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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the United States. While they are vastly different in terms of geography, both parks offer visitors a chance to escape into the heart of nature and experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.
Capitol Reef National Park is a unique and rugged desert landscape, characterized by towering cliffs, deep canyons, and rolling sandstone formations. Visitors to the park can explore its vast wilderness, hike its challenging trails, and discover its rich cultural history.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, offer a completely different experience, with towering sequoia trees, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The parks are home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world, as well as a diverse range of wildlife, from black bears to soaring eagles.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor adventurer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two destinations that are sure to captivate and inspire you.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Both parks offer stunning landscapes, unique ecosystems, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
At Capitol Reef, visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks through the park’s scenic canyons to more challenging backcountry adventures. Popular trails include the Hickman Bridge Trail, the Grand Wash Trail, and the Cassidy Arch Trail. The park’s diverse landscape, including towering sandstone formations, rolling hills, and canyons, provides a unique and challenging environment for hikers.
At Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, visitors can also enjoy a wide range of hiking trails, from easy walks through the parks’ stunning forests to challenging backcountry adventures. Popular trails include the General Sherman Tree Trail, the Moro Rock Trail, and the Rae Lakes Loop. The parks’ towering sequoias, alpine meadows, and breathtaking vistas provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, both parks have something to offer. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the beauty and diversity of Capitol Reef and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks!
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both rich in wildlife, but each park has its own unique offerings.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of desert wildlife, including lizards, snakes, and small mammals like squirrels, chipmunks, and kangaroo rats. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and vultures. In addition to wildlife, the park is known for its diverse plant life, including cacti, wildflowers, and trees like the pinyon pine and juniper.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, mountain lions, and coyotes. The parks are also home to a number of bird species, including the California Condor, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Western Tanager. In addition to wildlife, the parks are known for their towering sequoia trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old and over 300 feet tall.
Overall, both parks offer unique wildlife and plant life experiences, making them both great destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in desert wildlife or towering trees, both Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Green Sunfish |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Black Bullhead | European Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Black Bullhead |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Nightsnake | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Tree Lizard | Western Skink |
| Western Whiptail | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Western Skink | Western Fence Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both known for their stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can admire the park’s unique and rugged desert landscape, characterized by towering cliffs, deep canyons, and rolling sandstone formations. The park’s most famous landscape is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s surface that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. Other popular natural features at the park include Cathedral Valley, Chimney Rock, and the Capitol Dome.
At Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, visitors can marvel at the towering sequoia trees, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The parks are home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. Other popular natural features at the parks include Moro Rock, the Giant Forest, and the Crystal Cave.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you’re admiring the towering cliffs and rolling sandstone formations of Capitol Reef or the towering sequoia trees and rolling hills of Sequoia & Kings Canyon, these parks are sure to leave you in awe of the beauty of nature.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks both offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, scenic drives, and exploring the park’s unique geology. Visitors can hike to scenic overlooks, like the Grand Wash, or explore the park’s many canyons and rock formations, like the Waterpocket Fold. The park also offers ranger-led programs and guided tours, making it a great place to learn about the park’s history and geology.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their towering sequoia trees and scenic drives through the park’s mountainous landscape. The most popular activities at the parks include hiking, camping, and exploring the park’s many scenic vistas. Visitors can hike to see the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world, or explore the park’s many trails and backcountry areas. The parks also offer ranger-led programs and guided tours, making it a great place to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, scenic drives, or learning about the park’s history and geology, both Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer distinct climates, each with its own unique weather patterns that can affect the best time of year to visit. Understanding the seasonal weather patterns at each park can help visitors plan their trips and make the most of their time in the great outdoors.
At Capitol Reef, the weather is characterized by hot summers and cool winters, with temperatures ranging from the high 90s in the summer to the low 30s in the winter. The park’s location in the high desert of southern Utah means that visitors can expect low humidity and plenty of sunshine, making it a great destination for outdoor activities year-round. However, summer temperatures can be extreme, so it’s best to plan your visit during the cooler months of spring or fall.
At Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, the weather is characterized by mild summers and cold winters, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s in the summer to the low 20s in the winter. The parks’ location in the Sierra Nevada Mountains means that visitors can expect a more diverse range of weather conditions, including snow, rain, and fog. The best time to visit the parks is in the summer or fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather patterns at Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, understanding the weather patterns at each park can help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the parks.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both great destinations for families, but each park offers a different experience, so it depends on what you’re looking for in a family-friendly vacation.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great choice for families who love the outdoors and are looking for a unique and rugged desert landscape. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes, and plenty of opportunities for picnicking, wildlife watching, and stargazing. Kids will love exploring the park’s unique rock formations and discovering its rich cultural history.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are a great choice for families who are looking for a more traditional national park experience, with towering sequoia trees, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The parks offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and horseback riding. Kids will love exploring the park’s towering trees, visiting the Crystal Cave, and discovering the park’s diverse wildlife.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are great destinations for families, but the best park for your family will depend on your interests and what you’re looking for in a family-friendly vacation. Whether you’re looking for a unique and rugged desert landscape or a more traditional national park experience, these two parks have something to offer for families of all ages.