Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two of America’s most stunning natural wonders: Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park!
Imagine standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, gazing out at the endless expanse of earth’s history carved into the rock. Now, imagine standing on the rim of an active volcano, watching molten lava pour into the ocean. Both of these experiences are awe-inspiring in their own unique ways.
So, which park is the better destination for nature enthusiasts? The answer, of course, is that it depends on what you’re looking for. The Grand Canyon is a marvel of geology, showcasing millions of years of erosion and rock formations. On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a showcase of ongoing geological activity, with the power of nature on full display.
Both parks offer a once in a lifetime experience, and the question of which is better is subjective. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two unforgettable destinations, so you can decide for yourself which one is the ultimate winner.
Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its unique hiking trails that take visitors through volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which is a 4-mile loop through a crater, and the Devastation Trail, which is a 0.7-mile trail that takes visitors through the remnants of a volcanic eruption.
Grand Canyon National Park, on the other hand, is known for its challenging hikes through rugged terrain and steep drop-offs. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Bright Angel Trail, which is a 10-mile hike that descends into the canyon and back out, and the South Kaibab Trail, which is a 7-mile hike that also descends into the canyon but is known for its steep incline and lack of water sources.
However, there are also plenty of easier hikes at Grand Canyon National Park, such as the Rim Trail, which is a scenic 12-mile trail that follows the rim of the canyon, and the Hermit’s Rest Trail, which is a 8-mile trail that takes visitors through scenic viewpoints and lush forests.
Both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy scenic walks to challenging and strenuous hikes. However, it is important to be prepared for the unique terrain and weather conditions at each park, and to always follow park guidelines and regulations.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 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 Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer visitors a unique opportunity to see diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. The Grand Canyon is home to a variety of mammals, including Bighorn Sheep, Black Bears, Coyotes, and Mule Deer. Visitors may also see a variety of bird species, including Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and California Condors. The park also has a diverse plant community, including Pinyon Pine, Utah Juniper, and various species of cactus.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its diverse array of endemic species, including the Hawaiian Goose and the Hawaiian Hawk. The park also has a rich diversity of plants, including the native Ohia tree and ferns. Visitors may also see a variety of endemic bird species, such as the Hawaiian crow and the Hawaiian owl. The park is also home to several species of endemic mammals, including the Hawaiian Hoary Bat and the Hawaiian Shrew. The unique volcanic landscape provides a unique habitat for these species, making Hawaii Volcanoes National Park a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Canyon 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
| Grand Canyon 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 | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Fish
| Grand Canyon National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Grand Canyon National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Grand Canyon National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Canyon Treefrog | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Grand Canyon National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch Butterfly |
| Common Sulphur | American Painted Lady |
| Variegated Fritillary | Red Admiral |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Cabbage White |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, is famous for its vast, colorful landscape and the iconic Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is a 277-mile-long canyon that was carved over millions of years by the Colorado River and is over a mile deep in some places. Visitors to the park can view the canyon from various overlooks, hike along its rim, or take a scenic drive along the South Rim. Another popular feature of the park is the Havasu Falls, a series of waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for its volcanic landscapes and active volcanoes. The park is home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s largest shield volcano. Visitors to the park can witness the power of volcanic activity up close, including steam vents, sulfur banks, and the glowing Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. The park also features scenic drives, hiking trails, and campgrounds, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the unique beauty of the Hawaiian volcanic landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular outdoor destinations in the US. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unique geology and a wide range of outdoor activities.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can witness the power of nature as they explore the park’s active volcanoes. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and guided hikes, including the popular Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes hikers through a volcanic crater. In addition to hiking, visitors can also take scenic drives and enjoy the park’s diverse wildlife, including native birds and Hawaiian plants.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can marvel at the stunning views from the rim, hike to the bottom of the canyon, or take a scenic drive along the rim. The park also offers river rafting trips, mule rides, and ranger-led programs, including star gazing and bird watching. One of the most popular activities at the Grand Canyon is taking a helicopter tour, which provides an incredible bird’s-eye view of the park’s breathtaking landscapes.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the US. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike, a thrilling adventure, or a chance to learn about the natural world, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular nature destinations in the United States. While they are located in different regions of the country and have different natural landscapes, the weather patterns at both parks are impacted by seasonal changes.
The Grand Canyon has a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 100°F, making it a good time to visit the park early in the morning or late in the evening. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, making it necessary to dress in layers and bring warm clothing.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park experiences frequent rain showers, especially in the winter months. It is best to visit the park in the summer, when the weather is drier and visibility is better.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park depends on the weather and the type of experience you are looking for. If you prefer to explore the Grand Canyon in comfortable temperatures, it is best to visit in the spring or fall. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and frequent rain showers of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the best time to visit is during the summer months.
Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two popular destinations for families, but each offers unique experiences. Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that is sure to impress, with its vast size, breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. There are several easy trails, mule rides and ranger-led programs that are perfect for families, making it a great park for families with kids of all ages.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique opportunity to see an active volcano. This park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and visitors can explore lush rainforests and volcanic deserts. Children will love the Junior Ranger program and ranger-led walks, and there are plenty of easy hikes to choose from.
If you’re traveling with children, both parks offer great experiences, but Grand Canyon National Park may be the better choice if you want a more traditional family vacation. The park’s accessibility and range of activities make it a great option for families with kids of all ages. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more adventurous trip with a focus on geology and natural wonders, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the perfect destination.