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 Pinnacles National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer a diverse landscape of towering rock formations, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife. However, while they may seem similar at first glance, each park has its own distinct character that sets it apart from the other. Capitol Reef is known for its towering monoliths, colorful sandstone formations, and ancient petroglyphs, while Pinnacles is famous for its towering spires, deep caves, and diverse array of wildlife, including the iconic California Condor. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, these two parks are sure to captivate and inspire you with their beauty and diversity. Get ready to explore two of America’s most magnificent national parks!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park both offer scenic hiking trails with unique landscapes. Capitol Reef is known for its sandstone formations, canyons and unique rock formations, while Pinnacles is famous for its towering spires and rocky formations formed from volcanic activity.
At Capitol Reef, some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Overlook Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park, and the Grand Wash Trail, a gentle hike through a narrow canyon. For more challenging hikes, the Cassidy Arch Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you to a stunning arch, and the Chimney Rock Trail is a steep hike to the top of a towering rock formation.
At Pinnacles, the easiest hike is the Balconies Cave Trail, which takes you through a series of caves and offers views of the park’s rock formations. The Bear Gulch Trail is a moderate hike that takes you through a narrow canyon and past several rock formations. For a more challenging hike, the High Peaks Trail takes you to the highest point in the park and offers breathtaking views, and the Juniper Canyon Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you through a series of steep switchbacks.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for scenic views, unique rock formations, or a strenuous workout, 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 Pinnacles National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop | 8690.436 | 484.9368 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail Loop | 15288.73 | 527.9136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bear Gulch Day Use Area to Reservoir via Rim Trail | 2896.812 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks Trail | 10138.842 | 539.8008 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop Trail | 12713.786 | 549.8592 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir | 1770.274 | 96.9264 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies | 8207.634 | 150.876 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Trail | 13196.588 | 592.836 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks | 5793.624 | 383.7432 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Cave Trail | 4184.284 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a variety of animals, birds, and plants.
At Capitol Reef, visitors may spot mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and even bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the colorful painted bunting, the majestic golden eagle, and the elusive great horned owl. In addition, the park is home to a variety of plant life, including the iconic Joshua tree, the towering yucca, and the delicate wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
At Pinnacles National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including California Condors, black-tailed deer, and a variety of bat species. The park is also home to a diverse bird population, including the colorful Anna’s Hummingbird, the majestic Peregrine Falcon, and the elusive American Kestrel. In addition to its wildlife, Pinnacles is also home to a variety of unique plant life, including the iconic prickly pear cactus, the towering Coulter Pine, and the delicate wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, each with its own distinct flora and fauna. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks are sure to captivate and inspire you with their beauty and diversity.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Pinnacles 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 | 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 | Great Blue Heron |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Pinnacles 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | House Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Puma |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| House Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | North American Badger |
| American Mink | California Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Fringed Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Townsends’ Big-Eared Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| American Badger | Western Small-Footed Bat |
| Ermine | Yuma Myotis |
| California Myotis | Pallid Bat |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Bluegill | Threespine Stickleback |
| Mottled Sculpin | Mosquitofish |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Yellow-Bellied Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Gartersnake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | California Kingsnake |
| Nightsnake | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Night Snake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Western Whiptail |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Glossy Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Western Skink |
| Western Whiptail | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Western Skink | Desert Spiny Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both known for their unique and stunning landscapes.
At Capitol Reef, the most famous landscapes include the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust that runs through the park, and the Capitol Dome, a towering rock formation that resembles the dome of a capitol building. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views from the Grand Wash, a narrow canyon that cuts through the park, and the Rim Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
At Pinnacles National Park, the most famous landscapes include the Pinnacles themselves, towering spires and rock formations formed from volcanic activity. The park is also home to the Balconies Cave, a series of caves that offer a unique and intimate view of the park’s rock formations. The Bear Gulch Reservoir is a popular destination for visitors, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to see wildlife such as deer and coyotes.
Both parks offer a range of natural wonders, from towering rock formations to scenic overlooks and unique geological features. Whether you’re interested in geology, wildlife, or simply taking in breathtaking views, Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both must-visit destinations.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef, the most popular activities include hiking, with trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, including the scenic drive through the Grand Wash, which takes you through a narrow canyon surrounded by towering cliffs. Rock climbing and canyoneering are also popular activities, with routes ranging from easy scrambles to challenging technical climbs.
At Pinnacles National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, with trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, with routes for climbers of all skill levels. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, with over 150 species of birds found in the park, and stargazing, with clear night skies offering views of the stars and constellations.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and rock climbing to scenic drives and birdwatching. Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor adventure or simply a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park both experience seasonal weather changes that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park.
At Capitol Reef, summers are warm with temperatures reaching into the 90s, while winters can be cold with occasional snow and temperatures dropping into the 20s. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and are considered the best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The park’s location in the high desert also means that it can be dry and windy year-round, so visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
At Pinnacles National Park, summers are warm with temperatures reaching into the 90s, while winters are mild with occasional rain and temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and are considered the best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. However, the park’s location near the coast means that it can also experience sudden changes in weather, including fog and low clouds, especially during the summer months.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park offer unique weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit. Visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and plan accordingly, especially if they plan on engaging in outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, these two parks are sure to captivate and inspire you with their beauty and diversity, no matter what the weather may bring.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both family-friendly, but each offers a different experience. Capitol Reef has a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives, while Pinnacles has unique rock formations and is known for its caves and rock climbing.
For families traveling with children, Capitol Reef may be the better option as it offers more opportunities for outdoor recreation and education about the park’s history and geology. Pinnacles, with its challenging hiking trails and rock climbing, may be better suited for older children and teenagers.
Ultimately, the best park to visit with children depends on the age and interests of the children and the family’s preferred type of outdoor activity.