Capitol Reef National Park vs Zion 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 Zion National Park

Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the American Southwest. Both parks offer visitors a chance to escape into the great outdoors and explore the stunning beauty of the rugged desert landscape. But while these two parks may share a similar setting, each one has its own unique character and charm that sets it apart from the other. Capitol Reef is a hidden gem, known for its towering sandstone cliffs, hidden canyons, and rich history. Zion, on the other hand, is a true powerhouse, boasting some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring hikes in the country, as well as a vibrant ecosystem full of diverse wildlife. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a new adventure, or simply someone who loves to soak up the beauty of nature, these two parks are not to be missed!

Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park

Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for hiking in Utah. Capitol Reef has a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. The park is known for its scenic drives and short hikes to scenic overlooks, such as the Capitol Gorge Trail and the Grand Wash Trail. The park also offers longer hikes, such as the Cassidy Arch Trail, which is a moderate to strenuous hike that leads to a scenic arch. On the other hand, Zion National Park is known for its challenging hikes and stunning scenery. Some of the easiest hikes in Zion include the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile trail along the Virgin River, and the Weeping Rock Trail, a 0.4-mile trail that leads to a dripping alcove. For more strenuous hikes, there’s the Angels Landing, a 5.4-mile hike to a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs, and the Narrows, a 16-mile hike through a deep canyon along the Virgin River. Both parks offer a range of hiking options, but Zion is known for its more challenging trails and stunning scenery, while Capitol Reef is known for its scenic drives and easier hikes to scenic overlooks.

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 Zion National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Angels Landing Trail 6598.294 492.8616 Hard out and back 5
The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk 2896.812 62.7888 Easy out and back 4.5
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail 1609.34 64.9224 Moderate out and back 4.5
The Watchman Trail 4988.954 196.9008 Moderate loop 4.5
The Subway Trail 11265.38 397.764 Hard out and back 5
Weeping Rock Trail 482.802 23.7744 Easy out and back 4
Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring 13840.324 1268.8824 Hard out and back 5
Lower Emerald Pool Trail 2092.142 34.7472 Easy out and back 4
Emerald Pools Trail 4667.086 184.7088 Easy out and back 4
Hidden Canyon Trail 4828.02 283.7688 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park

Both Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park offer unique wildlife experiences.

At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can see a variety of wildlife including:
– Bighorn sheep
– Desert bighorn sheep
– Mule deer
– Golden eagles
– Prairie Falcons
– Desert cottontails
– Rock squirrels
– Utah prairie dogs
– Desert Tortoises

In addition to the wildlife, the park is also home to a wide range of plant life, including:
– Joshua trees
– Saguaro cacti
– Prickly pear cacti
– Yuccas
– Wildflowers in spring and summer

Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse wildlife, including:
– Mountain lions
– Black bears
– Mule deer
– Desert bighorn sheep
– Wild turkeys
– Peregrine falcons
– Golden eagles
– Great horned owls

Zion is also home to a rich variety of vegetation, including:
– Pinyon pines
– Utah junipers
– Cottonwoods
– Willows
– Wildflowers in spring and summer

In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, with a range of animals, birds, and plants to see. Whether it’s the desert wildlife of Capitol Reef or the mountain wildlife of Zion, both parks offer a chance to see some of the most beautiful and unique creatures in the world.

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

Birds

Capitol Reef National Park Zion 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 Zion 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 Mule Deer
Mule Deer Gray Fox
Common Gray Fox Long-Legged Myotis
Long-Legged Myotis Long-Eared Myotis
Long-Eared Myotis American Badger
American Badger Ermine
Ermine California Myotis
California Myotis Fringed Myotis

Fish

Capitol Reef National Park Zion National Park
Rainbow Trout Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout Brook Trout
Bluegill Brown Trout
Mottled Sculpin Speckled Dace
Speckled Dace Channel Catfish
Black Bullhead Goldfish
Cutthroat Trout

Reptiles

Capitol Reef National Park Zion National Park
Gophersnake Gophersnake
Terrestrial Gartersnake Terrestrial Gartersnake
Prairie Rattlesnake Ring-Necked Snake
Common Sagebrush Lizard Common Sagebrush Lizard
Greater Short-Horned Lizard Greater Short-Horned Lizard
Side-Blotched Lizard Side-Blotched Lizard
Common Kingsnake Common Kingsnake
Nightsnake Nightsnake
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Striped Whipsnake Striped Whipsnake
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake Smith’s Black-Headed Snake
Tree Lizard Tree Lizard
Western Whiptail Western Whiptail
Western Skink Western Skink
Desert Spiny Lizard Desert Spiny Lizard

