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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of America’s hidden gems, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Imagine hiking through a sea of red rock formations at Capitol Reef, while Theodore Roosevelt National Park takes you on a journey through the rugged Badlands of North Dakota. These parks are a true testament to the diversity of America’s natural beauty and are a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an adventure-filled trip, these parks have something for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey through two of America’s most fascinating national parks.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park both offer unique and scenic hiking experiences. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning rock formations, canyons, and arches. Easy hikes in this park include the Capitol Gorge Trail, a 2-mile round trip hike through a narrow canyon, and the Rim Overlook Trail, a 1-mile trail that offers panoramic views of the park. On the other hand, some of the more challenging hikes in Capitol Reef include the Cassidy Arch Trail, a 3-mile hike that leads to the park’s largest arch, and the Grand Wash Trail, a strenuous 8-mile hike through a narrow canyon.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is famous for its diverse landscapes, including badlands, prairies, and river valleys. Easy hikes in this park include the Painted Canyon Nature Trail, a 0.7-mile hike that offers stunning views of the park’s colorful badlands, and the Wind Canyon Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that winds through the park’s unique rock formations. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Petrified Forest Loop Trail is a 6-mile hike that takes you through a forest of ancient trees and offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged landscape. Another challenging hike in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the Caprock Coulee Trail, a 5-mile hike that leads to a hidden canyon and offers scenic views of the park’s prairies and badlands.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Both parks are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a chance to explore and appreciate the beauty of the American West.
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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife.
At Capitol Reef, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkeys. Additionally, the park is rich in plant life, with a variety of cacti, wildflowers, and shrubs.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is known for its bison population and is also home to other large mammals such as pronghorns, elk, and bighorn sheep. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting species such as hawks, owls, and prairie chickens. The park is also home to a number of plant species, including prairie grasses, wildflowers, and cacti.
Both parks offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing, but if you’re looking to see large mammals, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the better choice. If bird watching is more your style, Capitol Reef National Park has a wider variety of bird species. Regardless of your interests, both parks are sure to provide a memorable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Capitol Reef National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | 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 | Mink |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Ermine | North American River Otter |
| California Myotis | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Mottled Sculpin | Flathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Black Bullhead | Carp/European Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Bullsnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned 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 | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is renowned for its diverse and stunning landscapes, including rock formations, canyons, and arches. One of the most famous landscapes in this park is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that is visible from various overlooks in the park. Another popular natural feature in Capitol Reef is the Cathedral Valley, a scenic area that is home to towering rock spires and monoliths. The park also boasts several beautiful overlooks, including the Rim Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged landscape.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also known for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. The park is home to several beautiful mountain ranges, including the Little Missouri Badlands, which offer a unique and rugged beauty. Another famous landscape in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the Painted Canyon, a colorful and dramatic badlands area that is a popular destination for visitors. The park also boasts several scenic overlooks, including the Oxbow Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the park’s rolling prairies and rugged badlands.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the American West. From towering rock formations and colorful canyons to scenic overlooks and rugged badlands, these parks offer a wealth of natural wonders to explore and enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park both offer a range of popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef, some of the most popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The park has a number of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, that offer stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations. Rock climbers will find a number of opportunities to test their skills, and scenic drives such as the scenic drive along the park’s main road, Scenic Drive, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is popular for its scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park’s scenic drive, the 36-mile long Loop Road, offers stunning views of the Badlands and opportunities to see wildlife such as bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep. The park has a number of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, that offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic views.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, but if you’re looking for scenic drives and wildlife viewing, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the better choice. If you’re interested in hiking and rock climbing, Capitol Reef National Park is the way to go. Regardless of your interests, both parks offer a wealth of activities that are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park have different climates and weather patterns, making each park optimal to visit at different times of the year.
Capitol Reef National Park, located in southern Utah, has a semi-arid desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it the least desirable time to visit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with temperatures in the 70s to 80s and comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Winter can be cool, with occasional snow, but still mild enough for outdoor activities.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in western North Dakota, has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it a popular time for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. Winter can be harsh, with temperatures dropping below freezing and snow accumulation making it difficult to access park roads and trails. Spring and fall are mild and provide comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is in spring and fall, while the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in the summer. Winter in both parks can be challenging for outdoor activities but can offer scenic beauty in the form of snow and ice.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are great destinations for families, but each park offers unique experiences that may make one more appealing for families with children.
Capitol Reef National Park offers several family-friendly activities, including easy hikes, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs. The park’s easy hikes, such as the Capitol Gorge Trail and Rim Overlook Trail, are great options for families with young children or those who prefer shorter hikes. The park also offers several ranger-led programs, including campfire programs, guided hikes, and junior ranger activities, which provide an educational and fun experience for families.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park also offers several family-friendly activities, including easy hikes, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park’s easy hikes, such as the Painted Canyon Nature Trail and Wind Canyon Trail, are great options for families with young children or those who prefer shorter hikes. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and elk, making it a great destination for families who enjoy wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are great destinations for families, but each park offers unique experiences that may make one more appealing for families with children. If you’re traveling with young children and are looking for shorter hikes and educational activities, Capitol Reef National Park may be the better option. If you’re traveling with children who enjoy wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures, Theodore Roosevelt National Park may be the better choice.