Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Canyonlands National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may seem vastly different at first glance, but both offer a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors. Imagine exploring the rugged and vast canyons of Canyonlands, where you can hike to ancient Native American petroglyphs and witness the power of erosion shaping the landscape. Now, imagine standing on the rim of an active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see the fiery lava flowing and hear the earth rumble beneath your feet. Both parks offer a chance to witness the raw power of nature and leave you in awe. Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, or just a lover of natural beauty, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, each with their own unique features and challenges.
Canyonlands National Park has a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backpacking trails. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Mesa Arch Trail, a 0.5-mile round-trip hike that offers views of the park’s famous Mesa Arch, and the Grand View Point Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of the park’s canyons and mesas. For more experienced hikers, the park offers the more challenging Chesler Park Loop Trail, an 11-mile round-trip hike that takes hikers through a remote and rugged area of the park.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park also offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backpacking trails. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes hikers through a volcanic crater, and the Crater Rim Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike that offers views of the park’s active volcano. For more experienced hikers, the park offers the more challenging Mauna Loa Summit Trail, a 17.5-mile round-trip hike that takes hikers to the summit of the park’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa.
Both parks offer a wide range of hiking opportunities with varying levels of difficulty, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backpacking trails. Canyonlands National Park is known for its remote and rugged landscape, with hikes that offer panoramic views of the park’s canyons and mesas. On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, with hikes that offer views of the park’s active volcano and volcanic craters.
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 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 Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife. Both parks are home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants, but the types of wildlife that can be seen at each park are quite different.
Canyonlands National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and coyotes. Birds commonly seen in the park include golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a wide variety of reptiles, including lizards and snakes. Plants commonly seen in the park include sagebrush, cactus, and Joshua trees.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including Hawaiian nene (a native goose), Hawaiian hawks, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. Birds commonly seen in the park include the native ‘apapane and ‘i’iwi and the introduced red-vented bulbul. The park is also home to a wide variety of insects, including the hawaiian happy-face spider and the hawaiian damselfly. Plants commonly seen in the park include the native ‘ōhi’a lehua tree, the ferns, and the native lobelioids.
In summary, both Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of wildlife found at each park are quite different. Canyonlands National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in the desert, while Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands 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
| Canyonlands 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 | |
| American Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Canyonlands National Park in Utah and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii offer unique and iconic landscapes that draw visitors from around the world. Canyonlands is known for its towering red rock cliffs, deep canyons, and vast expanses of wilderness. The park is divided into three main regions: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The Island in the Sky offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and mesas, while the Needles is a playground for hikers and backpackers, with its towering spires and narrow canyons. The Maze is a remote and rugged wilderness area that is only accessible to the most experienced hikers.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can witness the power of nature as they hike through volcanic craters, walk along lava fields, and witness the glow of the volcanic eruptions. The park also features lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rare endemic species of plants and animals. One of the most popular activities is the hike to the summit of Kilauea for a sunrise or sunset view over the volcano’s caldera. Both parks offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty and power of nature, each in its own unique way, making it hard to choose one over the other.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities. The park offers a wide variety of trails, including easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The park also offers backpacking opportunities, allowing visitors to explore more remote areas of the park. Additionally, the park’s scenic drives are a popular way to explore the park without having to hike. Camping is also a popular activity in the park, with several campgrounds available for overnight stays.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes and hiking opportunities. The park offers a wide variety of trails, including easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Kīlauea Iki Trail, the Crater Rim Trail, and the Mauna Ulu Trail. The park also offers backpacking opportunities, allowing visitors to explore more remote areas of the park. Additionally, the park’s scenic drives are a popular way to explore the park without having to hike. Visiting the volcano’s vents, craters and calderas, and seeing the lava flows are also popular activities in the park.
In summary, both Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, but the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different. Canyonlands National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, while Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes and hiking opportunities, as well as visiting the volcano’s vents, craters and calderas, and seeing the lava flows.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park have very different climates and weather patterns, which can affect the best time of year to visit each park.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the desert region of southern Utah, and the park’s climate is characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and low annual rainfall. The summer months of June through September are the hottest and driest, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This also the time of the year with the least visitors, and it can be a good opportunity for those who don’t mind the heat and want to avoid the crowds. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park, with mild temperatures and beautiful wildflowers in the spring and colorful fall foliage in the fall.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii, and the park’s climate is characterized by warm, tropical weather year-round. The park is located on the rainforest side of the island, which means that it has a lot of rainfall, especially during the winter months of November through April. The park is also located at a high elevation, which means that the weather can be cooler and more unpredictable at the summit of the volcano. The summer months of May through October are the driest and the best time to visit the park, with mild temperatures and clear skies, which makes it ideal for hiking and viewing the volcano.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park is best visited in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, while Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is best visited in the summer when the weather is driest and mild. Keep in mind that both parks can be visited year-round, but the weather conditions will vary depending on the season. It’s always recommended to check the forecast and be prepared for any weather conditions when planning a visit to either park.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both great options for families, but they offer different experiences. Canyonlands National Park is known for its vast desert landscape and red rock canyons, offering opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and scenic drives. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program for children to learn about the park’s geology, culture, and wildlife.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is known for its active volcanoes and lush rainforest. Children can learn about the park’s volcanic history and geology through the Junior Ranger program, and explore the park through hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The park also offers ranger-led activities such as volcano walks and stargazing. Both parks offer great opportunities for families to learn about nature and spend time together, but Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may be more appealing to families who are interested in volcanoes and rainforests.