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 Kenai Fjords National Park are two of America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, each offering its own unique brand of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. On one hand, Capitol Reef National Park boasts towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant deserts, and a rich history steeped in Native American culture. On the other, Kenai Fjords National Park is a world of glaciers, fjords, and rugged coastlines, where you can witness the raw power of Alaska’s glaciers carving their way into the sea. Both parks are sure to leave visitors in awe, but which one is right for your next adventure? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Capitol Reef National Park offers a range of hiking trails for visitors, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Rim Overlook Trail and the Grand Wash Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s unique geological formations. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging hikes, such as the Cassidy Arch Trail and the Chimney Rock Trail, both of which offer breathtaking views of the park’s rugged landscapes.
Kenai Fjords National Park offers a range of hiking trails, including easy nature walks and challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Exit Glacier Trail and the Harding Icefield Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s glaciers and wildlife. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging hikes, such as the North Face Trail and the Resurrection Pass Trail, both of which offer breathtaking views of the park’s rugged landscapes.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re looking for stunning views of geological formations or rugged landscapes, these two parks offer 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 Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife. Capitol Reef National Park is home to a variety of mammals, including pronghorns, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and turkey vulture commonly seen. Vegetation in the park includes a range of cacti, sagebrush, and pinyon pine trees.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is known for its marine wildlife, with a focus on marine mammals such as humpback whales, orca whales, and sea lions. The park is also home to several bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and murres. In the park’s coastal areas, visitors can also see a variety of plants, including alder, spruce, and willow trees.
Overall, both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, with Capitol Reef National Park focusing on terrestrial wildlife and Kenai Fjords National Park focusing on marine wildlife. Visitors interested in experiencing a range of wildlife should consider visiting both parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Black Bear | Gray Wolf |
| Porcupine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | California Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Red Fox | Northern River Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| House Mouse | Red Squirrel |
| Mountain Lion | Montane Shrew |
| American Mink | Lynx |
| Mule Deer | Wolverine |
| Common Gray Fox | American Marten |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Brown Bear |
| American Badger | Meadow Mouse |
| Ermine | Moose |
| California Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Burbot |
| Mottled Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Chinook Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Threespine Stickleback |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer vastly different landscapes, each unique in its own way. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning rock formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust, and the towering monoliths of the Cathedral Valley. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park boasts a rugged coastline dotted with glaciers, fjords, and islands, as well as the majestic Harding Icefield, a vast sheet of ice that covers over 300 square miles. At both parks, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from scenic overlooks, including Chimney Rock at Capitol Reef and Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjords. Whether you’re drawn to the towering rock formations of Capitol Reef or the stunning coastal landscapes of Kenai Fjords, both parks offer a wealth of natural wonders to explore.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer very different experiences.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the park’s unique geology, such as the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. The park also offers ranger-led programs and guided tours to learn about the park’s history and natural wonders.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-visit for those who love marine wildlife and glaciers. Visitors can take a boat tour to see whales, sea lions, and other marine animals in their natural habitat. The park is also home to several glaciers, including the Harding Icefield, which can be accessed by the Exit Glacier trail. Hiking and backpacking are popular activities in the park, as well as kayaking and fishing.
Overall, both parks offer a variety of activities, but the main difference is the focus on marine wildlife and glaciers at Kenai Fjords National Park and the unique geology and history at Capitol Reef National Park.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park have vastly different seasonal weather patterns. Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures reaching into the 90s, and cool, mild winters with occasional snowfall. The best time to visit is spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and experiences cool, wet summers with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and cold, snowy winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The best time to visit is during the summer when temperatures are milder and the park is accessible by boat or foot. Winter is also a great time to visit for those who enjoy winter sports, such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
The weather in both parks can greatly impact the activities available, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. It’s important to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly before visiting either park.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both great destinations for families, but each park offers a different experience. Capitol Reef National Park is more family-friendly in terms of accessibility and ease of access to the park’s attractions. There are several scenic drives, short hikes, and picnic areas that can be enjoyed by families with children. The park also has a visitor center with educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that are suitable for children.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is more challenging for families, but it offers a more immersive wilderness experience. The park is only accessible by boat or plane, and there are few facilities within the park. However, families can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities, including whales, sea otters, and sea lions, as well as scenic boat tours, kayaking, and fishing.
So, it depends on what you’re looking for in a family vacation. If you want a more relaxed, easy-to-access park experience, then Capitol Reef National Park may be the better option. But if you’re looking for a more adventurous, wilderness-focused trip, then Kenai Fjords National Park may be the better choice.