Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, these two parks couldn’t be more different. Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its red rock formations, natural arches and otherworldly landscapes, while Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is known for its volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and unique wildlife. Imagine standing in the middle of a desert landscape, surrounded by towering red rock formations, and then being transported to a tropical paradise complete with lush vegetation and colorful tropical birds. These two parks offer different experiences, but both are sure to leave visitors in awe and wanting more.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both known for their unique natural features and offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. However, each park has its own distinct characteristics and trail difficulty levels.
Arches National Park is known for its unique geologic formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip hike through a narrow canyon with towering red rock walls and the Windows Trail, which is a 1.6-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to two large arches. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the park’s most iconic arch and Devils Garden Trail, which is an 8-mile round trip hike that goes through rugged terrain and requires some scrambling.
Haleakalā National Park is known for its unique volcanic landscapes and offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Sliding Sands Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike through the park’s volcanic landscapes and the Halemau’u Trail, which is a 4-mile round trip hike through a lush, tropical forest. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Keonehe’ehe’e (Sliding Sands) to Holua Cabin, which is a 12-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through rugged terrain and the Halemau’u to Holua Cabin, which is a 7-mile round trip hike that requires scrambling over rocky terrain.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but Arches National Park is particularly known for its unique geologic formations, while Haleakalā National Park is known for its unique volcanic landscapes. Both parks offer easy and hard hikes, with Arches National Park having more easy hikes and Haleakalā National Park having more strenuous hikes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both located in different regions of the United States and as a result, they have different types of wildlife.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including:
– Bighorn sheep: These majestic animals are often seen in the park, particularly in the spring and fall.
– Coyotes: These clever canines are often seen in the park, particularly at dawn and dusk.
– Desert bighorn sheep: These sheep are native to the area, and are often seen in the park.
– Desert tortoise: These slow-moving reptiles are often seen in the park, particularly in the spring and fall.
– Elk: These large mammals are often seen in the park, particularly in the spring and fall.
– Pronghorn: These fast-moving mammals are often seen in the park, particularly in the spring and fall.
– Rattlesnakes: These venomous snakes are found in the park, but they are not commonly seen.
Arches National Park is also home to a variety of desert plants such as cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is home to a variety of tropical wildlife, including:
– Nene: This is the state bird of Hawaii and it is a flightless goose that is often seen in the park.
– Hawaiian hawk: This bird of prey is native to Hawaii and is often seen in the park.
– Hawaiian green sea turtle: These turtles are often seen on the park’s beaches and in the ocean.
– Hawaiian hoary bat: This is the only native land mammal of Hawaii, and it is often seen in the park.
– Hawaiian goose: This is a flightless bird that is often seen in the park.
Haleakalā National Park is also home to a variety of tropical plants such as the native Hawaiian silversword and the tropical flowers.
In summary, Arches National Park is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, elk, pronghorn, and rattlesnakes, while Haleakalā National Park is home to a variety of tropical wildlife, including Nene, Hawaiian hawk, Hawaiian green sea turtle, Hawaiian hoary bat and Hawaiian goose. Both parks are also home to a variety of plants that are unique to the region.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
| Osprey | House Sparrow |
| Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
| Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| American Robin | Chukar |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
| Northern Flicker | California Quail |
| Merlin | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | Black Rat |
| Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Bobcat | Feral Hog |
| 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 | |
| American Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Northern River Otter |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead |
Insects
| Arches National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Arches National Park in Utah is known for its unique and stunning landscapes, including the famous red rock formations, natural arches and otherworldly landscapes. The park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch, which is one of the most famous natural arches in the world and is featured on Utah’s license plates. The park also features other iconic rock formations such as Park Avenue, The Windows, and Double Arch. Visitors can hike to these arches and enjoy the beautiful scenery and geology of the park.
Another famous landscape in Arches National Park is the Fiery Furnace, a maze-like area of narrow canyons, sandstone fins and towering rock walls. It’s a challenging hike but offers a chance to experience the park’s unique and otherworldly landscapes up close.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii offers a different type of landscapes, it is known for its volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and unique wildlife. The park is home to the Haleakalā volcano, which is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Hawaii. The volcano last erupted about 400 years ago and created a massive crater that visitors can hike down into and explore. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to see a spectacular sunrise from the summit of the volcano.
