“Nature lovers, pack your bags and get ready for a journey of adventure and discovery! In this article, we’re taking you on a virtual tour of two of the most breathtaking national parks in America: Grand Teton National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences, from towering mountain ranges and pristine lakes to active volcanoes and lush tropical forests. But which one is the right fit for you?
Let’s start with Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming. This park is a true gem, with its jagged peaks reaching high into the sky, crystal-clear lakes reflecting their beauty, and abundant wildlife roaming the hills. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. You’ll be awed by the breathtaking views at every turn and inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Next, we have Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. This park is a true testament to the power of nature, with its active volcanoes, bubbling lava lakes, and steam vents. It’s a surreal experience, as you walk on the edge of an active volcano and feel the heat on your skin. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including tropical rainforests, endemic bird species, and rare Hawaiian plants.”
Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking.
Grand Teton National Park is home to over 200 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The park’s most famous hike is the Teton Crest Trail, a 40-mile backpacking trail that takes hikers through breathtaking alpine scenery. On the easier end of the spectrum, the Jenny Lake Trail is a popular 2.7-mile hike that circles Jenny Lake and offers stunning views of the Teton Range.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is known for its unique volcanic landscapes. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, including easy walks through lush rainforest and strenuous hikes to the summit of active volcanoes. The Kilauea Iki Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, a 4-mile round trip that takes hikers through a volcanic crater and past steam vents. For a more strenuous hike, the Mauna Loa Summit Trail is a grueling 13-mile round trip hike to the summit of the largest shield volcano in the world.
Both Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for all levels of ability, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. Regardless of which park you visit, you’re sure to be rewarded with amazing natural scenery and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | 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 Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is known for its stunning mountain scenery and vibrant wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of animals including bison, elk, moose, black bears, and coyotes. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the park, with over 300 species of birds including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. In addition to wildlife, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers and conifers.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a unique and fascinating park with a mix of wildlife, geology, and culture. Visitors to the park can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife, including Hawaiian geese, nene, and Hawaiian honeycreepers. The park is also home to a number of endemic plant species, including the native ‘ōhi’a tree and various species of ferns. In addition to wildlife, the park is known for its active volcanoes, including Kīlauea, which offers visitors the opportunity to witness the power of nature in action.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Teton 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 Teton 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 | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Grand Teton National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Grand Teton National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Grand Teton National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Grand Teton National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming and is known for its stunning mountain vistas and scenic drives. The most famous landscape in the park is the Teton Range, which boasts towering peaks, crystal clear lakes, and panoramic views. Visitors can drive the Teton Park Road for breathtaking overlooks of the valley, or hike up to the top of a peak for an even more breathtaking view. The park also features several popular waterfalls, such as Hidden Falls and Jenny Lake, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes, lava fields, and scenic drives. The park’s most famous landscape is Kilauea Volcano, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. Visitors can hike through the park’s lava fields, watch as molten lava pours into the ocean, or take a scenic drive along Crater Rim Drive to see the many landscapes formed by the volcanic activity. The park also features several popular scenic overlooks, such as the Thurston Lava Tube and the Jaggar Museum, and is a popular destination for those interested in geology and volcanic activity.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors.
At Grand Teton, popular activities include wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, and scenic drives. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and wolves, and visitors can take guided tours to experience this up close. Camping is also a popular option, with several campgrounds available for visitors to choose from. Fishing is another popular activity, with the park’s rivers and lakes home to a variety of fish species.
In contrast, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is famous for its volcanic activity, and visitors can see active volcanic eruptions at the park. Popular activities include hiking, camping, and stargazing. The park’s lush, tropical landscape offers numerous hiking opportunities, including the popular Kīlauea Iki Trail. Camping is also available, with several campgrounds located within the park. Finally, the park’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it a great spot for stargazing, and visitors can witness the beauty of the night sky over the park.
Overall, both Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique experiences for visitors, and the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences. Whether you’re interested in wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, or volcanic activity, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawai’i are both unique and beautiful destinations offering stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities. However, the seasonal weather at these two parks is vastly different, affecting the best time to visit.
Grand Teton National Park is known for its cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The park is open year-round, but winter access is limited due to snow and ice. The best time to visit is from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter sports enthusiasts can also enjoy the park’s ski slopes and snowshoeing trails during the colder months.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny. During this time, visitors can witness the active Kilauea volcano and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and stargazing. However, the park can get rainy during the winter months, making it more challenging to enjoy outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the weather at Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park greatly affects the best time to visit each park. While Grand Teton is best visited during the summer months, Hawai’i Volcanoes is ideal to visit during the drier months of April to October.
Family Friendliness of Grand Teton National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of America’s finest parks and offer families a chance to experience the great outdoors. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have something to offer, but in different ways.
Grand Teton National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy the great outdoors. The park has a variety of activities for children, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. There are also several picnic areas and camping sites, making it easy for families to spend the day in the park. Additionally, the park has a Junior Ranger program, which provides kids with educational activities and the opportunity to earn a Junior Ranger patch.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is better suited for families who are looking for a unique and educational experience. The park is home to Mauna Loa, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, and offers a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities. The park also has several hiking trails, including a scenic drive to the summit of Kilauea, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are family-friendly parks that offer unique experiences. However, Grand Teton National Park is better for families who enjoy outdoor activities, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is better for families who are looking for an educational and unique experience.