Capitol Reef National Park vs Shenandoah National Park

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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 vs Shenandoah National Park

Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of America’s most magnificent national parks, each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. From the rugged landscapes of Capitol Reef to the rolling hills and lush forests of Shenandoah, these parks offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, these parks have something for everyone. So, buckle up, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure as we compare and contrast the captivating Capitol Reef National Park and the enchanting Shenandoah National Park!

Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park

Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park both offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these parks have something to offer everyone. In this section, we’ll compare and contrast some of the easiest and hardest hikes at each park.

At Capitol Reef, the easiest hikes include the Capitol Gorge Trail, which takes visitors on a scenic walk through a narrow canyon, and the Grand Wash Trail, which follows a gentle stream through a colorful sandstone canyon. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the park offers several strenuous hikes, including the Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail and the Cassidy Arch Trail.

At Shenandoah National Park, the easiest hikes include the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, which takes visitors to a stunning waterfall, and the Old Rag Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the park offers several challenging trails, including the Whiteoak Canyon Trail and the Rose River Falls Trail.

In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park both offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these parks have something to offer everyone. So, grab your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and hit the trails at these two magnificent 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 Shenandoah National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Old Rag Mountain Loop 13840.324 736.7016 Hard loop 5
White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop 14484.06 722.9856 Hard loop 4.5
Dark Hollow Falls Trail 2253.076 171.9072 Moderate out and back 4.5
Bearfence Mountain Trail 1609.34 73.7616 Moderate loop 4.5
Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail 4184.284 228.9048 Moderate loop 4.5
Rose River Trail 5632.69 256.9464 Moderate loop 4.5
White Oak Canyon Trail 15288.73 733.9584 Hard out and back 4.5
Stony Man via Appalachian Trail 2414.01 97.8408 Easy loop 4.5
South River Falls Trail 7402.964 387.7056 Moderate out and back 4.5
Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail 5471.756 263.9568 Moderate loop 4.5

Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park

Capitol Reef National Park:
– Animals: Bighorn sheep, pronghorns, coyotes, kit foxes, deer, and rock squirrels are commonly seen.
– Birds: Golden eagles, ravens, turkey vultures, and peregrine falcons are some of the bird species that can be seen.
– Plants: Pinyon pine, juniper, sagebrush, and Utah agave are some of the plant species commonly found in the park.

Shenandoah National Park:
– Animals: Black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, skunks, and squirrels are commonly seen.
– Birds: Turkey vultures, hawks, falcons, and various species of songbirds are commonly seen.
– Plants: Oak-hickory forest, Appalachian hardwood forest, and pine forests are some of the plant communities found in the park.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Capitol Reef National Park Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 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 Gray Fox
American Mink River Otter
Mule Deer Masked Shrew
Common Gray Fox Water Shrew
Long-Legged Myotis Red Squirrel
Long-Eared Myotis White-Tailed Deer
American Badger Virginia Opossum
Ermine Marten
California Myotis Northern Flying Squirrel

Fish

Capitol Reef National Park Shenandoah National Park
Rainbow Trout Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout Brook Trout
Bluegill Brown Trout
Mottled Sculpin Largemouth Bass
Speckled Dace Green Sunfish
Black Bullhead Bluegill
Cutthroat Trout Common Carp
Mottled Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Yellow Bullhead
Creek Chub
Brown Bullhead
Smallmouth Bass

Reptiles

Capitol Reef National Park Shenandoah National Park
Gophersnake Black Racer
Terrestrial Gartersnake Ringneck Snake
Prairie Rattlesnake Common Garter Snake
Common Sagebrush Lizard Common Kingsnake
Greater Short-Horned Lizard Milksnake
Side-Blotched Lizard Eastern Fence 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 Shenandoah National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Canyon Treefrog

Insects

Capitol Reef National Park Shenandoah 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
Gray Hairstreak

Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park

Capitol Reef National Park:
1. Waterpocket Fold: a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust
2. Grand Wash: a scenic canyon with towering cliffs
3. Chimney Rock: a tall, thin rock formation
4. Hickman Bridge: a natural arch
5. Goosenecks Overlook: offers views of the meandering San Juan River.

Shenandoah National Park:
1. Skyline Drive: a scenic road that runs the length of the park
2. Old Rag Mountain: a popular hike with panoramic views
3. Dark Hollow Falls: a 70-foot waterfall
4. Hawksbill Mountain: the highest peak in the park
5. Bearfence Mountain: a challenging rock scramble with views of the surrounding landscape.

Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park

Capitol Reef National Park:
– Hiking: Popular trails include Capitol Gorge, Grand Wash, and Cassidy Arch.
– Scenic drives: Scenic drive along the park’s scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes.
– Rock formations: Exploring the park’s rock formations, such as the Waterpocket Fold, is a popular activity.
– Camping: Camping is available in designated campgrounds and backcountry areas.
– Wildlife viewing: Bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and other wildlife can be seen in their natural habitats.

Shenandoah National Park:
– Hiking: Over 500 miles of trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, offer a range of hiking experiences.
– Scenic drives: Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that runs through the park, offers scenic views of the park’s landscapes.
– Camping: Camping is available in designated campgrounds and backcountry areas.
– Wildlife viewing: Black bears, white-tailed deer, and other wildlife can be seen in their natural habitats.
– Picnicking: Picnicking is a popular activity in the park, with several designated picnic areas available.

Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park

Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park are located in different regions of the country, resulting in distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly impact the best time of year to visit each park. In this section, we’ll compare and contrast the seasonal weather at Capitol Reef and Shenandoah and how it affects when is the best time to visit each park.

Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and experiences hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach well into the 90s, making it a great time of year to visit the park for outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. Winter temperatures are generally mild, with occasional snowfall, making it a great time of year for scenic drives and wildlife viewing.

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and experiences four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are popular times of year to visit the park, as temperatures are mild and the park is ablaze with colorful foliage. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, making it a great time of year for hiking and camping, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a great time of year for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park can greatly impact the best time of year to visit each park. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat, enjoy the fall foliage, or hit the slopes, both parks offer a range of outdoor activities and scenic beauty throughout the year. So, pack your bags, grab your gear, and head out to explore the great outdoors at Capitol Reef and Shenandoah National Parks!

Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park

Capitol Reef National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both family-friendly, but with different offerings.

Capitol Reef National Park has a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. It also has a Junior Ranger program for children, which is an educational and interactive way for kids to learn about the park.

Shenandoah National Park has a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. It also has a Junior Ranger program and a scenic drive, Skyline Drive, that offers stunning views of the park.

Both parks have picnic areas, ranger-led programs, and visitor centers.

Ultimately, both parks are great for families, but if you’re traveling with children, Shenandoah National Park may be a better choice as it has more kid-friendly activities and a scenic drive.

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