The park also features beautiful and unique landscapes such as the Kipahulu coastal area, which is home to a variety of native Hawaiian plants, including bamboo forests, and the ʻōhiʻa lehua trees, as well as an array of colorful tropical birds. Visitors can hike to the scenic trails in the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery and geology of the park.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its red rock formations, natural arches and otherworldly landscapes while Haleakalā National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and unique wildlife. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer different types of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning natural arches and rock formations, which are the main attraction for visitors. The most popular activities at the park include:
– Hiking: The park has several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, and offer visitors the opportunity to see the park’s famous arches and rock formations up close. The most popular hike is the 3-mile round trip hike to Delicate Arch, which offers a great view of the iconic arch.
– Scenic drives: The park has a scenic drive that takes visitors past many of the park’s famous arches and rock formations, making it easy for visitors to see many of the park’s highlights without having to hike.
– Photography: Arches National Park is a popular spot for photographers, as the park’s unique rock formations and natural arches provide endless opportunities for capturing beautiful images.
– Camping: The park has two campgrounds that offer visitors the opportunity to spend the night in the park and enjoy the night sky.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, offers a different type of experience for visitors. The most popular activities at the park include:
– Sunrise and sunset viewing: The park is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views from the summit of the volcano, which is a must-see for visitors.
– Hiking: The park has several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, and offer visitors the opportunity to see the park’s unique landscapes, such as the volcanic crater and the native Hawaiian silversword.
– Camping: The park has a campground that offers visitors the opportunity to spend the night in the park and enjoy the night sky.
– Stargazing: The park is known for its clear night sky, making it a popular spot for stargazing.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its stunning natural arches and rock formations and the most popular activities include hiking, scenic drives, photography and camping. Haleakalā National Park is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, hiking, camping and stargazing. Both parks offer unique experiences, and it depends on what type of activity and natural beauty you are looking for.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both located in different regions of the United States and have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Arches National Park is located in Moab, Utah and the park’s weather is generally dry and hot during the summer months with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The park receives very little precipitation and the best time to visit is typically in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and the park’s natural features are at their most vibrant. The winter months can be quite cold and snowy, making some of the park’s trails and roads inaccessible.
Haleakalā National Park is located in Maui, Hawaii and the park’s weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. The park’s weather is affected by the trade winds and can be quite windy, especially at the summit of the volcano. The park receives more rainfall than Arches National Park, with the heaviest rains falling in the winter months. The best time to visit is typically in the spring and fall when the weather is most mild and the park’s natural features are at their most vibrant.
Both parks offer great natural beauty, but their weather conditions vary greatly. Arches National Park is typically hot and dry during the summer, best to visit during the spring and fall and can be snowy during winter. On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is mild all year round, best to visit during the spring and fall and receives more rainfall in the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Both Arches National Park and Haleakalā National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature and take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. However, the two parks offer slightly different experiences, which may make one more suitable for families with children than the other.
Arches National Park is a great option for families with children as it offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes that are perfect for families. Many of the park’s trails are paved, which makes them accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The park also offers a number of ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities that are perfect for children. The park’s unique rock formations, such as the famous Delicate Arch, Park Avenue, and The Windows are easy to reach by car and offer great photo opportunities for the whole family.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is not as child-friendly as Arches National Park. The park’s main attraction, the summit of the volcano, is only accessible by car and requires a steep and winding drive to reach the summit, which may not be suitable for young children. The park also offers a number of challenging hikes that are not suitable for children. The park’s scenic drives and the visitor center offer great opportunities to learn about the park’s unique geology, flora and fauna and are suitable for children, but it’s not as diverse as the activities you can find in Arches.
In summary, Arches National Park is a more family-friendly option as it offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes, paved trails, ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities that are perfect for children, while Haleakalā National Park may not be as suitable for families with young children due to the steep and winding drive to the summit, and the challenging hikes. Both parks offer great opportunities to experience the beauty of nature and take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle, but if you’re traveling with children, Arches National Park may be the better option.