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 Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. However, while they may seem similar at first glance, each park has its own unique character that sets it apart from the other. Capitol Reef is known for its towering monoliths, colorful sandstone formations, and ancient petroglyphs, while Rocky Mountain is famous for its soaring peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, including the majestic elk and bighorn sheep. 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 Rocky Mountain National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both offer stunning hiking trails with unique landscapes. Capitol Reef is known for its sandstone formations, canyons and unique rock formations, while Rocky Mountain is famous for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife.
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 Rocky Mountain, the easiest hikes include the Bear Lake Trail, a scenic hike around a beautiful alpine lake, and the Sprague Lake Trail, a gentle hike around a serene mountain lake. For a more challenging hike, the Keyhole Route is a strenuous hike that takes you to the summit of Longs Peak, and the Sky Pond Trail is a demanding hike that takes you to a stunning mountain lake surrounded by towering peaks.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain 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. The landscape and hiking options at each park are distinct and offer a unique experience for visitors.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and plants.
At Capitol Reef, visitors may see animals such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and pronghorns. There are also a variety of bird species in the park, including turkey vultures, ravens, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors may see animals such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and red-tailed hawks. There are also many plant species in the park, including wildflowers, aspen trees, and evergreens.
In summary, both parks offer a rich variety of wildlife, with Capitol Reef featuring a unique desert ecosystem and Rocky Mountain showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the Rocky Mountains.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Badger | Badger |
| Ermine | Ermine |
| California Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Black Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
| Cutthroat Trout | Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| 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 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both renowned for their stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural features.
At Capitol Reef, visitors can expect to see the iconic Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust that creates a unique landscape of towering monoliths, colorful sandstone formations, and narrow canyons. Other must-see landscapes at Capitol Reef include the Grand Wash, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors can expect to see the majestic Rocky Mountains, which are home to some of the highest peaks in the United States, including Longs Peak, which rises to an elevation of 14,259 feet. The park is also home to a variety of beautiful alpine lakes, including Moraine Park, Bear Lake, and Sprague Lake, which offer stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Other must-see landscapes at Rocky Mountain National Park include the Thunder Lake Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, and the beautiful Horseshoe Falls, which cascade down a steep rock face into the valley below.
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. From towering monoliths to soaring peaks, from narrow canyons to pristine alpine lakes, these two parks offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both offer a range of popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef, popular activities include hiking on trails such as the Hickman Bridge Trail, scenic drives through the park’s scenic byways, and exploring the park’s unique geologic formations. Visitors can also picnic in scenic areas, go wildlife viewing, and learn about the park’s history and culture through ranger-led programs and museum exhibits.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, popular activities include hiking on trails such as the Bear Lake Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, scenic drives on the Trail Ridge Road, and wildlife viewing. The park is also a popular destination for camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take scenic drives or take part in ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s history and geology.
In summary, both parks offer a range of outdoor activities, with Capitol Reef offering a unique desert landscape and Rocky Mountain showcasing the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you prefer hiking, scenic drives, or wildlife viewing, both parks have something to offer for visitors of all ages and interests.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both experience a range of seasonal weather, with conditions that can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Understanding the weather patterns in each park can help you plan the best time to visit.
At Capitol Reef, the weather is generally mild and dry, with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 90°F, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, with occasional snow and ice, making it a great time for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, the weather is more extreme, with harsh winters and mild summers. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, making it a great time for hiking and exploring the park’s scenic drives. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, with heavy snowfall and strong winds, making it a great time for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The park’s high elevation also means that it can be very windy and cold, even in the summer months, so it’s important to come prepared with warm clothing and gear.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park will depend on the type of activities you’re interested in and the weather conditions you’re willing to tolerate. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, and the seasonal weather patterns in each park can greatly enhance your visit. Whether you’re looking for warm and sunny weather for outdoor activities or harsh and challenging conditions for winter sports, both parks have something to offer.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both great destinations for families, but each park offers different experiences that may be more suitable for families with children.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great choice for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring. The park offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes, including the Grand Wash Trail, which is a great option for families with younger children. Additionally, the park’s visitor center offers educational programs and activities for children, making it a great place to learn about the park’s history and natural wonders.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The park offers a variety of easy to strenuous hikes, including the Bear Lake Trail, which is a great option for families with younger children. Additionally, the park’s many campgrounds offer a great opportunity for families to experience the great outdoors and bond with one another.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are great destinations for families, but each park offers different experiences that may be more suitable for families with children. 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.