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 Mesa Verde National Park offer a unique and diverse combination of natural beauty, history, and adventure. These two parks are perfect for those seeking a mix of scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, hiking through stunning canyons, or simply taking in the beauty of the great outdoors, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. In this article, we’ll be comparing the two parks, highlighting their similarities and differences, and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. So, buckle up, and get ready to explore the beauty and wonder of Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, offering a variety of trails for visitors to explore. Here is a comparison of the hiking trails at each park:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Easy hikes: Some of the easiest hikes at Capitol Reef include the Rim Overlook Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park’s scenic landscape, and the Grand Wash Trail, which follows a narrow canyon to a scenic waterfall.
– Hard hikes: More challenging hikes at Capitol Reef include the Cassidy Arch Trail, which leads to a towering natural arch, and the Cohab Canyon Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow slot canyon.
Mesa Verde National Park:
– Easy hikes: Visitors can enjoy easy hikes at Mesa Verde, such as the Spruce Tree House Trail, which leads to one of the park’s best-preserved cliff dwellings, and the Petroglyph Point Trail, which offers views of ancient rock art.
– Hard hikes: For more experienced hikers, Mesa Verde offers challenging trails, such as the Knife Edge Trail, which traverses a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs, and the Prater Ridge Trail, which ascends to a scenic overlook with views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a range of hiking trails to suit all skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, these two parks have something to offer for every type of hiker.
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 Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife and plants, but each park has its own unique species.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can see a range of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, pronghorns, mule deer, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. In addition, the park has a rich botanical diversity, with over 800 species of plants, including cactus, yucca, and wildflowers.
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its rich cultural history, but the park also has a diverse range of wildlife and plants. Visitors can see animals such as elk, mule deer, and black bears, as well as a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, turkey vultures, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to a diverse range of plants, including pinyon pines, junipers, and wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife and plants, but each park has its own unique species. Whether you are interested in seeing desert bighorn sheep or black bears, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mesa Verde 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 | Mesa Verde 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 | 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 |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Bluegill | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Milksnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Tree Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Western Skink | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both home to a variety of breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can marvel at the towering cliffs and towering rock formations of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface. The park also boasts scenic drives, such as the Scenic Drive, which offers panoramic views of the park’s unique landscapes. Hikers can explore the park’s many trails, including the Grand Wash Trail, which winds through a narrow canyon surrounded by towering cliffs.
Mesa Verde National Park is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings, including the well-known Cliff Palace, which was built by the ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, including the Petroglyph Point Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to scenic drives, including the Mesa Top Loop Road, which offers panoramic views of the park’s rolling mesas and deep canyons.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a wealth of natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, hiking through stunning canyons, or simply taking in the beauty of the great outdoors, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer a range of popular activities for visitors, but each park has its own unique offerings.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, such as the Scenic Drive and the Cathedral Valley Road, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. The park also offers ranger-led programs, educational exhibits at the visitors center, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its rich cultural history and offers visitors the chance to explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park has several guided tours of the cliff dwellings, as well as ranger-led programs and educational exhibits at the visitors center. In addition, visitors can enjoy scenic hikes to overlooks, such as the Sun Temple Overlook, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer visitors a range of popular activities, from scenic drives to educational opportunities. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient cliff dwellings or hiking in scenic landscapes, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are located in different regions of the United States, and as a result, experience different seasonal weather patterns. Here is a comparison of the seasonal weather at each park and how it affects the best time to visit:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Summer: The summer months in Capitol Reef can be hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F. This makes summer a popular time to visit for those who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities.
– Winter: Winter temperatures in Capitol Reef can be cool, with occasional snow and ice. This makes winter a quieter time to visit, and a good time for those who enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds.
Mesa Verde National Park:
– Summer: Summer temperatures in Mesa Verde are warm, with occasional thunderstorms. This makes summer a popular time to visit for those who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities.
– Winter: Winter temperatures in Mesa Verde can be cold, with occasional snow and ice. This makes winter a quieter time to visit, and a good time for those who enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park depends on personal preference and what kind of weather and activities you enjoy. If you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, summer is a good time to visit. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, winter is a good time to visit. Regardless of when you visit, both parks offer a variety of scenic beauty and outdoor activities to enjoy.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both family-friendly destinations, offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. However, each park has its own unique features that make it better suited for families with children.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great choice for families with children who love outdoor adventures. The park offers a variety of easy and moderate hikes, such as the Grand Wash Trail and the Cassidy Arch Trail, that are perfect for families with children. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the Scenic Drive, which is a great way to see the park’s unique landscapes without having to hike.
Mesa Verde National Park is a great choice for families with children who love history and culture. The park is home to many ancient cliff dwellings, including the well-known Cliff Palace, which was built by the ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, including the Petroglyph Point Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings, which are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the ancestral Pueblo people.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are family-friendly destinations. However, if your family loves outdoor adventures, Capitol Reef National Park may be the better choice, while if your family loves history and culture, Mesa Verde National Park may be the better choice.