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 Virgin Islands National Park are two vastly different destinations that offer unique and breathtaking experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Capitol Reef is a hidden gem in the heart of the Utah desert, where towering rock formations and colorful canyons await your discovery. On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. Both parks offer a diverse range of activities, from hiking and camping to snorkeling and kayaking. So, whether you’re in the mood for a rugged desert adventure or a relaxing beach getaway, these two parks have got you covered. Get ready to explore the best of both worlds and discover why these two national parks are must-visits for any nature enthusiast.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
At Capitol Reef, there is a range of hiking trails available, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Petroglyph Panel Trail, which is a short walk to a rock art panel, and the Rim Overlook Trail, which provides stunning views of the park’s landscape. For more challenging hikes, visitors can try the Hickman Bridge Trail, which is a moderate hike to a natural bridge, or the Cassidy Arch Trail, which is a strenuous hike to a large arch.
Virgin Islands National Park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Cinnamon Bay Trail, which is a short walk through a lush tropical forest, and the Maho Bay Trail, which offers great views of the bay. For more challenging hikes, visitors can try the Bordeaux Mountain Trail, which is a strenuous hike to the highest point on St. John, or the Reef Bay Trail, which is a moderate hike through a tropical forest to a secluded beach.
Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but if you’re looking for easy hikes, Virgin Islands National Park is the better choice. If you’re looking for challenging hikes, Capitol Reef National Park is the way to go. Regardless of your interests, both parks offer a wealth of hiking opportunities that are sure to provide a memorable experience.
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 Virgin Islands 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but the types of wildlife you can expect to see at each park are quite different.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in the high desert of southern Utah and is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorns, and coyotes. The park is also home to several species of birds, including golden eagles, rock wrens, and ravens. In addition to wildlife, Capitol Reef is home to a variety of native plants, including Joshua trees, yucca, and cacti.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a tropical paradise known for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including iguanas, green sea turtles, and a variety of species of birds, including pelicans, frigatebirds, and parrots. The park is also home to a variety of tropical plants, including palm trees, mangroves, and sea grapes.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but the types of wildlife you can expect to see at each park are quite different. Capitol Reef National Park is located in the high desert of southern Utah and is home to a variety of desert wildlife, while Virgin Islands National Park is located in a tropical paradise and is home to a variety of tropical animals and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning geological formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust, and the Cathedral Valley, a series of towering sandstone monoliths. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Hickman Bridge, a natural bridge carved from sandstone, and the Grand Wash, a narrow canyon with towering cliffs. Visitors can also explore the park’s many scenic drives, including the Scenic Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s towering cliffs and canyons.
Virgin Islands National Park is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation. The park’s most famous beach, Trunk Bay, is a must-visit for snorkelers and beach-goers alike. The park also features several trails, including the Reef Bay Trail, which leads visitors through a lush tropical forest to a secluded beach and waterfall. Visitors can also explore the park’s many bays and coves, including Maho Bay and Cinnamon Bay, which offer excellent opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, a historic sugar plantation with stunning views of the surrounding hills and ocean, and Bordeaux Mountain, the highest peak in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer a variety of popular activities, but the types of activities that are most popular at each park are quite different.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in the high desert of southern Utah and is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and rock formations. The park’s scenic drives, such as the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and the Notom-Bullfrog Road, offer visitors stunning views of the park’s rugged landscape. Hiking is also a popular activity at Capitol Reef National Park, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Capitol Gorge Trail, the Rim Overlook Trail, and the Cassidy Arch Trail.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a tropical paradise known for its beaches, snorkeling, and hiking trails. The park’s beaches, such as Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay, are popular destinations for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The park’s hiking trails, such as the Reef Bay Trail and the Annaberg Plantation Trail, offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s lush tropical landscape and learn about the island’s history and culture.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer a variety of popular activities, but the types of activities that are most popular at each park are quite different. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and rock formations, while Virgin Islands National Park is known for its beaches, snorkeling, and hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a relaxing tropical getaway, both parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park have very different seasonal weather patterns, which affect when the best time of year to visit each park is.
At Capitol Reef, the weather is warm and dry in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the 80s to 90s, and cool and dry in the winter, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 50s. The park is located in a desert climate, so visitors should be prepared for hot, dry weather in the summer and cool, dry weather in the winter. The best time to visit Capitol Reef is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and fall colors are in full bloom.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park has a tropical climate, with warm, humid weather year-round. The average temperature is in the 80s, and the park receives a substantial amount of rainfall, especially in the summer months. The best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park is in the winter, when temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather. If you’re looking for warm, dry weather, Capitol Reef National Park is the better choice. If you’re looking for warm, tropical weather, Virgin Islands National Park is the way to go. Regardless of your interests, both parks offer a wealth of experiences that are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique experiences for families, but each park has its own set of advantages and disadvantages for families traveling with children.
Capitol Reef National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature. The park offers a variety of trails for families, including short hikes to scenic overlooks and longer hikes to remote canyons. Children will also enjoy exploring the park’s many rock formations and natural bridges. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and campgrounds, making it a great place for families to spend the night and enjoy a camping experience.
Virgin Islands National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy beach activities and water sports. The park’s many beaches, including Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, offer excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The park also has several picnic areas, making it a great place for families to spend a day at the beach. However, the park’s remote location and limited infrastructure may make it a less convenient destination for families with young children.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique experiences for families, but Capitol Reef National Park may be a better option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature, while Virgin Islands National Park may be a better option for families who enjoy beach activities and water sports.