Are you ready to explore two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States? Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both marvels of nature, offering visitors a chance to witness the incredible power of the Earth’s geological forces. From the dark, mysterious depths of Carlsbad Caverns to the fiery, explosive activity of Hawaii Volcanoes, these two parks are truly a study in contrasts. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply a curious traveler, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of our planet. So pack your bags, grab your hiking gear, and let’s dive into the exciting world of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– The park has several easy trails, including the Natural Entrance Trail, which takes visitors from the park’s entrance to the Big Room, and the Big Room Loop Trail, which offers a scenic tour of the Big Room.
– For those looking for a more challenging hike, there are trails that lead to the park’s backcountry, including the Bat Cave Trail and the Hall of the White Giant Trail. These trails are more strenuous and require a permit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park:
– The park has several easy trails, including the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes visitors through a volcanic crater, and the Devastation Trail, which takes visitors through a landscape that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption.
– For those looking for a more challenging hike, there are trails that lead to the summit of Mauna Loa, including the Mauna Loa Summit Trail and the Mauna Loa Observatory Trail. These trails are strenuous and require a permit.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, from easy trails to challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a more strenuous hike, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife, each with its own unique and fascinating species.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can see a range of bats, including the Mexican free-tailed bat, which is one of the most abundant species of bats in the park. Visitors can also see a range of birds, including the Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, and Western Bluebird. In addition, the park is home to a variety of reptiles, including the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Desert Iguana.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can see a range of unique and exotic wildlife, including the Nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird, and the Hawaiian Hawk. The park is also home to a variety of endemic plants, including the Ohia tree and the Silversword plant. In addition, visitors may also see a range of mammals, including the Hawaiian Hoary Bat and the Hawaiian Shrew.
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique and exciting wildlife experiences. Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park will have the chance to see a range of bats, birds, and reptiles, while visitors to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park will have the chance to see a range of unique and exotic wildlife, including endemic plants, birds, and mammals. Whether you’re a fan of bats, birds, or exotic wildlife, you’re sure to see something amazing at these two incredible parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns 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
| Carlsbad Caverns 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 | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Gartersnake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| New Mexico Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Insects
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both renowned for their stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring natural wonders. At Carlsbad Caverns, visitors can explore the intricate network of underground caves and caverns, featuring towering stalactites, sparkling crystal formations, and otherworldly rock formations. Above ground, the park offers breathtaking views of the Chihuahuan Desert, with its rolling hills, rugged canyons, and stunning sunsets.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is a showcase of the raw power of volcanic activity. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which continue to shape the island of Hawaii with their eruptions and lava flows. Visitors can witness the incredible geological forces at work as they explore the park’s vast craters, steam vents, and other volcanic features. The park is also home to lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic coastline, making it a true gem of the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you’re a fan of geology, nature, or simply breathtaking landscapes, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both must-visit destinations for any traveler.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the most popular activity is exploring the park’s underground caves. Visitors can choose from a range of self-guided and ranger-led tours, including the Big Room self-guided tour, which is a great option for families with young children. In addition to exploring the caves, visitors can also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing in the park’s above-ground areas.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, exploring the park’s volcanic landscapes, and visiting the park’s museums and visitor centers. Visitors can choose from a range of trails, including easy hikes to scenic overlooks and more challenging hikes into the park’s volcanic crater. In addition, visitors can also enjoy learning about the park’s unique geology and cultural history at the park’s museums and visitor centers.
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in exploring underground caves, hiking, birdwatching, or learning about geology and cultural history, you’re sure to find something to love at these two incredible parks.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have different seasonal weather patterns, which can affect the best time to visit each park.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, which has hot and dry summers and cool, mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it a less favorable time for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures are usually mild and ideal for exploring the caves, but some of the trails may be closed due to snow or ice.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has a tropical climate with year-round warmth and high humidity. There are two main seasons in the park: the dry season from May to October and the wet season from November to April. During the wet season, the park can experience heavy rain and fog, which can limit visibility and make hiking difficult. The dry season is the best time to visit the park, as the weather is sunny and clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the volcanic landscape.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park both offer unique experiences for families, but in different ways.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great option for families with children who are interested in exploring underground caves. The park offers ranger-led tours, self-guided tours, and even a special “Batman” tour for kids. The park also offers educational programs and junior ranger activities.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families who are interested in exploring the great outdoors and learning about volcanic activity. The park offers many easy hikes, including the Kilauea Iki Trail, which leads to a volcanic crater, and the Devastation Trail, which offers a glimpse into the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. The park also offers ranger-led programs and junior ranger activities.
In terms of which park is better for families, it depends on the interests and ages of the children. If they are interested in caves and geology, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great option. If they are interested in volcanoes and hiking, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a great option.