Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors an opportunity to explore the raw and unspoiled beauty of nature, but in vastly different ways. Canyonlands National Park is a desert oasis located in the heart of southeastern Utah, featuring towering red rock formations and deep canyons that will leave you in awe. Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is a volcanic paradise located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, featuring a massive volcano, lush rainforests, and some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see.
If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you on a journey through the rugged and wild landscape of the American West, Canyonlands National Park is the perfect destination for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tropical getaway that will transport you to a world of lush greenery and breathtaking natural beauty, Haleakalā National Park is the place to be. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a photography enthusiast, or just someone looking for a little peace and quiet, these two parks have something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the natural wonder of Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park!
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Canyonlands National Park in Utah and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii are both known for their stunning hiking trails, but they offer very different experiences. Canyonlands is known for its vast deserts and canyons, while Haleakalā is known for its volcano and unique volcanic landscapes.
In Canyonlands, hikers can explore the park’s many canyons and mesas, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Some popular trails include the Mesa Arch Trail, which is a short and easy hike to a beautiful arch with a viewpoint, and the Chesler Park Loop, which is a strenuous 11-mile hike that takes you through the heart of the park.
Haleakalā also offers a variety of trails, from easy to strenuous, but the most popular trail is the Sliding Sands Trail, which is a moderate to strenuous hike that takes you through the volcano’s unique volcanic landscapes. Some other popular trails include the Halemau’u Trail, which is a steep hike to the summit, and the Pipiwai Trail, which takes you to a beautiful waterfall.
Overall, Canyonlands offers a diverse range of trails with a focus on canyons and mesas, while Haleakalā is known for its volcano and unique volcanic landscapes. Both parks offer challenging hikes, but the trails in Haleakalā may be more strenuous due to the altitude and rugged terrain.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | loop | 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 Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both located in the western United States and offer unique and diverse wildlife opportunities.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the high desert of Utah and is home to a variety of desert animals and plants. Some of the common animals you may see include bighorn sheep, desert cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and coyotes. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures. The park also has a diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians, including lizards, snakes, and toads. The park also features a variety of desert plants including sagebrush, cactus, and Joshua trees.
Haleakalā National Park is located in Hawaii and is home to many unique and endangered species of animals and plants. Some of the common animals you may see include nēnē (Hawaiian goose), Hawaiian hawk, and Hawaiian hoary bat. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the endangered Hawaiian crow or ‘alalā, and the Hawaiian goose or nēnē. The park also has a diverse collection of plants, including the silversword, a unique plant that is found only in Hawaii and can live up to 50 years. The park also contains a variety of endemic tree species such as Hawaiian holly, koa and ohia lehua.
Both parks offer different wildlife opportunities, Canyonlands National Park is known for its desert wildlife, while Haleakalā National Park is known for its unique and endemic species found only in Hawaii. Both parks are great for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and nature photography and both have a great collection of rangers-led program to help visitors learn more about the park’s wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands 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
| Canyonlands 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 | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| American Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park both feature some of the most famous and breathtaking landscapes in the United States.
At Canyonlands National Park, visitors can witness the magnificent beauty of the park’s three main districts: The Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze. The Island in the Sky is known for its vast mesas and panoramic views from the park’s highest elevations. The Needles district is known for its colorful sandstone spires and towering rock formations. The Maze district is known for its challenging backcountry terrain and remote canyons. Some of the most famous landscapes at Canyonlands National Park include the White Rim Road, Upheaval Dome and Mesa Arch.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors can witness the beauty of the park’s main feature, the massive volcano Haleakala, and the park’s diverse ecosystems. The summit of the volcano offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset and the park’s unique landscapes. The park is also home to the Kipahulu area, which is known for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and pools. Some of the most famous landscapes at Haleakalā National Park include the crater of the volcano, the Pipiwai trail, and the Seven Sacred pools.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park features beautiful landscapes in its three main districts, The Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze, with famous landscapes such as the White Rim Road, Upheaval Dome and Mesa Arch. On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park features the famous landscapes of the summit of the volcano, the Kipahulu area, and the Pipiwai trail and the Seven Sacred pools.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but they have some notable differences in terms of the most popular activities.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its incredible hiking and backpacking opportunities, with many trails that offer spectacular views of the park’s canyons and mesas. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Mesa Arch Trail, the Grand View Point Trail, and the Chesler Park Loop Trail. Other popular activities in the park include camping, rock climbing, and off-roading. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and backpacking trips, which can be a great way to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Haleakalā National Park is known for its incredible sunrise and sunset views from the summit of Haleakalā volcano. Sunrise and sunset viewing is the most popular activity in the park and the park offers a reservation system to help manage the number of visitors. The park also offers hiking and backpacking opportunities, with trails that offer spectacular views of the volcano’s crater and the surrounding landscape. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Sliding Sands Trail, the Halemau’u Trail, and the Keonehe’ehe’e (Sliding Sands) Trail. Other popular activities in the park include stargazing, birdwatching, and ranger-led programs.
Both parks offer great outdoor recreational opportunities, but the main difference is that Canyonlands National Park is more known for its hiking, backpacking, and off-roading while Haleakalā National Park is more known for its sunrise and sunset viewing from the summit of the volcano. Both parks also offer ranger-led programs and many other recreational activities that visitors can enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both located in the western United States and have vastly different weather patterns. Canyonlands National Park, located in southern Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences very little precipitation, with most of it falling in the form of flash floods during the monsoon season in July and August. The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park experiences two main seasons, the dry season from April to October and the wet season from November to March. The dry season is the best time to visit the park as there is less chance of rain, and the trails and roads are less muddy. The park can also get quite chilly at the summit of the volcano, so it is important to bring warm clothing even during the summer months.
In terms of hiking, Canyonlands National Park is known for its challenging and strenuous backcountry trails, while Haleakalā National Park has more moderate hikes, including the popular Sliding Sands trail which leads to the summit of the volcano and offers panoramic views. Both parks offer a range of hiking options, with Canyonlands having more strenuous options and Haleakalā having more moderate options.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but they offer different experiences for families traveling with children.
Canyonlands National Park has a wide variety of activities and trails that are suitable for families. There are several short and easy hikes that offer spectacular views of the park’s natural beauty. The visitor center offers ranger-led programs for children, and the park’s campground is a great option for families who want to spend the night in the park. Additionally, the park’s scenic drives are a great way to explore the park without having to hike. However, some of the hiking trails may not be suitable for young children or strollers and also the heat during summer can be extreme which can make it challenging to enjoy the park with children.
Haleakalā National Park is also a family-friendly destination. There are several short and easy hikes that offer great views of the volcano and the park’s unique landscapes. The park’s visitor center offers ranger-led programs for children, and the park’s campground is a great option for families who want to spend the night in the park. Additionally, the park’s scenic drives are a great way to explore the park without having to hike. However, the park’s summit can be quite high and can be challenging for some children and also the park’s weather can be unpredictable, which can make it challenging to enjoy the park with children.
In summary, both Canyonlands National Park and Haleakalā National Park are family-friendly and offer great experiences for families traveling with children, but Canyonlands National Park may be more suitable for families with young children as it has more options for short and easy hikes and the weather is not as unpredictable as in Haleakalā National Park.