Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most captivating and unique parks in the United States. With their breathtaking landscapes and diverse offerings, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these parks have something for everyone.
As you read this article, you’ll discover that Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a desert oasis with towering sand dunes and stunning mountain vistas. Meanwhile, Haleakalā National Park is a tropical paradise with lush forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and an active volcano. Both of these parks are truly one-of-a-kind and offer experiences that are unlike anything else in the world.
So, if you’re looking for a chance to escape reality and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, then get ready to compare and contrast these two amazing parks. Whether you choose to visit one or both, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are both unique hiking destinations with their own set of trails, landscapes and challenges. The Great Sand Dunes offer several easy hikes, such as the Dunes Overlook trail which leads to panoramic views of the dunes and the surrounding mountains. On the other hand, the Star Dune hike is a strenuous, 7.5-mile round trip hike to the tallest dune in the park.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, offers a different kind of hiking experience. The easiest hike is the Sliding Sands trail, a 2.6-mile round trip hike that leads through a colorful volcanic landscape. For a more challenging hike, the Halemau’u trail is a 8.5-mile round trip hike to the summit of the dormant volcano, offering breathtaking views of the island and the Pacific Ocean.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous, full-day adventures. No matter what your hiking level is, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Dune Trail | 4828.02 | 191.7192 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mosca Pass Trail | 10299.776 | 444.7032 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dunes Trail from Pinyon Flats | 7242.03 | 290.7792 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Sand Dunes Loop Trail | 8046.7 | 225.8568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 11909.116 | 598.932 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 12713.786 | 697.992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 804.67 | 26.8224 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 2414.01 | 80.772 | Moderate | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 40394.434 | 1079.9064 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 2896.812 | 47.8536 | Easy | 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 Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two unique parks with diverse wildlife. The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is best known for its towering sand dunes that can reach heights of up to 750 feet. In terms of wildlife, visitors can expect to see pronghorns, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the American kestrel, the black-billed magpie, and the raven.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is known for its diverse landscapes, which include volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and high-altitude deserts. The park is home to a unique array of wildlife, including the endemic nēnē goose, as well as the Hawaiian hawk, the Hawaiian petrel, and the Hawaiian goose. Additionally, visitors can expect to see a variety of plant species, including the native ōhia lehua tree and the Hawaiian hibiscus.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience unique and diverse wildlife, but each park has its own unique set of species and landscapes. Whether you are interested in bird-watching, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of these parks, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are both worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | 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 Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | 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 | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Bat | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | |
| German Brown Trout | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is known for the large sand dunes that stretch across the park, with the tallest dune reaching up to 750 feet. The park is located in Colorado and covers over 44,000 acres of land. The dunes were formed by wind and water erosion which has created a unique and beautiful landscape for visitors to enjoy.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui and is famous for its towering shield volcano. The park covers over 30,000 acres and features a diverse range of landscapes including a volcanic crater, towering cinder cones, and lush rainforests. The park is also home to numerous hiking trails, including the popular Sliding Sands Trail, which takes visitors to the summit of the volcano for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are interested in exploring sand dunes, a volcanic crater, or lush rainforests, these parks have something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a nature getaway, these two parks are definitely worth considering.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique range of recreational activities and are loved by visitors for different reasons. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is famous for its towering sand dunes, which visitors can hike and even sandboard on. In addition, the park has numerous trails for hiking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. The park is also home to several streams and lakes, where visitors can go fishing, boating, and kayaking.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is well known for its stunning views and unique landscape. The park offers scenic drives, stargazing, and hiking. Visitors can hike to the summit of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano, and enjoy panoramic views of Maui and the Pacific Ocean. The park also has several trails that lead to unique geological formations, such as the famous “silversword” plant and the colorful “crater” landscape. Additionally, the park is a popular destination for birdwatching, as it is home to several endemic species.
Both parks offer a range of recreational activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to boating and stargazing. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or just looking for a peaceful escape, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakala National Park are two beautiful and unique national parks located in Colorado and Hawaii, respectively. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience unique and breathtaking landscapes, but the weather in each park can be vastly different depending on the time of year.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado, and the weather in the summer months can be hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. The winter months can be cold and snowy, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. The best time to visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded.
In contrast, Haleakala National Park is located in Maui, Hawaii, and the weather there is much milder year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. The park is also known for its high level of rainfall, with the majority of rainfall occurring between November and April. The best time to visit Haleakala National Park is during the dry summer months, from May to October, when the weather is sunny and clear, making it easier to explore the park’s many hiking trails and scenic views.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park offer visitors unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather in each park can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Visitors should consider the seasonal weather patterns when planning their trip to either of these national parks.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both are great options for families with kids, but each park offers different experiences.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a perfect destination for families with young children. The park offers a variety of activities for kids, including sand sledding, hiking and playing in the sand. The park also has a Junior Ranger program, which is a great way for kids to learn about the unique ecosystem of the park. Additionally, the park is located in a remote area, making it a great place for families to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy nature.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is better suited for families with older children. The park is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and offers stunning views of the volcanic landscape. While kids will certainly enjoy the beauty of the park, the strenuous hikes and challenging terrain make it more difficult for younger children to explore. However, older kids will love the opportunities to hike and explore the park’s unique ecosystem.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are great options for families, but each park offers different experiences. If you’re traveling with young children, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is the better choice, while families with older children will enjoy the challenges and beauty of Haleakalā National Park.