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 North Cascades National Park are two of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Both parks offer visitors a chance to escape into the wild and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. While Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning red rock formations and scenic drives, North Cascades National Park is renowned for its rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking to enjoy a scenic drive, these two parks offer a wealth of opportunities for adventure and discovery. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Capitol Reef and North Cascades National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer unique and diverse hiking experiences for visitors. Capitol Reef has many trails that take you through the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust. The park’s easiest hike is the Petroglyph Panel Trail, a short 0.3-mile trail that takes you to ancient Native American rock art. For a more challenging hike, the Hickman Bridge Trail is a popular 2.5-mile hike that takes you to a 133-foot natural bridge.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged and remote terrain. The park’s easiest hike is the Ladder Creek Falls Trail, a 1.4-mile trail that takes you to a beautiful waterfall. For a more challenging hike, the Cascade Pass Trail is a strenuous 5.5-mile hike that takes you to a stunning alpine pass with views of glaciers and peaks.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef and North Cascades offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to challenging alpine hikes. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or a chance to explore ancient history, these 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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park are both rich in wildlife, offering visitors a chance to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants in their natural habitats. Here’s a comparison of the wildlife you’ll see at each park:
Capitol Reef National Park:
– Animals: The park is home to a variety of mammals, including coyotes, deer, and mountain lions. Visitors may also see reptiles like rattlesnakes and lizards, as well as a variety of insects and other small animals.
– Birds: The park is a popular destination for birdwatching, and visitors can see a variety of species, including hawks, eagles, and vultures.
– Plants: The park is home to a variety of plant species, including cacti, wildflowers, and shrubs.
North Cascades National Park:
– Animals: The park is home to a variety of mammals, including black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. Visitors may also see reptiles like garter snakes and lizards, as well as a variety of insects and other small animals.
– Birds: The park is a popular destination for birdwatching, and visitors can see a variety of species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons.
– Plants: The park is home to a variety of plant species, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park are rich in wildlife, offering visitors a chance to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants in their natural habitats. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a nature lover, or simply looking to escape into the wild, 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 North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | North Cascades 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 | Puma |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| American Badger | Ermine |
| Ermine | California Myotis |
| California Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Largemouth Bass |
| Mottled Sculpin | Longnose Sucker |
| Speckled Dace | Lake Trout |
| Black Bullhead | Burbot |
| Cutthroat Trout | Silver Salmon |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Fence 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 | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer a variety of stunning landscapes and natural features for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can admire the park’s iconic sandstone cliffs, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s surface that is a unique geologic feature. The park is also home to a number of scenic overlooks, including the Goosenecks Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Chimney Rock Trail, which takes visitors to a towering spire with views of the surrounding landscape.
At North Cascades National Park, visitors can admire the park’s rugged peaks, including the North Cascades, a range of towering peaks that rise up from the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a number of scenic waterfalls, including the Ladder Creek Falls, which cascades down a rocky cliff, and the Thunder Creek Falls, which tumble down a steep rock face. Visitors can also admire the park’s alpine lakes, including Diablo Lake, which is surrounded by towering peaks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re looking for scenic overlooks, towering peaks, or cascading waterfalls, both Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a variety of breathtaking landscapes and natural features for visitors to enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, 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:
– Scenic Drives: The park is known for its scenic drives, including the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and the Cathedral Valley Scenic Drive.
– Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes.
– Rock Climbing: The park is a popular destination for rock climbers, offering a variety of climbing routes for climbers of all abilities.
– Wildlife Watching: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, deer, and mountain lions, and visitors can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
North Cascades National Park:
– Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Popular trails include the Cascade Pass Trail and the Thunder Creek Trail.
– Water Activities: The park is home to a number of lakes and rivers, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities.
– Wildlife Watching: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and marmots, and visitors can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
– Winter Activities: The park is a popular destination for winter sports, offering opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including scenic drives, hiking, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and more. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking to escape into the wild, these two parks offer a wealth of opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park have different seasonal weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit. Capitol Reef is located in the desert region of Southern Utah and has hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it important to plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, but the park is still accessible and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and scenic drives.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, has a much different climate. The park experiences a wet and mild maritime climate, with cool summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average in the 60s and 70s, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park often receives heavy snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park depends on whether you prefer hot or cooler temperatures, while the best time to visit North Cascades National Park depends on whether you prefer summer or winter outdoor activities. Regardless of when you visit, both parks offer a unique and beautiful natural experience.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer a variety of family-friendly activities and opportunities for visitors to enjoy. However, each park offers a unique experience, and the best park for families to visit will depend on their specific interests and needs.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great option for families who enjoy hiking and exploring scenic landscapes. The park offers a variety of easy and moderate hikes, including the Chimney Rock Trail, which takes visitors to a towering spire with views of the surrounding landscape, and the Grand Wash Trail, which follows a scenic canyon to a waterfall. The park also offers a number of scenic drives, including the Scenic Drive, which takes visitors through the park’s scenic landscape, and the Cathedral Valley Road, which offers views of the park’s towering sandstone cliffs.
North Cascades National Park is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring rugged landscapes. The park offers a variety of easy and moderate hikes, including the Trail of the Cedars, which takes visitors through a lush forest, and the Cascade Pass Trail, which offers views of the park’s towering peaks. The park also offers a number of scenic drives, including the North Cascades Highway, which takes visitors through the park’s rugged landscape, and the Diablo Lake Scenic Drive, which offers views of the park’s alpine lakes and towering peaks.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a variety of family-friendly activities and opportunities for visitors to enjoy. The best park for families to visit will depend on their specific interests and needs.