Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. These two parks offer visitors a chance to experience the majesty and power of the great outdoors in ways that are truly unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to hike through pristine wilderness, watch wildlife in their natural habitats, or simply soak in the beauty of the environment, these parks have something for everyone.
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and abundant wildlife. Visitors to the park can hike through the rugged wilderness, take guided tours to see the park’s wildlife, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea. The park offers visitors the chance to witness the incredible power of the volcano as it continuously changes the landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking to take in the stunning views, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination.
Both Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are truly awe-inspiring destinations that offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and power of the natural world. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States, but they are vastly different in terms of their geography, climate, and hiking trails.
Denali is known for its breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and its glaciers, as well as its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. Some of the easiest hikes in Denali include the McKinley Bar Trail and the Horseshoe Lake Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the glaciers and the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, the hardest hikes in Denali include the Mount Healy Overlook Trail and the Mount Margaret Trail, which are steep and strenuous, but offer breathtaking views of the glaciers and the surrounding landscape.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Kilauea Iki Trail and the Crater Rim Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the volcanic landscape and the surrounding rainforest. On the other hand, the hardest hikes in the park include the Mauna Loa Summit Trail and the Kilauea Caldera Trail, which are long and strenuous, but offer breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape and the surrounding rainforest.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Each park offers a unique opportunity to observe unique wildlife species.
In Denali, visitors may see a variety of mammals such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. The park is also home to a large number of bird species including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the gyrfalcon.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to a unique ecosystem, including the Hawaiian goose, or nene, which is the state bird of Hawaii and is found nowhere else in the world. The park is also home to several species of endemic plants, including the ohia lehua and the silversword.
Visitors to the park may also see a variety of wildlife such as the hawksbill turtle, the Hawaiian hoary bat, and the Hawaiian monk seal. Additionally, the park is home to Mauna Loa, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and visitors may see steam vents, sulfur dioxide gas vents, and lava flows.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer visitors the opportunity to observe unique and diverse wildlife. Whether you are interested in observing birds, mammals, or plants, these parks are sure to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | ‘Iole |
| Little Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Black Bear | Feral Hog |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is famous for the 20,310-foot tall Mount Denali, which is the tallest mountain in North America. The park offers many scenic views, including the Alaska Range, glaciers, and vast tundra landscapes. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including moose, caribou, and grizzly bears.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is famous for its active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers scenic views of volcanic landscapes, including steam vents, lava tubes, and craters. Visitors can also see the effects of past volcanic activity, including the vast Kalapana lava fields and the Thurston Lava Tube. In addition to the volcanoes, the park also offers scenic hikes through lush rainforest and the chance to see unique wildlife, like the Hawaiian hawk and the nene (Hawaiian goose).
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes that attract millions of visitors every year.
At Denali National Park, visitors enjoy wildlife viewing, camping, backpacking, and scenic drives. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park also offers scenic drives and backpacking opportunities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the wilderness and experience the beauty of the Alaskan tundra.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanic sites, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Visitors can hike through the park’s diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, steam vents, and volcanic craters, and witness the power of nature up close. The park also offers guided volcano tours, allowing visitors to explore the park with a knowledgeable guide and learn about the park’s geological history.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, hiker, or lover of natural beauty, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable adventure.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two unique destinations with different climates and weather patterns. In Denali, temperatures vary greatly depending on the season, with average summer temperatures ranging from 40-60°F and winter temperatures dropping to -40°F. The park is known for its long and harsh winters, with snow cover lasting from September to May. On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has a tropical climate, with temperatures averaging around 70°F year-round.
The best time to visit Denali National Park & Preserve is during the summer months of June to August, when temperatures are warmer and there’s more daylight for outdoor activities. Winter is also a popular time for visitors who enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the drier months of April to October, when there is less rainfall and better visibility for viewing the park’s volcanic activity.
Both parks offer unique weather experiences and attractions, making it important to consider the time of year when planning a visit. Whether it’s the harsh Alaskan winter or the tropical Hawaiian climate, visitors can expect a memorable and enjoyable experience at either Denali National Park & Preserve or Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both family-friendly parks that offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors of all ages. However, each park offers a different type of adventure and may be better suited for families with children depending on their interests and needs.
Denali National Park & Preserve is a great option for families who love nature and wildlife. The park provides access to the Alaskan wilderness and opportunities to see wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, and caribou, among others. Many of the park’s ranger-led activities are designed to be fun and educational for children, including wildlife walks and camping adventures.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is perfect for families who are fascinated by geology and volcanic activity. The park is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and visitors can see steam vents, fissures, and other volcanic features. The park also offers ranger-led walks, talks, and hikes that teach visitors about the geology and history of the area.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are excellent choices for families looking for an outdoor adventure. However, Denali is better for families who want to experience the Alaskan wilderness and see wildlife, while Hawai’i Volcanoes is better for families who are interested in geology and volcanic activity.