Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences, but they are vastly different in terms of geography, climate, and natural attractions. If you’re planning a trip to one of these parks or just looking for a new adventure, you’re in for a real treat! In this article, we’ll compare these two parks so you can decide which one is right for you.
At Great Basin National Park, you’ll be transported to a world of towering peaks, twisting canyons, and glittering night skies. This park is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, making it a prime destination for stargazing. The park’s highest peak, Wheeler Peak, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for hikers.
Meanwhile, Haleakalā National Park is a truly unique park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii. This park features a massive volcanic crater, towering over 10,000 feet above sea level. The park’s landscape is dotted with native Hawaiian flora and fauna and is a popular destination for star-gazing, hiking and camping. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a peaceful escape, both Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park have something to offer.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park both offer stunning hiking trails with diverse landscapes. Great Basin’s trails range from easy walks through lush forests, to strenuous hikes through rugged terrain. One of the easiest hikes is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that takes visitors to see ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living trees in the world.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, offers a unique hiking experience with its volcanic landscapes. One of the easiest hikes is the Sliding Sands Trail, a 2.6-mile hike that takes visitors through a cinder desert to the crater floor. For more strenuous hikes, visitors can tackle the Halemau’u Trail, a strenuous 8.9-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of the volcano.
Both parks offer unique and challenging hikes, but Great Basin’s strenuous trails may be more physically demanding due to the rugged terrain. On the other hand, Haleakalā’s strenuous hikes require a high level of endurance due to their length and elevation gain. Regardless of the level of difficulty, the trails at both parks offer breathtaking views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of these parks.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
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 Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both unique in their wildlife, offering visitors a chance to see a variety of species in each location. In Great Basin, visitors can expect to see the Great Basin bristlecone pine, the oldest living species on the planet, as well as a variety of mammals like the black bear, mountain lion, and pronghorn. In addition, bird lovers can spot species like the pygmy owl, Clark’s nutcracker, and the white-headed woodpecker.
Haleakalā is located in Hawaii, and offers a completely different wildlife experience. Visitors can see Hawaiian goose (nene), the Hawaiian monk seal, and the hoary bat. Plant life in the park is also distinctive, with species like the Haleakalā silversword, a rare plant found only on the slopes of the park’s volcano. Additionally, bird watching is popular in the park, with species such as the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the Hawaiian owl commonly seen.
Regardless of which park you visit, both offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences that are not to be missed.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | 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 | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Great Basin National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | Black Rat |
| Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Bobcat | Feral Hog |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Californis Myotis |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Monarch Butterfly | American Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Red Admiral | Honey Bee |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and features the famous Lehman Caves, which are a series of limestone caves that contain intricate formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations. The park also boasts the 13,063-foot high Wheeler Peak, which provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are several trails that lead to the summit of Wheeler Peak, including the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which is known for its ancient Bristlecone Pine trees that can live for thousands of years.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is famous for its massive volcanic crater. The park covers over 30,000 acres and includes the summit of the dormant Haleakalā Volcano, which stands at 10,023 feet. Visitors can hike or drive to the summit to see the stunning views of the crater and its surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a unique and diverse ecosystem, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and subalpine forests. The park is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, which can be viewed from various overlooks throughout the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two popular national parks that offer a variety of experiences for visitors. Great Basin is known for its pristine wilderness areas and deep cave systems, while Haleakalā is famous for its unique volcanic landscape and stunning sunrises.
For those interested in exploring the night sky, Great Basin is a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal location for stargazing. On clear nights, visitors can see thousands of stars and even distant galaxies. In contrast, Haleakalā offers visitors the chance to witness sunrise from the top of its dormant volcano, which is a truly unique experience.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, both parks offer a range of options. Great Basin has several trails for hiking and camping, as well as opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and horseback riding. Haleakalā also offers hiking and camping, along with road cycling and scenic drives.
While both parks offer a variety of experiences, they are each unique and offer something special to visitors. Whether you’re interested in stargazing, hiking, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, both Great Basin and Haleakalā National Parks are worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Basin and Haleakalā National Parks offer unique and contrasting weather experiences. Great Basin, located in Nevada, is characterized by its high elevation and arid climate, making it a prime destination for stargazing and winter sports. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall is common, making it a desirable destination for skiers and snowboarders. Summer temperatures are mild, ranging from 40-80°F, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the park’s diverse landscape.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii boasts tropical weather with average temperatures ranging from 60-90°F year-round. The park is known for its unique volcanic landscape and offers opportunities for hiking, camping and stargazing, but the high humidity levels can make it uncomfortable in the summer months. Winter is the best time to visit, as the weather is dry and cool, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique weather experiences and the best time to visit will depend on the type of activities you are interested in. For those seeking winter sports, Great Basin is the ideal destination, while those seeking a tropical experience will prefer Haleakalā during the winter months. Regardless of the time of year, both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Basin National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most popular parks in the U.S. Both are known for their unique landscapes and stunning beauty, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Great Basin National Park is an excellent choice for families with children. The park offers several kid-friendly activities such as ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities. In addition, the park has easy hiking trails and several campgrounds that are accessible and convenient for families. The park’s visitor center has interactive exhibits that help children learn about the park and its natural environment.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park can be more challenging for families with young children. The park’s main attraction, the summit of Mount Haleakalā, is only accessible by car and requires a steep, winding drive. The park also has limited facilities for families, with only two campgrounds and limited ranger-led programs. However, the park does offer a scenic drive and several easy hikes that families can enjoy.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Great Basin National Park is a better choice for families with children. The park offers more kid-friendly activities and facilities, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors together.