Amphibians

Capitol Reef National Park Zion National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad Red-Spotted Toad
Canyon Treefrog Canyon Treefrog

Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hidden canyons, including the popular Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch trails. In addition to its unique geology, Capitol Reef is also known for its rich history, including the historic Pioneer Register, petroglyphs, and the Fruita Rural Historic District.

Zion National Park is renowned for its towering red rock cliffs and canyons, including the iconic Zion Canyon and the famous Angel’s Landing hike. The park is also home to several beautiful waterfalls, including the Emerald Pools and the Weeping Rock, as well as the incredible Narrows hike, where visitors can wade through the Virgin River as it winds its way through the narrow canyons. In addition, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and over 290 species of birds. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or just someone who loves the great outdoors, Zion National Park has something for everyone.

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

Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities for visitors. Here is a comparison of the most popular activities at each park:

Capitol Reef National Park:
– Scenic drives: The park features a scenic drive along the Scenic Drive, which offers stunning views of the park’s red rock formations and canyons.
– Hiking: There are several trails in the park, including the Capitol Gorge Trail, which offers a great hike through a narrow canyon.
– Rock Climbing: The park is a popular destination for rock climbers, with several routes to choose from.
– Backpacking: The park offers a number of backpacking opportunities, including the multi-day hike through the Waterpocket Fold.
– Wildlife viewing: The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and desert tortoises.

Zion National Park:
– Hiking: Zion is a hiker’s paradise, with a range of trails to choose from, including the popular Angels Landing and The Narrows hikes.
– Scenic drives: The park features several scenic drives, including the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which offers stunning views of the park’s towering cliffs and canyons.
– Rock Climbing: The park is also a popular destination for rock climbers, with several routes to choose from.
– River Rafting: The Virgin River runs through the park and is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking.
– Wildlife viewing: The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including mountain lions, black bears, and mule deer.

In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park offer a range of activities for visitors, including hiking, scenic drives, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. Whether you prefer the red rock formations of Capitol Reef or the towering cliffs of Zion, both parks offer a chance to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

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

Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park are located in southern Utah and both have unique weather patterns that vary throughout the year. Capitol Reef is known for its hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from 90°F in the summer to 30°F in the winter. The park also experiences occasional monsoon storms in the summer, which can bring heavy rain and flash flooding. The best time to visit Capitol Reef is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the monsoon season has not yet started.

Zion National Park, on the other hand, experiences a more diverse range of temperatures and weather patterns. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 100°F, while in the winter, temperatures can drop as low as 20°F. The park also experiences occasional snow and rain in the winter months, which can make some trails impassable. The best time to visit Zion is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.

In conclusion, both Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park have unique weather patterns that affect when is the best time to visit. Capitol Reef is best visited in the spring or fall, while Zion is best visited in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and gear for the time of year they plan to visit.

Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park

Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park are both great destinations for families, but each park offers a different level of family-friendliness. Capitol Reef National Park is a bit more relaxed and less crowded, making it a great option for families with young children or those looking for a more laid-back vacation. The park has several easy trails, like the Rim Overlook and the Fruita Historic District, which offer stunning views and interesting history without the strenuous hikes. In addition, the park’s remote location means that there are fewer crowds, making it easier for families to enjoy the park’s natural beauty without feeling overwhelmed.

Zion National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging, with more strenuous hikes and busier crowds. However, the park’s stunning beauty and iconic hikes make it a great option for families with older children or teenagers who are up for a more adventurous vacation. The park’s shuttle system makes it easy to get around, and there are several easy trails, like the Riverside Walk and the Pa’rus Trail, that offer great views without a lot of effort. Additionally, the park’s visitor center has several interactive exhibits and educational programs that are perfect for families with children.

In conclusion, both parks are family-friendly, but the best option for your family will depend on the ages and interests of your children, as well as your own preferences. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation with fewer crowds and easier hikes, Capitol Reef National Park might be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a more adventurous vacation with stunning beauty and iconic hikes, Zion National Park is definitely worth considering.

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