Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two vastly different but equally stunning national parks in the United States. Imagine towering, multi-colored rock formations in the Badlands, and then contrast that with the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of Haleakalā. One park is located in the heart of South Dakota’s prairie lands, while the other sits atop a volcano in Hawaii. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a new adventure, these two parks are sure to deliver. So pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the beauty of Badlands and Haleakalā National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, scenic strolls to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Door Trail, which is a short, wheelchair-accessible trail that leads to a stunning view of the Badlands formations, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is a short, paved trail that takes visitors through a paleontological dig site. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Castle Trail, which is a strenuous, 9-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of a towering formation, and the Notch Trail, which is a strenuous, 4-mile hike that leads to a narrow canyon with steep walls.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii offers hiking trails that range from easy, scenic hikes to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Sliding Sands Trail, which is a moderate, 3-mile hike that leads to a scenic view of the crater and the park’s native plants and animals, and the Halemau’u Trail, which is a moderate, 8-mile hike that leads to the summit of the volcano. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Keonehe’ehe’e (Sliding Sands) Trail, which is a strenuous, 11-mile hike that leads to the summit of the volcano, and the Pīpīwai Trail, which is a strenuous, 8-mile hike that takes visitors through a dense rainforest, to the base of a towering waterfall. Both Parks offer unique and beautiful nature experiences, but the type of hikes and the difficulty levels are quite different.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Badlands National Park is home to a variety of mammals, such as bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bison, and coyotes. The park also has a large population of reptiles, such as the prairie rattlesnake, and a variety of birds, such as the golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, and the swift fox. The park also has a diverse plant life including grassland prairie, sagebrush, and cactus.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of unique and endangered animals. The park is home to the Nēnē, or Hawaiian goose, which is the state bird of Hawaii, and the Hawaiian hoary bat, which is the only native land mammal of Hawaii. The park also has a variety of bird species such as the Hawaiian hawk, the Hawaiian goose, and the Hawaiian petrel. The park also has a diverse plant life, including the native silversword plant, which can only be found in the park.
Overall, both parks offer visitors a chance to see a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants that you’ll see will be different. Badlands National Park is known for its prairie animals and diverse plant life, while Haleakalā National Park is known for its unique and endangered species such as the Hawaiian goose and the silversword plant.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands 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
| Badlands 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 | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Northern Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Weasel | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Monarch | American Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Red Admiral | Honey Bee |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its incredible, otherworldly landscapes. The park is home to towering, multi-colored rock formations that have been sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. The most famous of these is the Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors through a variety of different landscapes, from grassy prairies to rugged badlands. Along the way, visitors can take in stunning views from overlooks like Pinnacles Overlook and the Badlands Loop Road Overlook. The park also offers hiking trails, such as the Badlands Loop Road, which winds through the park’s rugged terrain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Haleakalā National Park is located in Hawaii and is known for its volcanic landscapes. The park is home to the 10,023-foot-tall Haleakalā volcano, which offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The volcano’s crater is one of the park’s most famous features, and visitors can hike to the summit for an unforgettable experience. The park also offers visitors the chance to see the unique plants and animals that call the park home, including the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird, and the silversword, a rare plant found only in the park. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the Haleakalā Crater Road, which winds through the park and offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both popular tourist destinations, but they offer different activities and experiences.
Badlands National Park is known for its hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. The park has several hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. The park also has a scenic drive, the Badlands Loop Road, which offers visitors the opportunity to view the park’s unique landscape and wildlife. Wildlife viewing is also popular in the park, visitors can see bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bison, and coyotes.
Haleakalā National Park is known for its hiking, stargazing, and sunrise/sunset viewing. The park is home to the Haleakalā volcano, which visitors can hike to the summit. The park also offers several hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Stargazing is also popular in the park, visitors can see the night sky in all its glory. Sunrise and sunset viewing is also a popular activity in the park, visitors can see the breathtaking view of the sun rising or setting over the volcano.
Overall, both parks offer visitors a variety of activities, but the types of activities will be different. Badlands National Park is known for its hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing, while Haleakalā National Park is known for its hiking, stargazing and sunrise/sunset viewing. Each park has a unique set of activities and visitors can choose to visit based on their interests and preferences.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives very little precipitation, with most of it falling in the form of snow in the winter. Summer temperatures can reach as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) during the day and drop to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) at night. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius) during the day and fall to around -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) at night, making it the best time for winter sports enthusiasts. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the park’s wildflowers and prairie grasses are in bloom.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii has a unique weather pattern, with a very different climate on the summit of the volcano compared to the park’s coastal areas. The summit experiences a subalpine climate, with temperatures ranging from below freezing at night to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) during the day. The park’s coastal areas have a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius) year-round. The park receives most of its rainfall during the winter months, making the summer months the best time to visit the park. It’s also a popular destination to watch the sunrise, the best time for this is during the winter when the clouds clear and the view is more likely to be unobstructed.
In summary, both parks have vastly different seasonal weather patterns that affect the best time to visit. Badlands National Park is best visited during the spring and fall, while Haleakalā National Park is best visited during the summer months. Both parks are open all year round and visitors should plan their trip according to the weather and the activities they want to do.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Badlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both great options for families looking for an outdoor adventure. Both parks offer a variety of activities that are suitable for visitors of all ages, but each park has its own unique features that may make it more appealing for families traveling with children.
Badlands National Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs. The Badlands Loop Road is a great option for families with children, as it offers stunning views of the park’s landscapes without the strenuous hiking. There are also several shorter hiking trails such as the Door, Window, and Notch trails that are easy to access and perfect for families with children. Ranger-led programs are also available at the park, which provide a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging for families with children. The park has a number of strenuous hiking trails that may not be suitable for younger children. The park’s main attraction, the summit of the volcano, requires a steep hike that could be challenging for families with small kids. The park also has a number of ranger-led programs that are great for kids and families, such as the Junior Ranger program and the Kīpahulu ranger-led activities.
Overall, both parks have great options for families, however, if you have small children and are looking for an adventure with less strenuous hiking and more easy-access activities, Badlands National Park may be the better option. While, if your family is more adventurous and looking for unique natural experience, Haleakalā National Park can offer that.