Badlands National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most unique and spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, from the rugged Badlands formations in South Dakota to the fiery and dynamic volcanic landscapes in Hawaii. Imagine hiking through a sea of colorful rock formations in the Badlands, where time seems to have stood still for millions of years, and then contrast that with the experience of standing on the rim of an active volcano, feeling the heat and witnessing the raw power of nature. These two parks are truly a nature lover’s paradise and offer a lifetime worth of outdoor adventure and learning opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a breathtaking vacation, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both known for their hiking trails, but the trails in each park offer different experiences.
Badlands National Park has several hiking trails that range in difficulty. Some of the easier hikes include the Door Trail, which is a half-mile round-trip hike that offers visitors a close-up view of the park’s unique rock formations, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is a quarter-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through the park’s fossil exhibits. For more experienced hikers, the park offers several strenuous trails, such as the Castle Trail, which is a nine-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through the park’s rugged terrain, and the Notch Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that offers visitors a challenging hike through the park’s rugged Badlands terrain.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park also has several hiking trails that range in difficulty. Some of the easier hikes include the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which is a four-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through the park’s volcanic craters, and the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a half-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a volcanic tube formed by cooled lava. For more experienced hikers, the park offers several strenuous trails, such as the Mauna Loa Trail, which is a 16-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through the park’s rugged terrain to the summit of Mauna Loa volcano, and the Kīlauea Summit Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that offers visitors a challenging hike through the park’s rugged volcanic terrain.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors of all levels. The trails in each park offer different experiences and visitors can choose to visit based on their interests and fitness level.
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 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 Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both known for their diverse and unique wildlife, however the type of wildlife you’ll see at each park is quite different.
Badlands National Park is home to a wide variety of animals including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and coyotes. Visitors may also see mule deer, elk, and prairie dogs in the park. Birds such as the golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, and the swift fox can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the western rattlesnake, the swift fox, and the Great Plains toad.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique and diverse range of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The park is home to a number of endangered species, such as the Hawaiian hawk, the Hawaiian goose, and the Hawaiian petrel. Visitors may also see the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird, and the pueo, or Hawaiian owl. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants, including the silversword, which is a rare plant found only in the park. The park is also home to a wide variety of native Hawaiian plants, such as the kīpukas, which are small, isolated pockets of forest that are surrounded by lava fields.
Overall, both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of unique wildlife, however the type of wildlife you’ll see at each park is quite different. If you’re interested in seeing large mammals and birds of prey, Badlands National Park may be the better option. If you’re interested in seeing unique, endemic plants and animals, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the place to visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands 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
| Badlands 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 | |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Monarch | American Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Red Admiral |
| Red Admiral | Cabbage White |
| Morning Cloak | Honey Bee |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota is famous for its rugged and otherworldly landscapes. The park is home to a vast expanse of colorful rock formations, including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Badlands formations, which are made up of layers of rock and clay that have been eroded by wind and water over millions of years, creating a unique and striking landscape. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn, which are commonly found throughout the park.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the other hand, is famous for its volcanic landscapes and its rich cultural history. The park is home to the Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, which are two of the most active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can witness the raw power of nature as they hike through the park’s volcanic landscapes, including lava fields, volcanic craters, and steam vents. The park also offers the opportunity to hike through lush rainforests and see the park’s native flora and fauna. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Kīlauea Caldera, an enormous crater that forms the summit of the volcano and the Halema’uma’u Crater, an active crater that visitors can hike to and see the lava lake. The park also has a scenic drive that offers beautiful views of the park and the surrounding areas.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Badlands National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Badlands National Park, the most popular activities include hiking and camping. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. The park’s most popular hike is the Badlands Loop Road, which is a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views of the Badlands formations. Visitors can also camp in the park, with several campgrounds available for visitors to choose from. Camping in the park allows visitors to experience the park’s rugged landscapes at night and see the stars, which is an experience that is not to be missed.
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the most popular activities include hiking and guided tours. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes, that take visitors through the park’s volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests. The park’s most popular hike is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes visitors through a volcanic crater and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also take guided tours of the park, which are led by park rangers and provide an in-depth look at the park’s geology, flora, and fauna. Visitors can also see the park’s active volcanoes, either by taking a scenic drive or by hiking to the summit.
In summary, both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the most popular activities at Badlands National Park are hiking and camping while the most popular activities at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are hiking and guided tours. Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors and are great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are located in vastly different regions of the United States, and as such, have very different seasonal weather patterns.
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of South Dakota, and experiences four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the park as the weather is mild with comfortable temperatures and less crowds. Summer can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F and thunderstorms are common in the afternoon. Winter is also a great time to visit the park, as long as you’re prepared for the cold temperatures, with occasional snow and ice.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii, and experiences a tropical climate with consistent warm temperatures throughout the year. The park’s weather is relatively consistent, with temperatures typically ranging between 60-80°F. The park receives most of its rain during the winter months, making the summer months the best time to visit if you want to avoid the rain. The park is also open year-round, so visitors can experience the park’s unique volcanic landscapes at any time. However, it is important to note that the park’s summit area, including the Kīlauea Iki trail, is closed during periods of high volcanic activity.
Overall, the best time to visit each park depends on the type of weather you’re looking for. If you’re looking for mild temperatures and less crowds, Spring and Fall are the best time to visit Badlands National Park. If you’re looking to avoid the rain, and visit the park’s unique volcanic landscapes, Summer is the best time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii both offer unique and beautiful natural landscapes, but they have different levels of family-friendliness.
Badlands National Park is more family-friendly because it has more easily accessible hikes and educational opportunities. The park has several short and paved trails that are suitable for families with young children, such as the Door, Window, and Fossil Exhibit trails. The park also has an interactive visitor center that offers educational exhibits and ranger-led activities for children.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, has longer and more challenging hikes that may not be suitable for young children. The park also has fewer educational opportunities for children. The park is home to the active Kilauea volcano, and many of the park’s trails and viewpoints are located close to the volcano, which may not be safe for young children.
Overall, Badlands National Park is more family-friendly and suitable for families with young children. While both parks offer unique and beautiful natural landscapes, the shorter and more accessible hikes and educational opportunities in Badlands National Park make it a better option for families with children.