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 Kobuk Valley National Park are two vastly different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. Capitol Reef is known for its stunning rock formations, towering cliffs, and historic sites, while Kobuk Valley is a remote wilderness that is home to one of the largest sand dunes in the world and an abundance of wildlife. Both parks offer visitors the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike, a quiet place to relax, or an opportunity to see wildlife up close, these two parks have something for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready for a comparison that will leave you itching to pack your bags and explore the great outdoors.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park both offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Capitol Reef has a range of trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easier hikes include the Pioneer Register Trail, which is a 0.3-mile round trip to a historic pioneer register, and the Rim Overlook Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip with scenic views of the Waterpocket Fold. On the other hand, some of the harder hikes include the Cassidy Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip with a steep ascent, and the Grand Wash Trail, which is a 6-mile round trip through a narrow canyon.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its sand dunes, which can make for a challenging hike. The easiest hike in the park is the short boardwalk trail to the overlook of the dunes. The hardest hike is the backcountry hike to the top of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which can be a strenuous and challenging trek through the sand.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef and Kobuk Valley offer a variety of hiking experiences for visitors, from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Whether you are looking for a scenic stroll or a strenuous adventure, these parks have something to offer for all levels of hikers.
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 Kobuk Valley 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both home to a variety of unique wildlife species, but the types of animals and plants you’ll see in each park are quite different.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can expect to see a range of wildlife species, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorns, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including yucca, prickly pear cactus, and Joshua trees.
In contrast, Kobuk Valley National Park is located in Alaska’s Arctic and is home to a range of Arctic wildlife species, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to a number of plant species that are well adapted to life in the Arctic, including lichens, mosses, and willows.
In terms of visiting with children, both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but the type of wildlife you’ll see will depend on your personal interests and the time of year you visit. If you’re interested in seeing a wide range of wildlife species, including large mammals, both parks are great options. However, if you’re specifically interested in Arctic wildlife, Kobuk Valley National Park is the better choice.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
| Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Shoveler |
| American Wigeon | Golden Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Snowshoe Hare |
| Porcupine | River Otter |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Common Shrew |
| Hoary Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Red Fox | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Lynx |
| House Mouse | Wolverine |
| Mountain Lion | American Marten |
| American Mink | Grizzly Bear |
| Mule Deer | Moose |
| Common Gray Fox | Least Weasel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Northern Bog Lemming |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Mottled Sculpin | Burbot |
| Speckled Dace | Coho Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | King Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Slimy Sculpin |
| Alaskan Stickleback | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Kobuk Valley 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 Kobuk Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both unique national parks, each with its own set of stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Capitol Reef is known for its towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and scenic canyons, while Kobuk Valley is famous for its massive sand dunes and pristine wilderness.
At Capitol Reef, visitors can explore the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that has created a landscape of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations. Another popular landscape feature is the Cathedral Valley, which is home to towering rock formations that resemble cathedrals.
Kobuk Valley, on the other hand, is famous for its massive sand dunes, which are some of the largest in the world. The park is also home to the Kobuk River, which is surrounded by pristine wilderness, and the valley is a haven for wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves.
Whether you are looking for towering cliffs, massive sand dunes, or pristine wilderness, both Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer different experiences for visitors. Capitol Reef is known for its geological formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust, and the Cathedral Valley, with towering monoliths. Popular activities include hiking, camping, backpacking, and scenic drives.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is home to the largest sand dunes in Alaska, and is known for its unique landscape and wildlife. The park is a popular destination for backpacking, hiking, and river rafting. Visitors can also see the famous caribou migration, where tens of thousands of caribou cross the valley in search of food. Additionally, the park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including grizzly bears and moose.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique and diverse experiences for visitors, with Capitol Reef being ideal for those interested in geology and scenic drives, and Kobuk Valley being ideal for those interested in backpacking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park both have unique seasonal weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit. Capitol Reef is located in southern Utah and has a moderate climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. The best time to visit Capitol Reef is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Summer temperatures average around 50°F, while winter temperatures can drop to below -40°F. The best time to visit Kobuk Valley is during the summer months, when the weather is milder and the park is accessible. Winter access to the park is limited, and temperatures can be extremely cold, making it a less desirable time to visit.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park greatly affects the best time of year to visit each park. While Capitol Reef is best visited in the spring or fall, Kobuk Valley is best visited during the summer months. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and be prepared for the weather conditions of each park.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both great options for families, but each offers a unique experience. Capitol Reef is a desert park with scenic drives, hiking trails, and historic structures, making it a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The park has several short hikes that are suitable for families, including the scenic drive to the Goosenecks Overlook and the hike to the Hickman Bridge.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness park that is best suited for families who enjoy backcountry camping and hiking. The park is known for its dunes and the famous Kobuk River, which is home to one of the largest herds of caribou in Alaska. This park is a great choice for families who enjoy rugged wilderness experiences and want to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families, but the best park to visit depends on the family’s interests and preferences. If you’re looking for a park with a variety of outdoor activities and scenic drives, Capitol Reef National Park is the best choice. If you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience, Kobuk Valley National Park is the perfect option.