Arches National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. They are both known for their awe-inspiring natural features and offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature in a whole new way. Imagine yourself standing in front of a towering red rock wall in Arches, or taking in the fiery glow of an active volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes. These two parks are truly special places that offer a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for an adventure, these parks have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the natural wonders of Arches and Hawaii Volcanoes, as we take a closer look at what makes these two parks so unique and unforgettable.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Arches National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning natural arches and rock formations. Some of the most popular hikes at the park include:
– Delicate Arch Trail: This is the most popular hike in the park and is considered moderate in difficulty. It is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the base of Delicate Arch, which is the park’s most iconic arch. The trail is well-maintained and offers great views of the surrounding rock formations.
– Park Avenue Trail: This is a moderate hike that is 2 miles round trip and takes visitors through a narrow canyon past towering red rock cliffs.
– Landscape Arch Trail: This is an easy hike that is 1.6 miles round trip and takes visitors to the base of Landscape Arch, which is the longest arch in the world.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii, is known for its active volcano and unique volcanic landscapes. Some of the most popular hikes at the park include:
– Kīlauea Iki Trail: This is a moderate hike that is 4 miles round trip and takes visitors through a volcanic crater that was created by a large eruption in 1959. The trail offers great views of the crater and the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
– Crater Rim Trail: This is a moderate hike that is 11 miles round trip and takes visitors around the rim of the Kīlauea Caldera, offering great views of the volcano and the surrounding landscapes.
– Mauna Ulu Trail: This is a difficult hike that is 6 miles round trip and takes visitors through a volcanic landscape that was created by the Mauna Ulu eruption, which occurred between 1969 and 1974.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Arches National Park is known for its natural arches and rock formations, with popular hikes such as Delicate Arch Trail and Park Avenue Trail. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcano and unique volcanic landscapes, with popular hikes such as Kīlauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail. Both Parks offer easy, moderate and difficult hikes, depending on the level of experience and physical fitness of the visitors.
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 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 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Arches National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both home to a variety of unique and diverse wildlife, but the type of wildlife you’ll see at each park is quite different.
Arches National Park is located in the desert and is home to a variety of desert-dwelling animals such as coyotes, desert tortoises, and various species of lizards and snakes. Birds commonly seen in the park include golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a variety of desert plants such as yucca, sagebrush, and cacti.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located in a tropical rainforest and is home to a variety of tropical animals such as Hawaiian honeycreepers, nene geese, and Hawaiian hoary bats. The park is also home to a variety of native plants such as the ohia lehua tree, the kauila tree, and the Hawaiian hibiscus.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its desert wildlife and plants, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its tropical wildlife and plants. Both parks offer a unique and diverse array of wildlife and plants that are worth exploring. If you are interested in desert wildlife and plants Arches is the best option, if you are interested in tropical wildlife and plants Hawaii Volcanoes is the best option.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Canada Goose |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Great Blue Heron |
| Osprey | Rock Pigeon |
| Tree Swallow | House Sparrow |
| Mallard | Northern Mockingbird |
| Canada Goose | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Wild Turkey |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Barn Owl |
| American Robin | Cattle Egret |
| Great Horned Owl | Sanderling |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| Northern Flicker | Chukar |
| Merlin | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Barn Swallow | Northern Cardinal |
| Savannah Sparrow | California Quail |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | ‘Iole |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead |
Insects
| Arches National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Arches National Park in Utah is home to some of the most iconic and unique natural landscapes in the United States. The park is known for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, which were formed by erosion and weathering over millions of years. The most famous arch in the park is Delicate Arch, which is a popular spot for hiking and photography. Other famous natural features in the park include the Windows section, which is a group of arches that are located close together, and Balanced Rock, a large rock formation that stands precariously on a narrow base.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world. The park is known for its two main volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, which have been continuously erupting for decades. Visitors can see the lava flowing from the volcano and can even hike to the volcano’s summit for a stunning view. Other natural features in the park include the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a large underground lava cave, and the Devastation Trail, which offers a glimpse of the damage caused by past volcanic eruptions. In addition to volcano landscapes, the park also features lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and native Hawaiian plants and animals.
Both parks are unique in their own way, but Arches National Park is known for its red rock arches, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes and diverse landscapes.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Arches National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. While both parks offer many outdoor activities, the types of activities that are most popular at each park are quite different.
Arches National Park is known for its hiking and scenic drives. The park’s main attraction is its unique rock formations and many visitors come to the park to hike to and explore these formations. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Delicate Arch Trail, the Park Avenue Trail, and the Double Arch Trail. The park also offers a scenic drive that takes visitors through the park’s main attractions.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is known for its volcano hiking and scenic drives. The park’s main attraction is the active volcano Kilauea, and many visitors come to the park to hike to the volcano’s summit and explore the volcano’s caldera. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Kilauea Iki Trail, the Thurston Lava Tube, and the Crater Rim Drive. The park also offers a scenic drive that takes visitors through the park’s main attractions.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its hiking and scenic drives to see the unique rock formations, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its volcano hiking and scenic drives to see an active volcano. Both parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, but the types of activities that are most popular at each park are quite different. If you are interested in hiking and scenic drives in a desert environment, Arches is the best option, if you are interested in volcano hiking and scenic drives in a tropical environment, Hawaii Volcanoes is the best option.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Arches National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have vastly different climates due to their location.
Arches National Park, located in the desert region of Utah, experiences hot summers and cold winters with little rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F (38°C) during the day and drop to around 50°F (10°C) at night. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night and reach highs of around 50°F (10°C) during the day. The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and the park is less crowded.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii, experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park’s elevation ranges from sea level to over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) so temperatures can vary depending on the elevation. The park receives an average of about 150 inches (380 cm) of rain per year, and the wettest months are from November to March. The best time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is during the drier months from April to October when the chance of rain is lower and the park is less crowded.
In summary, Arches National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have vastly different climates due to their location. Arches National Park is located in the desert region of Utah with hot summers and cold winters, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii and experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and an average of 150 inches of rain per year. The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder, while the best time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is during the drier months from April to October.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Both Arches National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are great options for families, but they offer different types of experiences.
Arches National Park offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, such as hiking on easy trails to see the park’s famous arches, rock formations, and other natural features. There are also ranger-led programs and educational exhibits at the visitor center that can be interesting for children. In addition, many of the park’s trails and viewpoints are accessible by car, making it easy for families to explore the park without having to hike long distances. The park also has picnic areas and campgrounds, which can be a great way for families to spend a night or two in the park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also offers family-friendly activities such as hiking and ranger-led programs, but it also includes unique experiences like volcano viewing, Lava tube exploration and cultural activities. The park has several easy trails that are suitable for children, such as the Kilauea Iki Trail, which leads to a crater that was formed during a past eruption. The park also has picnic areas and campgrounds, but it’s important to note that camping in the park can be challenging due to the high altitude and chilly temperatures at night.
In terms of family-friendliness, Arches National Park may be slightly better suited for families with young children, as it offers more easy trails and activities that are more accessible for kids. However, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more unique and educational experience.