Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of America’s most diverse and stunning national parks. Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes, including the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande, and the Chihuahuan Desert. Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is known for its unique volcanic landscapes, including the volcanic crater and the colorful cinder cones. Both parks offer a wide range of activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a nature lover, these two national parks are sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both known for their diverse and challenging hiking trails. Both parks offer a variety of hikes for visitors of all skill levels, but the landscapes and terrains of the two parks are quite different.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, and is known for its rugged backcountry trails that take hikers through canyons, desert landscapes, and up mountain peaks. Some of the most popular hikes at Big Bend include the Chisos Mountain Basin trail, which is a moderate hike that offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert and mountains, and the Emory Peak trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes hikers to the highest peak in the park.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is known for its volcanic landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular hikes at Haleakalā include the Sliding Sands trail, which is a moderate hike that takes hikers through a volcanic cinder desert and offers views of the park’s volcanic crater, and the Halemau’u trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes hikers through a variety of ecosystems, including rainforests and alpine desert, and offers views of the park’s summit.
In terms of family-friendly hikes, Big Bend National Park offers the Santa Elena Canyon trail which is relatively easy and provides a great opportunity to see the natural beauty of the park. While in Haleakalā National Park, visitors can hike the Waimoku Falls trail which is a moderate hike and the reward is a beautiful waterfall.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, but the landscapes and terrains of the two parks are quite different. Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert trails and Haleakalā National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
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 Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that you can see at each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to a wide variety of desert animals such as the desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn, javelina, and desert tortoise. It is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the roadrunner, golden eagle, and black-throated sparrow. The park is also home to many different types of cacti and desert wildflowers.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is home to a unique subalpine ecosystem. It is home to a variety of rare and endangered species such as the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian petrel, and Hawaiian hoary bat. The park is also home to many different types of Hawaiian plants, including the native silversword and the exotic eucalyptus.
In summary, while both Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park are known for their diverse wildlife, the types of animals, birds, and plants that you can see at each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems. Big Bend National Park is known for its desert wildlife and plants, while Haleakalā National Park is known for its unique subalpine ecosystem, and its rare and endangered species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend 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
| Big Bend 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 | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Mexican Milksnake | |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and is known for its rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, and stunning vistas. The park is home to the Chisos Mountains, which rise dramatically from the desert floor and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the Rio Grande, which runs through the park and offers opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Other popular activities include hiking, camping, and bird watching.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is known for its massive volcano, Haleakalā, which dominates the park’s landscape. The volcano’s summit stands at over 10,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and Pacific Ocean. The park is also home to the Kīpahulu district, which features scenic drives, hiking trails, and the beautiful Ohe’o Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Visitors can also explore the unique ecosystems of the park, including the subalpine shrubland and the rainforest.
Both Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience unique and diverse landscapes and natural wonders. While Big Bend National Park is known for its deserts and rugged terrain, Haleakalā National Park is known for its volcano and lush tropical ecosystems. Both parks are perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities that people love to do when visiting each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems and environments.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert terrain and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and birdwatching. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, including the popular South Rim and Emory Peak trails, which offer breathtaking views of the Chihuahuan Desert. The park also offers guided horseback rides, river trips, and stargazing.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique subalpine ecosystem, and its volcanic landscapes. The most popular activity in the park is hiking, with the park’s most famous hike being the summit trail to the top of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano. The park also offers ranger-led interpretive programs and offers guided sunrise tours to the summit. The park also offers camping and picnicking, as well as scenic drives through the park.
In summary, while both Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, the types of activities that people love to do when visiting each park are quite different. Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert terrain, and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and birdwatching, while Haleakalā National Park is known for its unique subalpine ecosystem and its volcanic landscapes, and offer activities like hiking, guided tours, camping and picnicking.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both located in the United States, but have vastly different climates and weather patterns.
Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its hot and arid desert climate. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit the park is during the fall and spring, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Winter can also be a good time to visit, with milder temperatures and the possibility of experiencing a desert snowfall.
Haleakalā National Park is located in Hawaii and has a unique sub-tropical climate. The park is known for its high elevation, which means that temperatures can be quite cool and even chilly at the summit. The park is also known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden changes in conditions common. The park’s summit can also be covered in clouds, obscuring views. The best time to visit the park is during the summer, when temperatures are warmer and the chances of clear skies are higher.
In terms of hiking, both parks offer a wide range of trails that range from easy to strenuous. Big Bend National Park offers a variety of trails, including the popular Lost Mine Trail, which offers great views and is considered a moderate hike, and the strenuous South Rim Trail, which offers a challenging hike with panoramic views of the park. Haleakalā National Park offers a variety of trails, including the popular Sliding Sands Trail, which is considered a moderate hike and offers great views of the park’s unique volcanic landscapes, and the strenuous Halemau’u Trail, which offers a challenging hike to the summit of the volcano and offers panoramic views of the park.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Big Bend National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both unique and offer different experiences for families. Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and river rafting. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, and over 450 species of birds. The park also offers ranger-led programs and a Junior Ranger program to keep children engaged and learning about the natural world.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is a volcanic landscape with breathtaking views from the summit of the volcano. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, stargazing, and scenic drives. Families can also take part in ranger-led programs and the Junior Ranger program. The park is home to a variety of native Hawaiian plants and animals, such as the nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and the silversword plant.
Both parks are family-friendly, but it depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a desert wilderness experience with diverse wildlife, Big Bend National Park would be a great choice. If you’re looking for a unique volcanic landscape with Hawaiian culture and outdoor activities, then Haleakalā National Park would be a good choice.