Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most spectacular and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and an abundance of wildlife, but they are quite different from one another. Bryce Canyon is known for its iconic hoodoos, or tall, thin spires of rock, that stand like sentinels against the vast expanse of the canyon. Hawaii Volcanoes, on the other hand, is home to the world’s most active volcano and features a landscape shaped by fire, earth, and water. Whether you’re looking to hike through ancient forests, explore volcanic craters, or simply soak up the natural beauty of these awe-inspiring places, both Bryce Canyon and Hawaii Volcanoes have something to offer. So, pack your hiking boots and your camera, and get ready to explore two of the most incredible national parks in the United States.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both known for their hiking trails that showcase the unique geological features of the parks.
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Trail, which is a paved walkway that offers views of the hoodoos from the rim of the canyon, and the Mossy Cave Trail, which is a short hike to a small waterfall. For more strenuous hikes, the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden trails are popular choices. These trails take hikers down into the hoodoos and offer a more intimate look at the formations. Both trails are considered moderate to strenuous and require some climbing.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, offers hikes that range in difficulty from easy to very strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Kilauea Iki Trail, which is a 4-mile round trip hike through a volcanic crater, and the Devastation Trail, which is a short hike through a barren landscape created by a volcanic eruption. For more strenuous hikes, the Mauna Ulu and Keanakakoi Loop trails are popular choices. These trails take hikers through rugged terrain and require some climbing. The summit of Kilauea volcano is also a very strenuous hike, with a steep incline and rugged terrain.
In summary, both parks offer a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, with Bryce Canyon National Park offering more moderate to strenuous hikes and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offering hikes that range from easy to very strenuous.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 4184.284 | 189.8904 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Fairyland Loop Trail | 11909.116 | 469.6968 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Peekaboo Loop Trail | 8368.568 | 442.8744 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Navajo Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 139.9032 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 175.8696 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Sunset Point to Sunrise Point | 1770.274 | 24.9936 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail | 1609.34 | 35.9664 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Queen Victoria via Queen’s Garden Loop | 3379.614 | 123.7488 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Tower Bridge Trail | 5471.756 | 251.7648 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) | 10138.842 | 456.8952 | Moderate | loop | 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 Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in the high desert of southern Utah, and the park’s wildlife is adapted to the harsh desert environment. Visitors may see mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as smaller mammals such as rock squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, and peregrine falcons, as well as common birds like ravens, jays, and swallows. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as lizards, snakes, and frogs.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii and is home to a diverse range of tropical wildlife. Visitors may see a variety of birds, such as the endangered nēnē (Hawaiian goose), the Hawaiian hawk, and the Hawaiian owl. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, including the Hawaiian hoary bat, the Hawaiian shrew, and the Hawaiian mink. In addition to the mammals, the park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including the Hawaiian green sea turtle, and the hawksbill sea turtle. The park is also home to a variety of plants, many of which are unique to the Hawaiian islands, such as the ōhi’a lehua tree and the Hawaiian silversword.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife that is adapted to the desert environment, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, while Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to a wide variety of tropical wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and a variety of unique plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Bryce Canyon 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
Bryce Canyon 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 | |
Mule Deer | |
Common Gray Fox | |
Long-Legged Myotis | |
Long-Eared Myotis | |
American Badger | |
Ermine | |
California Myotis | |
Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
Bryce Canyon National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Gophersnake | |
Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
Prairie Rattlesnake | |
Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
Side-Blotched Lizard | |
Nightsnake | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink |
Fish
Bryce Canyon National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Brook Trout |
Amphibians
Bryce Canyon National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
Tiger Salamander |
Insects
Bryce Canyon National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Cabbage White | |
Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park both offer unique and spectacular landscapes that are popular among visitors.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that have been formed by erosion. These hoodoos are the most famous landscape feature of the park and can be seen from various viewpoints along the rim of the canyon. Another popular landscape feature is the Natural Bridge, which is a natural arch that spans Bryce Canyon. The park also offers scenic overlooks, such as Bryce Point and Inspiration Point, which provide panoramic views of the hoodoos and the surrounding area.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcano, Kilauea, which is one of the most famous landscapes of the park. Visitors can hike to the summit of the volcano and witness the active lava flow, which is a spectacular sight. Another popular landscape feature is the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a tunnel-like cave formed by lava flow. The park also offers scenic overlooks, such as the Kilauea Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the volcano and the surrounding landscape. Another popular feature is the Halema’uma’u Crater, that is the most active part of the volcano and offers a unique and spectacular view.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hoodoos and natural bridge, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcano, lava tubes, and scenic overlooks. Both parks offer a variety of natural wonders that can be seen during a visit to the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two very different national parks, each offering unique and exciting activities for visitors.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, the most popular activity is hiking. The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Queen’s Garden Trail, the Navajo Loop Trail, and the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, horseback riding, and stargazing at the park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, offers a completely different set of activities. The park is home to the active Kilauea volcano, which visitors can see up close and personal through guided hikes and drives. Some of the most popular activities include hiking the Crater Rim Trail, visiting the Jaggar Museum, and taking a guided tour of the Thurston Lava Tube. Visitors can also explore the park’s rainforest, see steam vents, and visit the park’s Visitor Center.
While both parks offer unique and exciting activities, the choice of which one to visit will depend on personal interests and preferences. For those who love hiking and outdoor adventure, Bryce Canyon National Park is a great option. For those who are interested in volcanoes and geology, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see destination.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are located in vastly different regions of the country and therefore have very different seasonal weather patterns.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, has a high desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. The summer months of June to August are the most popular time to visit the park, with temperatures averaging around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. However, it can get very hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall is common, making the park less accessible. The park’s spring and fall seasons are ideal for visiting, with milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to see the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park’s location on the island of Hawaii means that the weather is usually sunny and warm, with temperatures averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The park receives most of its rainfall during the winter months from November to March, which can make the hiking trails muddy and slippery. The park’s dry season, from April to October, is the best time to visit, with clear skies and little to no rain, making it ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
In summary, the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park is during the spring and fall seasons, when the temperatures are milder and there are fewer crowds. The best time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a different type of experience for families traveling with children.
Bryce Canyon National Park is considered to be more family-friendly in terms of ease of access and variety of activities. The park has a variety of short, easy hikes that are suitable for families with children, such as the Rim Trail and the Mossy Cave Trail. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led activities and educational programs that are specifically designed for families with children. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and campgrounds that are suitable for families.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, has a more rugged terrain and more challenging hikes, making it less accessible for families with young children. Some of the hikes in the park, such as the summit of Kilauea volcano, are steep and strenuous, and not recommended for families with young children. However, the park does offer a variety of ranger-led activities and educational programs that are specifically designed for families with children, as well as picnic areas and campgrounds.
In summary, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are family-friendly destinations, but Bryce Canyon National Park is considered to be more accessible and suitable for families with young children due to its easy trails and ranger-led activities, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is better suited for families with older children or teenagers due to its more rugged terrain and challenging hikes.