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 Hot Springs National Park are two vastly different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. On one hand, Capitol Reef boasts stunning rock formations and a rich history, with its name derived from the white domes that resemble the U.S. Capitol building and the “reef” of rock that acts as a barrier to travelers. On the other hand, Hot Springs offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate in its natural hot springs, which have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. Both parks offer breathtaking views and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, but in vastly different ways. So, whether you’re looking for a rugged adventure or a soothing soak, these two parks have something for everyone. Get ready to explore the beauty and diversity of Capitol Reef and Hot Springs National Park!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore and enjoy. However, the type of hikes and landscapes that each park offers are quite different.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of hikes, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Some popular trails include the Cassidy Arch Trail, the Grand Wash Trail, and the Hickman Bridge Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations, canyons, and natural arches.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hot springs and thermal pools. The park has several short trails that lead visitors to scenic overlooks and thermal pools, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, the Gulpha Gorge Trail, and the Sunset Trail. These trails offer views of the surrounding mountains, the Ouachita National Forest, and the city of Hot Springs.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park is ideal for those seeking a mix of easy and challenging hikes, while Hot Springs National Park is perfect for those who want to relax and soak in the natural hot springs. Both parks offer unique landscapes and scenic trails for visitors to explore, making them both worth a visit.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife and plants. In Capitol Reef, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorns, as well as a variety of birds, including hawks, eagles, and turkeys. The park is also home to a number of reptiles, including lizards and snakes, and a variety of native plants, including cacti, sagebrush, and wildflowers.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse range of bird species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and vireos. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, including white-tailed deer, squirrels, and raccoons, as well as a number of reptiles, including snakes and lizards. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of native plants, including oak and hickory trees, as well as a number of species of wildflowers and ferns.
While both parks offer unique wildlife and plant species, visitors to Hot Springs National Park may have a better chance of seeing a wider variety of bird species, while visitors to Capitol Reef may have a better chance of seeing a wider variety of mammals.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mink |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
| American Mink | North American River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Eastern Red Bat |
| American Badger | White-Footed Mouse |
| Ermine | Norway Rat |
| California Myotis | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Mottled Sculpin | Fathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Black Bullhead | European Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Yellow Bullhead |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its towering rock formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface. Other notable landscapes include the Cathedral Valley with its towering monoliths and the Hickman Bridge, a natural arch that spans 133 feet. Visitors can also explore the park’s canyons and slickrock formations, as well as its orchards and historic Pioneer Register, which includes inscriptions from pioneers who passed through the area in the late 1800s.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its thermal waters, which flow from the Hot Springs Mountain and have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. The park’s famous Bathhouse Row features eight historic bathhouses, including the Fordyce Bathhouse, which now serves as the park’s visitor center. Other notable landscapes in the park include the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, and the Grand Promenade, a scenic walkway along the base of the mountain. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer different experiences for visitors. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its unique geology, including sandstone formations, canyons, and the Waterpocket Fold. Popular activities include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The park also offers ranger-led programs, guided tours, and scenic drives.
Hot Springs National Park is centered around the hot springs that flow from the Ouachita Mountains. Here, visitors can enjoy the hot springs and bathhouses, as well as hiking, camping, and fishing. The park also offers ranger-led programs and guided tours, as well as scenic drives through the park. In addition, the park is home to several historic sites, including the Fordyce Bathhouse, which has been restored and serves as the park visitor center.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors, but the focus of each park is different. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its unique geology and outdoor recreation opportunities, while Hot Springs National Park is centered around the hot springs and the history of the area. The best park to visit will depend on your interests and what you are looking for in a park experience.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park
The seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park can vary greatly and can affect the best time to visit each park.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures are usually in the 40s and 50s. Fall and spring are also the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and lower humidity.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique landscapes and scenic trails for visitors to explore, but the best time to visit will depend on the weather and climate conditions. Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park should plan their trip for the spring or fall, while visitors to Hot Springs National Park should plan their trip for the fall or spring.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park are family-friendly destinations, but each offers a different type of experience for families. Capitol Reef is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor adventures and exploring nature. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs that are suitable for families with children of all ages. Children can also learn about the park’s history and geology through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is better suited for families who are looking for a more relaxed, rejuvenating experience. The park’s famous thermal waters offer a chance for families to relax and unwind, and the park’s bathhouses provide a unique, historic experience. Children can also enjoy the park’s scenic walks and picnicking areas, as well as its educational exhibits and ranger-led programs.
Ultimately, the best park for a family depends on their interests and what type of experience they are looking for. Both Capitol Reef National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer something for everyone, so families should consider their own preferences and choose the park that best suits their needs.