“Are you torn between visiting the stunning deserts of Nevada or exploring the fiery volcanic landscapes of Hawaii? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to compare two of the most unique national parks in the United States: Great Basin National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Get ready to be transported to the land of towering bristlecone pines, mysterious underground caves, and glittering starry skies at Great Basin National Park. But hold on, we’re not done yet! Next, we’ll be whisking you away to the land of active volcanic eruptions, steaming vents, and lush tropical rainforests at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
So pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to choose your next adventure as we delve into the differences and similarities of these two incredible parks. Which one will you choose?”
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Basin National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Each park has its own unique hiking trails, each with its own challenges and rewards.
Great Basin National Park is known for its challenging hiking trails, including the 13-mile Wheeler Peak Trail, which takes you to the summit of the second highest peak in Nevada. This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it is steep and rocky, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. For those looking for an easier hike, the Bristlecone Pine Trail is a gentle 1-mile loop that takes you through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the most unique and diverse hiking trails in the world. The Kilauea Iki Trail is a 4-mile hike that takes you through a volcanic crater filled with steam vents and bubbling lava. This hike can be challenging, but the views of the volcanic landscape are truly awe-inspiring. For those looking for an easier hike, the Devastation Trail is a 1.5-mile hike through a volcanic desert, showcasing the aftermath of a powerful eruption.
Both national parks offer a variety of hiking trails, from easy to challenging, allowing visitors to find the perfect hike for their level of experience. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Great Basin National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two parks that should not be missed.
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 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 Great Basin National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and contains a unique and diverse range of wildlife, including the iconic Bristlecone Pine, one of the world’s longest-living tree species. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, such as the pronghorn antelope and the mule deer, as well as a number of bird species, including the elegant Clark’s nutcracker and the majestic golden eagle.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to a unique and diverse range of endemic flora and fauna. Visitors to the park can expect to see a range of animals, including the Hawaiian goose, or Nene, as well as a variety of bird species, including the Hawaiian hawk and the endangered Hawaiian crow. The park is also home to a number of endemic plant species, such as the native ohia lehua tree and the striking silversword plant.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin 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
| Great Basin 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 | |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Monarch Butterfly | American Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Red Admiral |
| Red Admiral | Cabbage White |
| Mourningcloak | Honey Bee |
| 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is home to the ancient Bristlecone Pine forests, the oldest trees on earth, and the iconic 13,063-ft Wheeler Peak. Visitors can hike to the top of the peak for panoramic views or explore the Lehman Caves, filled with unique calcite formations.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its active Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Visitors can witness volcanic eruptions, steam vents, and walk through the cooled lava fields. The park also features the scenic Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, the Thurston Lava Tube, and the Kīlauea Iki Overlook, all showcasing the unique volcanic landscapes.
Both parks offer unique geological features and breathtaking landscapes, from the ancient Bristlecone Pine forests in Great Basin to the fiery volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes. Whether you’re a nature lover or a geology enthusiast, these parks are must-visits for their natural beauty and geological significance.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Basin National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but they differ in the types of activities that visitors enjoy.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors love to explore the Lehman Caves, which are a series of limestone caves that are home to a diverse array of formations and wildlife. Other popular activities include stargazing, as the park is one of the few designated Dark Sky Parks in the country and offers some of the best views of the night sky. Additionally, visitors enjoy hiking the trails and visiting the Bristlecone Pine Forest, which is home to the oldest trees in the world.
On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination for those who love to experience the power of nature. Visitors can witness the active Kilauea Volcano and the spectacular steam vents, as well as explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including rainforest, deserts, and coastal areas. Another popular activity is visiting the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, which offers a unique look at the geological and cultural history of the area.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer unique experiences and activities that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you are looking to explore the beauty of nature, learn about the history and geology of the area, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Basin National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique scenic beauty, but the seasonal weather patterns are very different.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and has a high desert climate. The park experiences hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making snow and ice common in the higher elevations. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking and camping.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawai’i and has a tropical climate. The park experiences warm, humid temperatures year-round, with occasional rainfall. The park is home to the active Kīlauea volcano, which can erupt at any time and has the potential to close the park to visitors. The best time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is in the dry season, from April to September, when the likelihood of rainfall is lower.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Basin National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both unique and offer unique experiences to visitors. While both parks are family-friendly, they differ in terms of what they offer to families traveling with children.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its stunning views of the stars and its beautiful hike trails. It is a great park for families who love to explore and experience nature. The park offers several campgrounds, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs that families can participate in. However, it may not be the best option for families with young children or those who are looking for more amenities, as the park is remote and has limited services.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is a must-visit for families who love to learn about volcanoes and the Hawaiian culture. The park offers a range of activities for families, including ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and opportunities to see the active Kilauea volcano. Additionally, the park is located near the city of Hilo, which offers a variety of restaurants, shopping, and other amenities for families.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are great options for families, but Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is likely the better choice for families with children due to the range of activities and amenities it offers.