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 Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most unique and captivating parks in the United States. On one hand, Capitol Reef is a desert oasis, filled with towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant canyons, and rolling hills. On the other hand, Mammoth Cave is a subterranean wonderland, boasting the world’s longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passages and awe-inspiring underground chambers. Whether you’re a fan of the great outdoors or are drawn to the mysteries of the underground, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure like no other as we explore the wonders of Capitol Reef and Mammoth Cave.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but each park has its own unique features.
Capitol Reef National Park has a variety of trails that range from easy, scenic walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Petroglyph Panel Trail and the Rim Overlook Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Cassidy Arch Trail is a popular option that leads to a large natural arch with panoramic views of the park.
Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its extensive cave system, and many of the trails at the park offer the chance to explore this unique underground world. Some of the easiest hikes include the Frozen Niagara Trail and the River Styx Spring Trail, both of which are short walks that lead to scenic overlooks and cave formations. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Grand Avenue Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors deep into the cave system, offering a unique perspective on this massive underground labyrinth.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, but each park has its own unique features and challenges. Whether you are looking for an easy scenic walk or a challenging backcountry hike, both parks have something to offer.
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 Mammoth Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River Bluffs Trail | 7242.03 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cedar Sink Trail | 2896.812 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mammoth Cave National Park Scenic Drive | 17541.806 | 173.736 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Sinkhole Trail | 3862.416 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Echo River Spring and Sinkhole Loop | 4988.954 | 122.8344 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Echo River and River Styx Springs Trail | 5471.756 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Sal Hollow and Buffalo Creek Loop Trail | 8690.436 | 100.8888 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Dixon Cave Trail Loop | 2414.01 | 83.82 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| First Creek Lake Trail | 5793.624 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McCoy Hollow Trail | 19794.882 | 434.9496 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, each with its own unique set of species and habitats.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of desert animals, including rock squirrels, desert tortoises, rattlesnakes, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including hawks, vultures, and roadrunners. In addition to its animal life, Capitol Reef is also home to a diverse array of desert plants, including cacti, yucca, and wildflowers.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different set of wildlife, including bats, salamanders, and blind cave fish. The park is also home to a variety of woodland animals, including deer, raccoons, and opossums. In addition to its animal life, Mammoth Cave is also home to a diverse array of plants, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.
In conclusion, while both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife, Capitol Reef National Park is best known for its desert animals and plants, while Mammoth Cave National Park is best known for its subterranean species and woodland animals. Whether you’re a fan of desert life or subterranean creatures, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mammoth Cave 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 | Mammoth Cave 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mink |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| American Mink | River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| American Badger | Eastern Red Bat |
| Ermine | White-Footed Mouse |
| California Myotis | Norway Rat |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Bluegill | Green Sunfish |
| Mottled Sculpin | Bluegill |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Black Bullhead | Common Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Yellow Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Black Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Eastern Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Eastern Fence 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 | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both known for their unique and breathtaking landscapes.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can see the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust that is considered one of the most distinctive geologic formations in the world. The park also boasts scenic drives, such as the Scenic Drive and the Cathedral Valley Road, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other popular natural features include the Hickman Bridge, a natural arch that spans 133 feet, and the Fruita Historic District, an area known for its fruit orchards and historic buildings.
Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its extensive underground cave system, which is considered one of the most complex and extensive in the world. Visitors can take tours to explore the cave system and see unique formations, such as the Frozen Niagara, a large flowstone formation, and the Grand Avenue, a massive underground passageway. Above ground, visitors can enjoy scenic hikes to overlooks, such as the Green River Bluffs Overlook, and waterfalls, such as the Big Manhole Falls.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer visitors a chance to see some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world. Whether you are interested in exploring underground caves or scenic drives, both parks have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Here is a comparison of the most popular activities at each park:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Hiking: Visitors love to explore the park’s diverse landscape, including its canyons, mesas, and rock formations, on foot.
– Scenic drives: The park’s scenic drives, such as the Scenic Drive and the Cathedral Valley Road, offer breathtaking views of the park’s natural beauty.
– Rock climbing: Capitol Reef is a popular destination for rock climbers, who come to test their skills on the park’s towering cliffs and rock formations.
– Wildlife viewing: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitats, including deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
Mammoth Cave National Park:
– Cave tours: The park’s main attraction is its cave system, which is the longest known cave system in the world. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the caves and learn about their history and geology.
– Hiking: In addition to the cave tours, visitors can also enjoy hiking on the park’s trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
– Wildlife viewing: Mammoth Cave is home to a variety of wildlife species, including bats, deer, and coyotes, which visitors can observe in their natural habitats.
– Canoeing/kayaking: Visitors can also enjoy paddling on the Green River, which runs through the park.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and more. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or learn about the unique geological features of each park, there’s something for everyone at these two popular destinations.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are located in different regions of the United States, which results in varying seasonal weather patterns.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the weather is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, making it the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it a good time for sightseeing and exploring the park’s scenic drives. The park also receives occasional rain and snow, making it important to check the weather forecast before visiting.
Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, has a more moderate climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it a good time for sightseeing and exploring the park’s scenic drives. The park also receives occasional rain and snow, making it important to check the weather forecast before visiting.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique weather and activities. Summer is the best time for outdoor activities, while winter is a good time for sightseeing and exploring the park’s scenic drives. It is important to check the weather forecast before visiting either park.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer unique experiences for families, but each has its own advantages.
Capitol Reef National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for families, such as scenic drives, easy hikes, and ranger-led programs. The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits and a Junior Ranger program for children. The park is known for its scenic beauty, with red rock formations, fruit orchards, and natural arches.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, offers families the chance to explore one of the most extensive cave systems in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave system and see unique formations, such as the Frozen Niagara and the Grand Avenue. The park also has scenic hikes to overlooks and waterfalls, and ranger-led programs.
In conclusion, both parks are family-friendly, but if you’re traveling with children and looking for a mix of outdoor activities and scenic beauty, Capitol Reef National Park might be the better choice. If you’re looking for a unique underground experience, Mammoth Cave National Park is a great option.