Are you torn between visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park? Both parks offer unique landscapes, but which one is right for you? Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts towering peaks and scenic vistas, while Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park showcases the raw power of active volcanoes.
Take a virtual journey with us as we compare these two national parks and discover which one is the ultimate destination for your next adventure. From towering peaks to flowing lava, there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer to hike challenging trails or relax in natural hot springs, these parks have it all.
Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road, because by the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of which national park you should visit next. Will it be the rugged terrain of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, or the fiery landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park? The choice is yours, but we promise to make it an easy one!
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. The most popular trail is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, a 8.5-mile round trip hike to the highest point in Texas. This strenuous hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is suitable for experienced hikers. Another popular trail is the McKittrick Canyon Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip hike through a lush, tree-lined canyon. This hike is considered easy and is great for families and beginners.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its unique volcanic landscapes and offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors. The most popular trail is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile round trip hike through a lava-filled crater. This moderately strenuous hike offers visitors the opportunity to witness the park’s volcanic activity up close. Another popular trail is the Crater Rim Trail, a 11-mile loop hike along the rim of the park’s largest crater. This hike is considered strenuous and is suitable for experienced hikers.
In conclusion, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, there is a trail to suit your interests and abilities.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both unique and beautiful national parks filled with diverse wildlife. In Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including black bears, cougars, and mule deer. Additionally, the park is home to over 60 species of birds, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants, including agave, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to a number of unique and exotic animals, including the Hawaiian goose (nene) and the Hawaiian monk seal. The park is also home to numerous species of birds, including the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the Hawaiian owl. In addition to its diverse wildlife, the park is also home to a number of rare and endemic plants, including the Hawaiian silversword, which is only found on the slopes of the park’s volcanoes.
Both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in a unique and beautiful setting. Whether you’re interested in hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of these parks, there is something for everyone at these two national parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains 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 | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit |
Mammals
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| Big Brown Bat | Norway Rat |
| Bobcat | ‘Iole |
| Striped Skunk | Domestic Cattle |
| Deer Mouse | Feral Hog |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse | |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | |
| Bighorn Sheep | |
| White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Green Sunfish |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Night Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | Painted Lady |
| Painted Ladies | Monarch Butterfly |
| Monarch | American Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Red Admiral |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Cabbage White |
| Clouded Sulphur | Honey Bee |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas is known for its towering peaks, including the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which stands at 8,749 feet. The park features a diverse landscape with desert, canyons and mountain ranges, as well as unique formations such as the McKittrick Canyon, a lush riparian area known for its fall foliage. Visitors can hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak or take a scenic drive through the park to get a panoramic view of the vast wilderness.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii is a unique park centered around two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers incredible geological diversity, from the steaming vents of Halema’uma’u Crater to the towering cinder cones and lava fields. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the ongoing volcanic activity, hike through the lush rainforest to see steam vents, and explore the rugged, moon-like landscapes formed by the volcanic eruptions. With its diverse landscapes and geological features, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its scenic drives, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the McKittrick Canyon, which is famous for its fall colors, or take a scenic hike to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. Wildlife viewing is also popular in the park, with opportunities to see black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for its active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and unique geological formations. The park is home to the world-famous Kilauea Volcano, which visitors can observe from a safe distance. The park also offers a variety of scenic hikes, including the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes visitors through a volcanic crater, and the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a unique underground formation created by flowing lava. Additionally, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park and enjoy views of the lush rainforest and the ocean.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique and incredible experiences for visitors. When it comes to seasonal weather, however, these two parks are vastly different.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas, which is known for its hot and dry climate. The summer months can be brutally hot, with temperatures reaching well into the 90s and even into the low 100s. Winter months are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s. The best time of year to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is from late fall to early spring.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located in Hawaii and is known for its tropical climate. The park experiences warm temperatures year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s. The park can also experience heavy rains, especially during the winter months. The best time of year to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is drier and less humid.
When deciding between Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, it is important to consider the seasonal weather patterns and how they will affect your visit. Whether you prefer to escape the heat of the summer or explore the lush tropical rainforests, both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both beautiful and unique national parks, each offering its own special experiences for visitors. When it comes to visiting with children, both parks offer family-friendly activities, but there are some key differences to consider.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its scenic hikes and stunning vistas, making it a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature. There are several easy hikes suitable for children, as well as ranger-led activities and educational programs. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a fun way for kids to learn about the park and earn a badge.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging for families with young children. The park is home to active volcanoes, and the volcanic activity can make some of the trails and areas unsafe for children. However, the park offers several ranger-led programs and interactive exhibits, making it an excellent choice for families who are interested in learning about volcanoes and the unique geology of the area. In addition, the park has picnic areas and scenic drives, which are great for families who prefer a more leisurely experience.
Both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are great choices for families, but each offers a different type of experience. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature, while Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a better choice for families who are interested in learning about volcanoes and geology.