Amidst the vast and diverse beauty of the United States, two parks stand out for their unique natural wonders: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Gates of the Arctic, located in the heart of the Brooks Range, boasts 8.4 million acres of pristine wilderness with no roads, trails, or even established campsites. It’s a place where visitors can truly escape civilization and immerse themselves in raw, untamed nature.
Hawaii Volcanoes, on the other hand, is home to the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea, as well as the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa. Visitors to this park can witness the power of nature as lava flows into the ocean and volcanic ash fills the sky.
Whether you’re an adventurer seeking a remote, rugged wilderness experience or a nature enthusiast eager to witness the raw power of volcanoes, these two parks offer unforgettable experiences. So, grab your hiking boots and let’s explore the best that Gates of the Arctic and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks have to offer!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a vast wilderness with limited formal trails, offering a true backcountry experience for hikers. The park offers challenging hikes with stunning views, such as the challenging, multi-day Arrigetch Peaks Circuit, a 28-mile loop through the stunning Arrigetch Peaks. On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii provides a variety of hiking options, from easy walks through lush rainforests to strenuous hikes over rugged lava flows.
One of the easiest hikes at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes you through the lush rainforest to the crater floor of the Kīlauea Iki volcano. Another easy hike is the Crater Rim Trail, a 2-mile loop that takes you along the rim of the Kīlauea caldera, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The hardest hike at the park is the Mauna Ulu hike, which takes you on a strenuous 8-mile hike over rugged lava flows, but rewards you with breathtaking views of the Mauna Ulu crater.
In comparison, the hardest hike at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is the Arrigetch Peaks Circuit, a 28-mile loop through the Arrigetch Peaks. This hike is not for the faint of heart and requires backcountry experience and adequate preparation. There are no easy hikes in the park, but the park’s remote location and rugged terrain offer a true wilderness experience for hikers who are up for the challenge.
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 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of America’s most unique and treasured national parks. These two parks offer very different wildlife experiences. Gates Of The Arctic is located in the remote Arctic wilderness of Alaska and is home to a variety of wildlife including arctic foxes, grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. The park is also known for its birdwatching opportunities, with species such as the rough-legged hawk and gray jay commonly seen. Additionally, the park is home to many different species of fish and is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to a diverse variety of wildlife, including the Hawaiian goose, the nene, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. The park is also home to many species of endemic plants and trees, including the silversword and the ohia lehua. Visitors to the park can also see the Hawaiian volcanic landscape, including the Kilauea Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanic systems in the world. The park is also home to many rare and endangered species of birds, including the Hawaiian hawk and the Hawaiian crow.
In conclusion, both Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you are interested in arctic wildlife, endemic Hawaiian species, or the volcanic landscape, these two parks have something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Gates Of The Arctic 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 |
Savannah Sparrow | Northern Cardinal |
Hermit Thrush | California Quail |
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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | House Mouse |
American Beaver | Norway Rat |
Muskrat | ‘Iole |
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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Insects
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Cabbage White | |
Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in northern Alaska and is known for its remote and rugged wilderness. The park is home to several mountain ranges, including the Brooks Range, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding tundra and glaciers. Visitors can also see the Arrigetch Peaks, a group of granite towers that offer challenging climbing opportunities. The Alatna River and the Koyukuk River both run through the park, offering opportunities for rafting and fishing.
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: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can witness the ongoing volcanic activity of Kīlauea at the Jaggar Museum Overlook and the Halema’uma’u Crater. In addition to the volcanic landscapes, the park also offers lush rainforests and scenic drives like the Crater Rim Drive, which provides stunning views of the park’s unique landscapes. The park also features the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a large underground cave formed by molten lava.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. While both parks are popular destinations, they differ in the activities they offer.
In Gates of the Arctic, visitors can explore the rugged wilderness and enjoy backcountry activities such as camping, fishing, and hunting. The park offers an opportunity to experience remote wilderness, with no roads or trails. The park also offers scenic flightseeing tours and ranger-led programs, including educational hikes and campfire talks.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is known for its active volcanic activity and its unique geological features. Visitors can hike through the park’s volcanic landscapes, observe steam vents, and witness the spewing of lava from the active Kilauea Volcano. The park also provides opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing, including bird watching and sightings of the endangered Hawaiian goose.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, they cater to different types of outdoor enthusiasts and offer unique experiences. Whether it’s exploring the remote wilderness of Gates of the Arctic or witnessing the power of an active volcano in Hawai’i Volcanoes, both parks are must-visit destinations for those seeking a unique outdoor experience.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two vastly different destinations. Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness, while Hawai’i Volcanoes is located in Hawaii and is renowned for its volcanic activity. The seasonal weather at these parks affects when is the best time of year to visit.
In Gates of the Arctic, summer temperatures average in the 40s and 50s, with long days and mild weather. Winter temperatures average below freezing, with snow and limited daylight. Summer is the best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, while winter is best for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Hawai’i Volcanoes, on the other hand, has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging in the 70s and 80s year-round. The park experiences heavy rainfall from November to April, but the rest of the year is relatively dry. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when visibility is better for viewing the volcanic activity.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic and Hawai’i Volcanoes have unique weather patterns that greatly impact the best time of year to visit. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to ensure the best possible experience at each park.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii are two contrasting yet equally beautiful national parks. Both parks offer different experiences and attractions that families can enjoy, but if you’re traveling with children, one park stands out.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is more family-friendly compared to Gates of the Arctic. The park is home to the active Kilauea Volcano, which is a popular attraction for families with children. The park also offers a variety of educational and interactive programs, ranger-led walks, and scenic drives. The park’s location on the big island of Hawaii provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and accommodations, making it a convenient destination for families.
Gates of the Arctic National Park is a remote wilderness park with no roads or facilities. It is not as accessible or as equipped for families as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is ideal for adventure-seekers, backcountry hikers, and those who enjoy solitude. While it is not the best option for families, it is a unique and breathtaking destination for those who enjoy the wilderness.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children and want an interactive, educational, and convenient experience, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the better option. However, if you are seeking adventure and a remote wilderness experience, Gates of the Arctic National Park is the perfect destination.