Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both offer unique experiences that are sure to leave you breathless and in awe of the beauty of our planet. Whether you prefer exploring hidden caves, scaling steep cliffs, or hiking through lush forests, these two parks have something for everyone.
Imagine standing on the rim of an active volcano, watching as molten lava pours into the ocean below. This is just one of the many unforgettable experiences you can have at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. With its unique combination of active volcanoes, tropical rainforests, and stunning beaches, this park is a true natural wonder.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with towering cliffs, deep canyons, and breathtaking vistas. From the challenging hike up Angel’s Landing to the picturesque stroll along the Virgin River, there are endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, Zion National Park is sure to provide a truly unforgettable experience.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning landscapes, unique geological features, and challenging hiking trails. However, there are some key differences between these two parks.
When it comes to hiking trails, both parks have a wide range of options. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, one of the most popular hikes is the Kilauea Iki Trail, which is a 4-mile loop that takes visitors through a volcanic crater filled with steam vents and pools of lava. This hike is considered easy to moderate and offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, the Mauna Loa Summit Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the summit of one of the largest volcanoes in the world. This trail is 13.5 miles long and requires a high level of physical fitness.
At Zion National Park, the easiest hike is the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile round trip hike along the Virgin River. This hike is suitable for all ages and offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and canyons. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Angels Landing Trail is a 5.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of a narrow rock spire with steep drop-offs on either side. This hike is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park offer a wide range of hiking options, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While they are both stunning destinations, they have different types of wildlife.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of unique and exotic species. Some of the most common animals include the Hawaiian nene (a type of goose), the Hawaiian hoary bat, and the ʻio (Hawaiian hawk). The park is also home to a wide variety of endemic plant species, such as the ʻōhiʻa lehua and the hāpuʻu fern.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is known for its diverse bird population, including the peregrine falcon and the American dipper. The park is also home to a number of mammals, including the black-tailed deer, the mountain lion, and the mule deer. Visitors may also see a variety of reptiles, including the western rattlesnake and the desert iguana. In addition, the park is home to a number of endemic plant species, such as the Zion serviceberry and the Zion cliffrose.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. While Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its exotic animals and endemic plant species, Zion National Park is known for its diverse bird population and endemic plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Canada Goose | Northern Harrier |
| Great Blue Heron | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Rock Pigeon | Osprey |
| House Sparrow | Tree Swallow |
| Northern Mockingbird | Mallard |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Canada Goose |
| Wild Turkey | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Barn Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Cattle Egret | American Robin |
| Sanderling | Great Horned Owl |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Chukar | Northern Flicker |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Merlin |
| Northern Cardinal | Barn Swallow |
| California Quail | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Big Brown Bat |
| Feral Hog | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Goldfish |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| 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 |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a unique and awe-inspiring place, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The most famous landmark in the park is the Kilauea volcano, which is one of the most active and frequently-erupting volcanoes in the world. Visitors can witness the power of Kilauea as they hike through the Thurston Lava Tube or explore the volcanic landscape of the Crater Rim Drive.
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic rock formations. The park’s most famous attraction is the Narrows, a narrow canyon that runs between towering cliffs and is fed by the Virgin River. The park also features a number of other popular hiking trails, including the famous Angels Landing hike, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to its natural wonders, the park is also home to a range of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking experience, but there are some key differences between the two that set them apart.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes, and visitors can view the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes up close. People love to explore the park’s volcanic craters, steam vents, and lava tubes, as well as take guided walks and ranger-led programs to learn about the volcanoes and their history. In addition, there are several scenic drives through the park, including the Crater Rim Drive and the Chain of Craters Road.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning red rock cliffs and canyons. Visitors can hike, bike, and horseback ride through the park’s many trails, including the famous Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. The park also offers scenic drives, including the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, and guided tours of the park’s natural wonders. People love to take in the breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs, and explore the park’s unique geology and diverse plant and animal life.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, but what sets them apart is their unique landscapes. Whether you’re looking for an adventure in an active volcanic landscape or a scenic hike through a red rock wonderland, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes, but their seasonal weather patterns differ greatly.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes. The park experiences a tropical climate with temperatures averaging between 60-80°F year-round. However, the trade winds can make it feel cooler, especially at higher elevations. The park receives the most rainfall between November and April, with the wettest months being December through March. Despite the rain, this is still a popular time to visit as the lush green vegetation is at its peak.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Utah and experiences a much drier climate. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it a popular time to visit for those seeking warm weather. However, the park can also experience flash flooding during monsoon season, which occurs between July and September. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a less popular time to visit. However, the winter months also bring snow to the park, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is between May and September, while the best time to visit Zion National Park is between April and October, when the temperatures are mild and the risk of flash flooding is low.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Zion National Park both offer unique and beautiful experiences. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, they have different strengths.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great option for families with children who are curious about geology and natural history. The park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and offers a variety of educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The park also features several easy nature trails, including the Kilauea Iki Trail, which is a relatively short and level hike through a volcanic crater, and the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a fascinating tour of a cooled lava river.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is better for families who want to explore the great outdoors and go on scenic walks and hikes. The park is home to a variety of trails, from easy nature walks to challenging hikes, and is known for its stunning views of red rock formations, deep canyons, and rushing rivers. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a great way for kids to learn about the park’s unique geology and ecology.
In conclusion, both parks have something to offer families, but Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is more focused on education and geology, while Zion National Park is better for outdoor recreation and scenic walks.