Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. While Capitol Reef is known for its stunning rock formations and geological wonders, Katmai is famous for its incredible wildlife and volcanic landscapes. If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you from the scorching deserts of Utah to the rugged Alaskan wilderness, then these two parks are a must-visit. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or wildlife enthusiast, both Capitol Reef and Katmai offer something truly special and unforgettable. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey that will leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of America’s national parks.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both known for their unique landscapes and diverse ecosystems, offering a range of hiking options for visitors. However, the hiking trails at these two parks are quite different, each offering a unique experience.
Capitol Reef National Park is home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, scenic walks to more challenging backcountry hikes. One of the most popular trails is the Capitol Gorge Trail, which takes you through a narrow canyon and past towering cliffs. The Grand Wash Trail is another popular hike, offering a scenic walk through a narrow, winding canyon. For more experienced hikers, the Cassidy Arch Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you to the top of a towering arch with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged wilderness and its opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to some of the largest brown bears in the world, and visitors can take guided hikes to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Brooks Falls Trail is a popular hike that takes you to a viewing platform where you can watch the bears catch salmon in the Brooks River. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Trail is another popular hike, taking you through a volcanic valley filled with steam vents and ash-covered landscapes.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking options, but they cater to different interests. Capitol Reef National Park is ideal for those who enjoy scenic walks and challenging hikes, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is better suited for those who are interested in wildlife viewing and exploring rugged wilderness.
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 Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including pronghorns, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and a variety of bird species, such as hawks, eagles, and vultures. The park is also home to a range of plant species, including sagebrush, pinyon pine, and juniper.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its abundant wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and a variety of bird species, such as eagles, gulls, and puffins. The park is also home to a range of plant species, including spruce, birch, and willow.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer a range of wildlife and plant species for visitors to observe and enjoy. Whether you’re looking to spot a majestic bighorn sheep or a playful brown bear, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Katmai 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Varying Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Red Fox | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| House Mouse | Lynx |
| Mountain Lion | Wolverine |
| American Mink | American Marten |
| Mule Deer | Grizzly Bear |
| Common Gray Fox | Meadow Vole |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Moose |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Least Weasel |
| American Badger | Pygmy Shrew |
| Ermine | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
| California Myotis | Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Speckled Dace | Burbot |
| Black Bullhead | Silver Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | King Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two vastly different parks located in different parts of the country. Capitol Reef is located in southern Utah and is known for its stunning rock formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. On the other hand, Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is renowned for its active volcanoes and abundant wildlife. The park is home to the famous Brooks Falls, where visitors can witness hundreds of brown bears fishing for salmon. Additionally, the park is also known for its rugged wilderness, including glaciers, fjords, and alpine tundra. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park offers a range of popular activities for visitors, including hiking, scenic drives, camping, and ranger-led programs. The park is known for its scenic drives, including the Scenic Drive and the Cathedral Valley Loop, which offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique geological formations. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. In addition, the park’s campgrounds offer a range of camping options, including RV sites and tent camping, making it a great place for visitors to spend time in the great outdoors.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its abundant wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and caribou. Visitors to the park can observe these animals in their natural habitats by taking a guided tour or by exploring the park on their own. The park is also home to several active volcanoes, including Novarupta and Mount Katmai, which offer unique geological features and breathtaking views. In addition, the park’s rivers and lakes offer opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer a range of popular activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, or outdoor recreation, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve have different seasonal weather patterns, which affect the best time of year to visit each park. Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. The summer months, from June to September, can be very hot with temperatures reaching over 100°F. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a good time for hiking and exploring the park’s scenic drives. The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and fall colors are in full bloom.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters. The summer months, from June to September, are the warmest with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F and the park is often covered in snow. The best time to visit Katmai National Park & Preserve is in the summer, when the weather is warmer and the park’s wildlife is most active, including the famous Brooks River where visitors can watch brown bears fishing for salmon.
In summary, while Capitol Reef National Park is best visited in the spring or fall, Katmai National Park & Preserve is best visited in the summer. Both parks offer unique weather experiences and visitors should be prepared for the conditions of the season they are visiting.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both beautiful and unique parks, but they cater to different types of visitors. Capitol Reef is a great destination for families with children who are interested in history, geology, and hiking. The park offers a range of trails that are suitable for different skill levels, and the scenic drive through the Waterpocket Fold is a highlight for many visitors. On the other hand, Katmai National Park & Preserve is better suited for families who are interested in wildlife and adventure. The park is famous for its brown bears and offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and bear watching. However, the park is remote and may not be as accessible for families with young children. Ultimately, the choice between these two parks depends on what type of experience you’re looking for, but both are well worth a visit.