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 Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring parks in the United States. They each offer a distinct blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure that is sure to captivate and inspire visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, these two parks are sure to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. So buckle up and get ready to explore two of the most incredible parks in the country, as we compare and contrast Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Capitol Reef is known for its unique geological formations and scenic desert landscapes, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Capitol Gorge Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon filled with petroglyphs, and the Rim Overlook Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park’s stunning desert landscape.
Petrified Forest National Park is known for its vast collection of petrified wood, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Giant Logs Trail, which takes visitors through a forest of petrified trees, and the Crystal Forest Trail, which offers a close-up look at the park’s vibrant and colorful rock formations. The park is also home to some of the hardest hikes in the Southwest, including the Blue Mesa Trail, which takes visitors through rugged and remote terrain, and the Agate House Trail, which offers a unique and challenging experience for hikers.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Whether you’re a fan of easy nature walks or challenging backcountry hikes, these two parks have something for everyone. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
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 Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and have unique ecosystems that support a variety of wildlife.
At Capitol Reef, visitors may spot desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorns, and other mammals. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of plants, including cacti, wildflowers, and shrubs.
At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors may spot pronghorns, jackrabbits, and other mammals. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including roadrunners, hawks, and other birds of prey. The park’s main attraction, the petrified wood, is a result of fallen trees being preserved over millions of years, providing a unique look at ancient plant life.
Overall, both parks offer the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and plants, but the specific species will depend on the time of year and location within the park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Wolf |
| American Mink | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Badger |
| Common Gray Fox | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| American Badger | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Ermine | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| California Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Bluegill | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Nightsnake | Nightsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Milksnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Tree Lizard | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Western Whiptail | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Western Skink | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its stunning sandstone formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface that is a geologic marvel. The park also boasts stunning views from scenic drives, such as the scenic drive through Cathedral Valley, which offers breathtaking views of towering monoliths and towering rock formations. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Grand Wash, a deep, narrow canyon that provides a stunning contrast to the surrounding desert landscape, and the Chimney Rock formations, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its vast deposits of petrified wood, which are scattered throughout the park and provide a unique and fascinating look into the park’s ancient past. The park also boasts a number of other unique landscapes, including the Painted Desert, a colorful and sprawling landscape of badlands and buttes, and the Blue Mesa, a layered rock formation that provides a stunning backdrop for the park’s scenic drives. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Crystal Forest, a dense forest of petrified trees, and the Long Logs Trail, which offers a close-up look at some of the largest and most impressive pieces of petrified wood in the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef, popular activities include hiking, backpacking, scenic drives, and exploring the park’s cultural and historical sites. The park’s scenic drives provide stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations and desert landscape. Visitors can also explore the park’s cultural and historical sites, including the historic Fruita Schoolhouse, the Gifford House Museum, and the Pioneer Register rock art.
At Petrified Forest National Park, popular activities include hiking, scenic drives, and exploring the park’s petrified wood and other geological wonders. The park’s scenic drive, the Painted Desert Rim Drive, provides stunning views of the park’s unique landscapes and geological formations. Visitors can also explore the park’s petrified wood, as well as its badlands, canyons, and other geological wonders.
Overall, both parks offer unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration, with Capitol Reef being a great destination for those interested in hiking and cultural and historical sites, and Petrified Forest being a great destination for those interested in geological wonders and scenic drives.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer vastly different weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit each park. Capitol Reef is located in the desert Southwest, with hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. The park’s high desert climate is characterized by low humidity and abundant sunshine, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. However, the best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in the high desert of northeastern Arizona, with hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. The park’s climate is characterized by low precipitation and high temperatures, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. However, the best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer vastly different weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit each park. Whether you’re a fan of hot, dry deserts or cool, mild high deserts, these two parks have something for everyone. So, pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both great destinations for families who love the outdoors. However, each park offers unique experiences that make it better suited for families with different interests and ages.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great destination for families with children of all ages. The park offers a range of easy and accessible hikes, such as the Capitol Gorge Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon filled with petroglyphs, and the Rim Overlook Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park’s stunning desert landscape. In addition, the park has a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed for families and children, making it a great destination for families who love to learn about the natural world.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is a great destination for families with children who love natural wonders and geological wonders. The park is home to a vast collection of petrified wood, as well as a range of easy and accessible hikes, such as the Giant Logs Trail, which takes visitors through a forest of petrified trees, and the Crystal Forest Trail, which offers a close-up look at the park’s vibrant and colorful rock formations. The park also has a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed for families and children, making it a great destination for families who love to learn about the natural world.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are great destinations for families who love the outdoors. Whether you’re a family with children who love to hike and explore, or a family who loves to learn about the natural world, these two parks have something for everyone. So, pack your family and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!