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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. These parks offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike, a scenic drive, or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, these two parks have something to offer. Get ready to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique geological formations that make Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve two of the most sought-after destinations in the country. So buckle up and get ready for a journey through two of the most incredible parks in the United States!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but each park has its own unique offerings.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of hikes, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the park’s most popular trails include the Capitol Gorge Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering rock formations, and the Hickman Bridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s landscape.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged terrain and offers a range of challenging hikes for visitors to enjoy. Some of the park’s most popular trails include the Endless Wall Trail, which takes visitors along the rim of the New River Gorge, and the Arrowhead Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations. The park also offers a variety of easier trails, including the Nuttall Trail, which takes visitors through the park’s lush forests.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry trek, both parks have 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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, including unique plants and animals that are not found anywhere else. Here’s a comparison of the wildlife you can see at each park:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Animals: Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and rock squirrels are some of the mammals commonly seen in the park. Reptiles like rattlesnakes, lizards, and desert tortoises are also found in the park.
– Birds: The park is a great place for birdwatching, with species like the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and turkey vulture often seen in the sky.
– Plants: The park is known for its diverse plant life, including cacti, yucca, and sagebrush. Wildflowers like the beavertail cactus and desert primrose can also be seen in the spring.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve:
– Animals: Black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters are some of the mammals commonly seen in the park. Reptiles like the timber rattlesnake and copperhead can also be found in the park.
– Birds: The park is a great place for birdwatching, with species like the bald eagle, osprey, and pileated woodpecker often seen in the sky.
– Plants: The park is known for its diverse plant life, including deciduous forests, ferns, and wildflowers like the trillium and mayapple.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including unique plants and animals that are not found anywhere else. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to experience the beauty of nature, these two parks offer a wealth of opportunities for discovery and adventure.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can admire the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface that is a unique geologic feature. The park also features towering cliffs, soaring spires, and scenic vistas, including the Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can marvel at the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the highest steel arch bridges in the world. The park is also home to the New River, a unique geological formation that is considered one of the oldest rivers in the world. Visitors can hike to scenic overlooks such as Hawks Nest State Park and Long Point for breathtaking views of the gorge.
Both Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a diverse range of landscapes, from towering cliffs and scenic vistas to unique geological formations and breathtaking waterfalls. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe of the natural beauty of the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here’s a comparison of the most popular activities at each park:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Hiking: The park has a variety of trails that range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Hiking is a popular activity in the park, and visitors can explore geological formations, scenic vistas, and historic sites.
– Scenic Drives: The park has several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the park’s unique landscape. The Scenic Drive is a popular route that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers views of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust.
– Rock Climbing: The park is a popular destination for rock climbers, with a variety of climbing routes available for visitors to explore.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve:
– Rock Climbing: The park is a popular destination for rock climbers, with over 1,400 climbing routes available for visitors to explore. The New River Gorge Bridge is a popular spot for bridge climbing, and the park’s cliffs offer a range of climbing opportunities for climbers of all skill levels.
– Whitewater Rafting: The New River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, and visitors can enjoy a range of rafting experiences, from calm float trips to challenging rapids.
– Hiking: The park has a variety of trails that range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Hiking is a popular activity in the park, and visitors can explore scenic vistas, historic sites, and geological formations.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a rock climber, a hiker, or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of nature, these two parks offer a wealth of opportunities for discovery and adventure.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can vary greatly, and this can affect the best time of year to visit each park.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the weather is generally warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s in the summer and the 40s to 50s in the winter. The park is located in a desert climate, and visitors can expect little rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation falling in the form of snow in the winter months. The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s landscape is at its most vibrant.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, experiences a more temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s, while winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 30s. The park experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the most precipitation falling in the spring and summer months. The best time to visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is in the fall, when the park’s landscape is ablaze with autumn colors and temperatures are mild.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should consider the weather and the activities they plan to enjoy when planning their trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of experiences.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and exploring unique geological formations. The park offers a range of easy hikes, including the Capitol Gorge Trail and the Grand Wash Trail, as well as scenic drives, such as the Scenic Drive, that offer breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great option for families with children who enjoy outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. The park offers opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing, as well as scenic hikes and drives. The New River Gorge Bridge is a popular destination for families, offering stunning views of the gorge and the New River.
Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your individual interests and preferences. Both Capitol Reef National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique and unforgettable experiences for families, making either park a great choice for a family vacation.