Are you torn between two breathtaking National Parks for your next adventure? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take a deep dive comparison of Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. From the towering volcanic peaks of Haleakalā to the serene glacial lakes of Lake Clark, both parks offer a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
But which park is right for you? Do you want to stand atop a towering 10,000-foot summit for sunrise, or do you prefer to fish for salmon in one of Alaska’s most pristine rivers? Or maybe you want to do both! Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you make a decision. We’ll look at the top attractions, scenic drives, and outdoor activities, as well as the best times to visit and tips for making the most of your time in either park. So pack your bags and get ready for an epic comparison of two of America’s most beautiful National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park is a popular destination for visitors who are looking for a unique hiking experience in Hawaii. It features a diverse landscape of volcanic terrain, including craters, forests and scenic vistas. The park’s most popular trail is the Sliding Sands Trail, a steep hike that descends into the crater and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Another easy hike is the Pipiwai Trail, which is a four-mile round trip hike that leads to a waterfall and a bamboo forest.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Tanalian Falls trail, a 6-mile round trip hike that leads to a waterfall and offers views of the surrounding wilderness. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Twin Lakes trail is a strenuous 16-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to two stunning alpine lakes.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Whether you are looking for an easy hike or a challenging trek, both parks have something to offer. With its diverse landscape and scenic vistas, Haleakalā National Park is a great place for those who want to explore the beauty of volcanic terrain. Meanwhile, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a great destination for those who want to experience the stunning natural beauty of Alaska.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.7 |
Wildlife in Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui, in Hawaii, and is known for its unique wildlife, including the endangered Hawaiian goose (nēnē), the Hawaiian hoary bat, and the Hawaiian petrel. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant species, including the native silversword plant.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and marine mammals such as seals and sea lions. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle and the common loon. In addition to its wildlife, Lake Clark is also known for its spectacular glaciers and stunning views of the Alaska Range.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to observe unique wildlife in their natural habitats, but the types of wildlife found in each park are quite different. Haleakalā is known for its unique Hawaiian species, while Lake Clark is known for its diverse range of mammals and birds, as well as its glaciers and stunning views of the Alaska Range. Whether you’re interested in observing rare endemic species or getting up close and personal with Alaska’s iconic wildlife, both Haleakalā and Lake Clark offer a one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing experience that is sure to be unforgettable.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Haleakalā National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Rock Pigeon | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| House Sparrow | Osprey |
| Northern Mockingbird | Tree Swallow |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Mallard |
| Barn Owl | Canada Goose |
| Cattle Egret | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Chukar | American Robin |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Cardinal | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| California Quail | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit |
Mammals
| Haleakalā National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| Black Rat | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Little Brown Bat |
| Feral Hog | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| Northern River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Brown Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Amphibians
| Haleakalā National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Haleakalā National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Haleakalā National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii is famous for its massive dormant volcano. The landscape of the park is diverse and ranges from lush green rainforests to barren volcanic deserts. Visitors can hike to the summit of the volcano for panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another popular attraction is the scenic drive to the summit, which offers stunning views of the crater and its unique landscape.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska is known for its stunning scenic vistas and abundant wildlife. The park boasts glaciers, alpine tundra, and sparkling lakes and rivers. Visitors can witness the beauty of the park by hiking, fishing, or taking a scenic boat tour. One of the most popular attractions is the Brooks River, which is home to a large population of brown bears that can be observed fishing for salmon. Another must-see attraction is the stunning views of the Chigmit Mountains, which can be seen from various overlooks within the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but there are some key differences between the two.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors can go stargazing at the summit of the 10,023-foot tall volcanic crater. This is a popular activity, especially at night when the sky is clear. Visitors can also go on scenic drives, wildlife watching, and participate in ranger-led programs.
At Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, visitors can go fishing, boating, and kayaking in the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Clark. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity here, as visitors can see brown bears, caribou, and moose. Additionally, visitors can take scenic flights over the park to see the stunning glaciers and mountains from above.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors and are popular for different reasons. However, for those who love outdoor recreation and adventure, both parks are well worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two unique and distinct destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a range of activities and breathtaking scenery, but the seasonal weather can vary greatly between the two.
Haleakalā, located in Hawaii, is known for its warm and sunny weather, with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F year-round. The best time to visit is during the drier months of June to September, when visitors can enjoy clear skies and low humidity. On the other hand, visitors should be prepared for unpredictable rain showers during the rest of the year.
In contrast, Lake Clark in Alaska experiences much colder and wetter weather, with temperatures ranging from 30-50°F and heavy rainfall throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to August, when visitors can enjoy long days and relatively dry weather. Winter months are characterized by strong winds and snow, making it difficult for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the weather at both Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve plays a major role in determining the best time to visit. While Haleakalā is best visited during the dry months, Lake Clark is best visited during the summer months when the weather is relatively mild.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park, located in Maui, Hawaii, is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets over the massive volcanic crater. It also offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, that allow visitors to explore the unique landscape. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, the park can be a bit challenging for younger children as some of the trails are steep and rocky. Additionally, the high elevation of the park may make it difficult for some families to acclimate.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including fishing, boat tours, and bear viewing. The park has several easily accessible trails, as well as guided boat tours that allow families to get up close and personal with the park’s stunning glaciers, wildlife, and glaciers. Children of all ages will love exploring the park’s diverse ecosystem and learning about the Alaskan wilderness.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with kids, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a great choice as it offers a variety of family-friendly activities and is more accessible to younger children. However, if you’re looking for a unique and breathtaking experience, then Haleakalā National Park is worth considering, even if it may be a bit challenging for some families.