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.
Imagine standing amidst the towering peaks of Mount Rainier, surrounded by glaciers and alpine meadows, and then, in the next moment, exploring the sprawling deserts and rugged canyons of Capitol Reef. These two national parks, separated by thousands of miles, offer vastly different landscapes, but both are equally stunning and awe-inspiring. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer seeking a new challenge or a nature lover looking for a peaceful escape, Capitol Reef and Mount Rainier have something to offer for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey through two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both offer visitors a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. However, each park has its own unique offerings.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Capitol Gorge Trail, which offers a scenic walk through a narrow canyon, and the Rim Overlook Trail, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For more challenging hikes, visitors can try the Grand Wash Trail, which leads through a narrow canyon, or the Cassidy Arch Trail, which takes visitors to a natural arch.
Mount Rainier National Park is known for its scenic beauty and offers visitors a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Nisqually Vista Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail, which takes visitors through a stand of ancient trees. For more challenging hikes, visitors can try the Skyline Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park, or the Wonderland Trail, which encircles Mount Rainier and offers challenging backcountry trekking.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer visitors a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you are looking for a scenic walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, 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 Mount Rainier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, each with its own unique species and habitats.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can see a variety of animals, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorns, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, hawks, and turkey vultures. The park’s desert landscape is also home to a variety of plants, including cacti, yucca, and sagebrush.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is located in a temperate rainforest and is home to a different set of wildlife species. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including black bears, mountain goats, elk, and marmots. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, owls, and woodpeckers. The park’s lush forest landscape is also home to a variety of plants, including ferns, mosses, and conifers.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, each with its own unique species and habitats. Whether you’re interested in desert animals and plants or temperate rainforest wildlife, both parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Kestrel | American Pipit |
| Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
| Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Black-Tailed Deer |
| American Mink | Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Ermine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | California Myotis |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Ermine | North American River Otter |
| California Myotis | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Coho Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Chinook Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| 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 | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Here are some of the most famous landscapes at each park:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Waterpocket Fold: A 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust that forms a colorful and rugged landscape.
– Cathedral Valley: An area of towering sandstone formations that resemble a city of cathedrals.
– Grand Wash: A narrow canyon that leads to a scenic waterfall and offers a peaceful escape from the surrounding desert.
Mount Rainier National Park:
– Mount Rainier: A towering 14,410-foot peak that is one of the most iconic mountains in the United States.
– Paradise: A subalpine meadow that offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape.
– Nisqually Glacier: A large glacier that flows down the slopes of Mount Rainier and offers a unique perspective on the power of ice and snow.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are renowned for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Whether you’re looking to explore towering peaks or rugged canyons, these two parks offer a wealth of opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but each park has its own unique offerings.
At Capitol Reef National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, scenic drives, and exploring the park’s many canyons and formations. Visitors also enjoy learning about the park’s rich cultural history, including the Fremont Native American culture and the Mormon Pioneer settlement.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning mountain scenery and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and backpacking. Visitors also enjoy scenic drives through the park, as well as exploring the park’s glaciers and alpine meadows. In the winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation, scenic drives, or exploring cultural and natural history, both parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the weather is characterized by hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, making it an ideal time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and scenic drives. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it a less desirable time to visit for outdoor activities.
Mount Rainier National Park is known for its mild summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures are generally in the 60s and 70s, making it an ideal time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and scenic drives. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park is often blanketed in snow, making it a less desirable time to visit for outdoor activities. However, winter is a popular time for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park will depend on your preferred activities and the type of weather you are comfortable with. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and scenic drives, summer may be the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park. If you enjoy winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, winter may be the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both great destinations for families, but each park offers a slightly different experience. Here is a comparison of how family-friendly these two parks are:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Capitol Reef is a great park for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, scenic drives, and exploring geological formations. The park has a variety of trails that are suitable for families, including shorter hikes and longer backcountry adventures.
– The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits and ranger-led programs, making it a great place to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Mount Rainier National Park:
– Mount Rainier is a great park for families who enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park has a variety of trails that are suitable for families, ranging from short nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
– The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits, ranger-led programs, and a Junior Ranger program, making it a great place to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are family-friendly destinations that offer a variety of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. The best park for your family will depend on your specific interests and what kind of activities you enjoy. If you’re looking for a park with a mix of outdoor adventure and educational opportunities, either park would be a great choice.