of year should be prepared for high temperatures and limited shade.
– Winter: Winter temperatures in Capitol Reef are mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-50s. Visitors during this time of year may experience snow or rain, but the park is still open for visitors to enjoy.
– Best time to visit: The best time to visit Capitol Reef is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded.
Haleakalā National Park:
– Summer: Summer temperatures in Haleakalā can be warm, with average temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s. Visitors during this time of year should be prepared for warm temperatures and potential afternoon showers.
– Winter: Winter temperatures in Haleakalā can be cool, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s. Visitors during this time of year may experience rain or clouds, but the park is still open for visitors to enjoy.
– Best time to visit: The best time to visit Haleakalā is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded.
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer unique weather patterns that can affect when is the best time to visit. While both parks are open year-round, the best time to visit will depend on individual preferences for temperature and weather conditions. Whether it’s the warm desert climate of Capitol Reef or the tropical beauty of Haleakalā, visitors are sure to find a time of year that is perfect for their visit.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by families, however, each park has its own unique features that make it better suited for families in different ways.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature. The park offers a variety of easy hikes and scenic drives that are suitable for families, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Children can also learn about the park’s history and geology through ranger-led programs and visitor center exhibits.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families who are looking for a unique and exotic adventure. The park’s unique landscapes and diverse ecosystems offer a chance for families to experience something truly different and memorable. However, some of the park’s hikes can be strenuous and may not be suitable for younger children. Additionally, the park’s high elevation can make it difficult for some visitors, especially those with respiratory issues.
Ultimately, the best park for a family to visit will depend on the interests and physical abilities of the family members. Both Capitol Reef National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer a range of activities and experiences that can be enjoyed by families, so it’s important to consider the specific needs and preferences of your family when making a decision.