Discovering new and breathtaking landscapes is a journey that many of us enjoy. Two of the most stunning natural parks in the United States are Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park. Located at opposite ends of the country, these parks offer unique landscapes and experiences that are sure to amaze and inspire.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the differences and similarities between these two incredible parks. From towering mountain ranges and crystal-clear lakes to vibrant wildlife and ancient Hawaiian culture, there’s something for everyone at Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a new adventure, this article is for you. Get ready to embark on a virtual journey through two of America’s most breathtaking parks.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. The Gates of the Arctic is known for its vast wilderness and remote backcountry, with hiking trails ranging from easy to extremely challenging. The park’s easiest hike is the Arrigetch Peaks Loop, a 7-mile trail that winds through beautiful valleys and along rivers. For the more adventurous, the park offers incredibly difficult backcountry hikes, such as the 11-mile trek to the summit of the Boreal Mountain.
In contrast, Haleakalā National Park is famous for its volcanic landscapes, with trails ranging from easy to difficult. The park’s easiest hike is the Sliding Sands Trail, a 3-mile trail that provides stunning views of the volcanic crater. For a more challenging experience, visitors can hike the Halemau’u Trail, a 7-mile one-way trail that leads to the summit of the volcano. The trail is strenuous, but the views of the Pacific Ocean and Maui are breathtaking.
Both parks offer different and equally stunning hiking experiences, but the Gates of the Arctic is known for its remote wilderness and the Haleakalā is known for its unique volcanic landscapes. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a challenging backcountry adventure, both parks offer something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a pristine wilderness that is home to a variety of wildlife. Large mammals, such as grizzly and black bears, moose, caribou, and wolves, roam the tundra and forests. Visitors may also spot smaller mammals like arctic foxes, beavers, and lynx. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds, including the peregrine falcon, the common loon and the bald eagle, commonly seen in the park.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii, on the other hand, offers a unique wildlife experience, with a focus on endemic species, meaning those found only in Hawaii. Here, visitors may observe the nene, a Hawaiian goose, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. The park is also home to a number of rare plant species, such as the silversword, found nowhere else in the world. Other notable flora in the park include the native ohia lehua and the exotic eucalyptus tree.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | 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 | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit | |
| Swainson’s Thrush | |
| Hairy Woodpecker | |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | Black Rat |
| Black Bear | Domestic Cattle |
| Porcupine | Feral Hog |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Varying Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged and remote wilderness. The park covers over 8 million acres and is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The Brooks Range, which runs through the park, is a magnificent mountain range that provides stunning views and is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers. The park is also home to the Arrigetch Peaks, a group of towering granite spires that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is a unique landscape that features a massive shield volcano that rises over 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The park is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, which can be seen from the summit of the volcano. The park is also home to the Silversword, a unique plant that is found only on the slopes of Haleakalā. The park is a popular destination for hikers and offers many trails that lead to the summit of the volcano and to the surrounding valleys. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including the Waimoku Falls, which is a 400-foot waterfall that cascades down the cliffs of the volcano.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and scenic drives. However, each park has its own unique set of popular activities that visitors love.
At Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, visitors can explore the rugged and remote wilderness of the Alaskan interior. Popular activities include backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black and grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives along the Dalton Highway, which offers stunning views of the Alaskan landscape.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors can enjoy the unique beauty of the Hawaiian landscape. Popular activities include sunrise and sunset viewing from the summit of Haleakalā, as well as stargazing. The park is also home to several unique and diverse ecosystems, including the subalpine and montane forests, as well as the silversword garden. Visitors can explore these ecosystems through hiking and camping, and can also enjoy scenic drives along the park’s scenic roads.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures can drop to -40°F, while summer temperatures average in the 40s-50s°F. Snow can fall year-round, with the heaviest accumulation occurring in the winter months. The summer months bring long daylight hours, which provide ample time for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
In contrast, Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Winter temperatures average in the 60s°F, while summer temperatures can reach into the 90s°F. The park receives the most rainfall from November to March, with the driest months being June to September. This pattern of rainfall creates a lush landscape in the winter months, while the summer months offer clear views of the park’s unique volcanic landscape.
The weather at both parks affects the best time of year to visit. At Gates of the Arctic, the summer months offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Winter is best suited for those interested in winter sports such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. At Haleakalā, the drier summer months are the best time for hiking and exploring the park’s unique volcanic landscape, while the winter months bring the added beauty of a lush, green landscape.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both are great places to visit if you’re traveling with children, but each park has its own unique features that make it more family-friendly than the other.
Haleakalā National Park is a great choice for families traveling with children. The park is home to a unique landscape that includes a large crater and a variety of hiking trails. There are also several ranger-led programs and activities for kids, including a junior ranger program. The park is also located on the island of Maui, which is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a great choice for families who are looking for a more rugged and remote experience. The park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning wilderness, which includes glaciers, tundra, and mountains. There are several hiking trails in the park, but most are challenging and require a good deal of physical fitness. There are also ranger-led programs and activities for kids, including a junior ranger program.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are great places to visit with children. However, if you’re looking for a more family-friendly experience, Haleakalā National Park may be the better choice, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is better for families who are looking for a more rugged and remote experience.