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 Yellowstone National Park are two of the most breathtaking and unique natural wonders in the United States. While both parks offer visitors a chance to escape into the great outdoors and witness the beauty of nature, they each offer a completely different experience. Capitol Reef is a hidden gem, characterized by its towering sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, and rich cultural history, while Yellowstone is a volcanic wonderland, home to geysers, hot springs, and a diverse array of wildlife. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, both Capitol Reef and Yellowstone have something for everyone. So buckle up, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable journey as we explore these two magnificent national parks.
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer scenic and challenging hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its sandstone formations and unique geology, and has several easy hikes such as the Rim Overlook Trail and the Grand Wash Trail. The Rim Overlook Trail is a 1-mile round trip hike that offers breathtaking views of the park’s landscape, while the Grand Wash Trail is a 2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering walls.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs. The park also offers easy hikes like the boardwalk trail to the Grand Prismatic Spring and the 0.5-mile round trip trail to the Lower Geyser Basin. For those seeking a more challenging hike, Yellowstone has several options, including the 11-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mount Washburn and the 9-mile round trip hike to the summit of Electric Peak.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging summits. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or unique geothermal features, both parks have something to offer for every type of hiker.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Capitol Reef National Park:
1. Animals: Visitors to Capitol Reef can expect to see a variety of desert animals, including pronghorns, desert bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
2. Birds: The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, rock wrens, and ravens.
3. Plants: The park’s unique geology and desert climate support a variety of unique plant species, including yucca, prickly pear cactus, and Joshua trees.
Yellowstone National Park:
1. Animals: Yellowstone is famous for its diverse wildlife, including gray wolves, elk, bison, and black bears.
2. Birds: The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with species such as the trumpeter swan, bald eagle, and osprey commonly seen.
3. Plants: Yellowstone is home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees, as well as unique geothermal species that thrive in the park’s hot springs and geysers.
In conclusion, while both Capitol Reef and Yellowstone offer visitors the chance to witness unique and diverse wildlife, each park has its own unique offerings. Capitol Reef is known for its desert animals and plants, while Yellowstone is famous for its iconic large mammals and geothermal flora. Regardless of which park you choose to visit, you’re sure to be amazed by the incredible diversity of life that can be found in these two magnificent national parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | 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 | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Badger | Badger |
| Ermine | Short Tailed Weasel |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
Fish
| Capitol Reef National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Longnose Sucker |
| Speckled Dace | Lake Trout |
| Black Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Longnose Dace |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched 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 | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Capitol Reef National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is renowned for its unique geology, including the Waterpocket Fold, a massive wrinkle in the earth’s crust. The park is also home to the Cathedral Valley, a scenic area with towering sandstone formations and monoliths. Another popular landscape is the Capitol Gorge, a narrow canyon with towering cliffs and petroglyphs. The park also offers several scenic overlooks, including the Goosenecks Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs. The most famous geyser in the park is Old Faithful, which erupts on a regular basis and can reach heights of up to 184 feet. The park is also home to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a stunning canyon with towering cliffs and several waterfalls, including the Upper and Lower Falls. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Lamar Valley, a scenic valley with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and the Hayden Valley, a beautiful area known for its wildlife viewing opportunities.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders for visitors to enjoy. From towering sandstone formations and scenic canyons to geysers and waterfalls, both parks offer a unique and diverse range of natural beauty.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can explore the park’s unique geology on scenic hikes and backpacking trips. The park also offers several scenic drives, including the Scenic Drive, which takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, visitors can also go rock climbing, horseback riding, and stargazing.
At Yellowstone National Park, visitors can witness the park’s famous geothermal features on scenic hikes and walks. The park is also home to several popular geysers, including Old Faithful, which erupts on a regular basis. In addition, visitors can also go fishing, wildlife watching, and backpacking in the park’s backcountry. The park also offers several scenic drives, including the Grand Loop Road, which takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife watching, or scenic drives, both parks have something to offer for every type of outdoor enthusiast.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States and have distinct differences in their seasonal weather patterns.
Capitol Reef National Park, located in southern Utah, has a warm and dry climate with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit the park is from April to June and from September to October when temperatures are mild and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities difficult.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, has a much more variable climate with hot summers, cold winters, and unpredictable weather patterns. The park is known for its geothermal activity, which can create sudden changes in temperature and weather. The best time to visit the park is from June to September when temperatures are mild and snow has melted, allowing for easy access to the park’s attractions. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, making outdoor activities challenging.
In conclusion, the best time to visit each park is determined by the weather patterns and the seasonal changes. Capitol Reef National Park is best visited in the spring and fall, while Yellowstone National Park is best visited in the summer.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Both Capitol Reef National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great places to visit with children, but each offers unique experiences.
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its beautiful rock formations and hiking trails, making it a great place for families who enjoy outdoor activities. There are also ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities that can be fun for kids.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears. It also has a wider range of facilities and amenities, including campgrounds, lodges, and restaurants, making it a more convenient choice for families who want a complete vacation experience.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a more nature-focused trip with outdoor activities and educational opportunities, Capitol Reef National Park might be the better option. However, if you’re looking for a full vacation experience with more amenities and opportunities to see wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is the way to go.