Big Bend National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may seem vastly different at first glance, but both offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Big Bend, located in Texas, is known for its rugged deserts, canyons, and the Rio Grande river. Hawaii Volcanoes, on the other hand, is located on the island of Hawaii and is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, but the landscapes and experiences you’ll have at each park couldn’t be more different. Whether you’re looking to explore the vast deserts of Big Bend or the fiery landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes, both parks offer a chance to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. In this article, we will dive deeper into the similarities and differences of these two national parks, making it easier for you to decide which one to visit.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Chisos Basin Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which takes visitors to the base of a 1,500-foot-tall limestone canyon. Other easy hikes include the Lost Mine Trail and the Window View Trail. The strenuous hikes include the South Rim, Emory Peak and Marufo Vega.
On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii and is home to the active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers a variety of hikes that range from easy, paved walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes visitors through a volcanic crater, and the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a cave formed by flowing lava. The strenuous hike is the Mauna Loa Summit, which is a hike to the summit of the world’s largest volcano. The easy hikes include the Devastation Trail and the Chain of Craters Road.
Overall, the hiking at Big Bend National Park is more varied and offers a wide range of trails for visitors to choose from, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a more unique and singular experience of hiking through volcanic landscapes.
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 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 Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both popular destinations for wildlife viewing, but the types of wildlife that can be seen at each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems and environments.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to a wide variety of desert wildlife. Commonly seen animals include white-tailed deer, javelina, mountain lions, black bears, and coyotes. The park is also home to over 450 species of birds, including the roadrunner, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. The park also has a wide variety of desert plants, including the yucca, agave, and cactus.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii, and is home to a wide variety of tropical wildlife. Commonly seen animals include the nene (Hawaiian goose), Hawaiian hawk, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the Hawaiian honeycreeper, and the Hawaiian petrel. The park also has a wide variety of tropical plants, including the ohia lehua, and the koa tree.
In summary, while both Big Bend National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are popular destinations for wildlife viewing, the types of wildlife that can be seen at each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems and environments. Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to a wide variety of desert wildlife, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii, and is home to a wide variety of tropical wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend 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
| Big Bend 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 | |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both stunning national parks that offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature in very different ways. Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is known for its rugged desert landscape and stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. Visitors can hike through the park’s diverse terrain and take in views of the Rio Grande River and the surrounding desert. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep and black bears.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii, is known for its volcanic landscapes, including the active Kilauea volcano. Visitors can hike through the park’s volcanic craters, see steam vents and volcanic eruptions, and explore the lush rainforest. The park is also home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the Hawaiian goose, or Nene, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer a chance to witness live volcano activity, which is not common in Big Bend National Park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors, but the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different due to the vastly different environments and ecosystems.
Big Bend National Park is known for its outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park also has a wide variety of campgrounds for visitors to choose from. Popular hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Loop Trail, the South Rim Trail, and the Lost Mine Trail.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park also offers guided ranger walks, talks, and junior ranger programs. One of the most popular activities in the park is the Kilauea volcano summit hike, which is a strenuous hike to the summit of the volcano. Other popular activities include visiting the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, and the Kilauea Visitor Center, and the park’s scenic drives, such as the Chain of Craters Road and the Crater Rim Drive.
In summary, while both Big Bend National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors, the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different due to the vastly different environments and ecosystems. Big Bend National Park is known for its outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes and offers a wide variety of activities such as hiking, guided ranger walks, talks, and junior ranger programs.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both located in different parts of the United States, with vastly different climates and weather patterns.
Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit the park is from November to April, when temperatures are cooler and there is less chance of rain. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making outdoor activities difficult.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the weather is generally consistent throughout the year. The park receives the most rainfall during the winter months, from November to April, but the rain is usually light and does not last long. The park is also located on an active volcano, Kilauea, which can be unpredictable, and visitor safety is always a concern.
In terms of hiking trails, Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of options, from easy, scenic trails to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some popular trails include the Lost Mine Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains, and the South Rim Trail, a strenuous hike that takes you through rugged terrain and offers breathtaking views of the park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also has a variety of hiking trails, including the easy and popular Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes you through a volcanic crater, and the strenuous and strenuous Mauna Loa Trail, which takes you to the summit of the volcano.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is ideal to visit in the cooler months of the year, with a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, has a tropical climate and is open year-round, with a variety of hiking trails that offer a glimpse of the park’s volcanic landscapes. Both parks have unique natural features, and visitors should take into account the weather and trail difficulty when planning their trip.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer vastly different landscapes and experiences for visitors, making it difficult to compare their overall family-friendliness.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and river rafting. The park is known for its rugged terrain, stunning desert vistas, and diverse wildlife. While the park can be a great place to visit for families with older children who are interested in outdoor adventures, it may not be as suitable for young children or families looking for more leisurely activities.
On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes and lush rainforests. The park offers a variety of easy hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Families with young children will find plenty of educational and interactive activities to keep them engaged. The park’s accessibility and visitor center make it a great option for families looking for a fun and educational experience.
In conclusion, both Big Bend National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are great options for families, but depending on the interests of your children, you may find one park more suitable than the other. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with older children, Big Bend National Park may be a great choice. If you’re looking for an educational and interactive experience with young children, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may be the better option.