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.
Get ready to embark on a journey through two of the most diverse and breathtaking national parks in the United States! Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park are both unique in their own ways and offer a wide range of landscapes, activities, and experiences for visitors. From the towering sandstone formations at Capitol Reef to the towering saguaro cacti at Saguaro, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, these parks have something to offer everyone. So buckle up and get ready to discover the beauty of Capitol Reef and Saguaro National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, offering a diverse range of trails that range from easy to strenuous.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can find a variety of easy to moderate hikes, including the Grand Wash Trail, which is a great option for families with younger children. The park also offers more strenuous hikes, such as the Chimney Rock Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. Additionally, the park’s backcountry trails offer a great opportunity for experienced hikers to explore the park’s remote and less-visited areas.
At Saguaro National Park, visitors can find a variety of easy to strenuous hikes, including the Douglas Spring Trail, which is a great option for families with younger children. The park also offers more strenuous hikes, such as the King Canyon Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. Additionally, the park’s backcountry trails offer a great opportunity for experienced hikers to explore the park’s remote and less-visited areas.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, making them great destinations for hikers of all skill levels. 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.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, each with its own unique species and habitats. From majestic mammals to colorful birds and delicate plants, both parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and appreciation.
At Capitol Reef, visitors may see wildlife such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorns, as well as a variety of bird species such as golden eagles, turkey vultures, and rock wrens. The park is also home to a number of unique and delicate plant species, including the yucca, cactus, and wildflowers.
At Saguaro National Park, visitors may see a variety of wildlife such as javelinas, coyotes, and bobcats, as well as a diverse bird population including Gila woodpeckers, roadrunners, and cactus wrens. The park is also home to the iconic saguaro cactus, as well as a number of other cacti and desert wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing and appreciation. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a mammal enthusiast, or simply a lover of nature, both parks have something to offer. So bring your binoculars and get ready to discover the diverse and beautiful wildlife that call these parks home!
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Mink | Badger |
| Mule Deer | Californis Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| American Badger | Yuma Myotis |
| Ermine | Bighorn Sheep |
| California Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Bluegill | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Common Kingsnake | Night Snake |
| Nightsnake | Leopard Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Tree Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Tree Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Glossy Snake |
| Western Skink | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Canyon Treefrog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that forms a scenic backdrop to the park. Other notable landscapes include the Capitol Dome, a towering sandstone formation, and the Grand Wash, a narrow canyon that cuts through the heart of the park.
Saguaro National Park is known for its towering saguaro cacti, some of which can reach over 40 feet tall. The park is also home to a variety of other cacti, including cholla and prickly pear, as well as beautiful desert landscapes dotted with wildflowers and wildlife. The park’s two districts, the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District, offer unique landscapes and scenic drives through the desert.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a more relaxed experience, both parks have something to offer.
At Capitol Reef, popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking, as well as scenic drives and ranger-led tours. The park’s diverse landscape, ranging from towering sandstone formations to rolling hills and canyons, provides a unique and challenging environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
At Saguaro National Park, popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The park’s unique and iconic saguaro cacti provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities, and visitors can also explore the park’s diverse desert landscape, including its unique rock formations and wildlife. The park also offers ranger-led programs and guided hikes, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the park’s unique ecosystem.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a challenging outdoor adventure or a more relaxed experience, both parks have something to offer. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the beauty and diversity of Capitol Reef and Saguaro National Parks!
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park are both located in arid desert climates, but the weather in each park can vary greatly due to their different elevations and locations.
At Capitol Reef National Park, temperatures can range from hot and dry in the summer to cool and wet in the winter. The best time to visit the park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s natural beauty is at its peak. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring difficult. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it important to be prepared for cold weather.
At Saguaro National Park, temperatures can range from hot and dry in the summer to cool and mild in the winter. The best time to visit the park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s natural beauty is at its peak. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring difficult. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it important to be prepared for cold weather.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park are located in arid desert climates, but the weather in each park can vary greatly due to their different elevations and locations. The best time to visit each park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s natural beauty is at its peak. It is important to be prepared for hot and dry weather in the summer and cold weather in the winter.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Saguaro National Park are family-friendly destinations, but each has its own unique offerings that may make it more appealing to families with children.
Capitol Reef National Park has many kid-friendly hikes, including the short, easy trail to Hickman Bridge and the scenic drive along the park’s scenic byway. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs and activities that can be a fun and educational experience for kids.
Saguaro National Park has many educational opportunities for kids, including ranger-led programs and the Desert Discovery Nature Trail, a short, easy hike through the park’s desert landscape. The park’s two districts also offer scenic drives and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend a day with the family.
Ultimately, the best park for families with children will depend on their interests and the type of experience they are looking for. If your family is interested in scenic drives and easy hikes, Capitol Reef National Park may be the better choice. If your family is interested in learning about desert ecosystems and wildlife, Saguaro National Park may be the better choice.