Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. These parks are both known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich geological history, but they couldn’t be more different from each other. In this article, we’ll compare these two national parks head-to-head and see which one is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
At the heart of Haleakalā National Park is the massive shield volcano that dominates the island of Maui. This towering peak offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as a chance to see rare and exotic plant and animal species. Meanwhile, Petrified Forest National Park is a completely different kind of landscape, featuring a landscape of ancient trees turned to stone, along with stunning badlands and vibrant desert landscapes.
So, which park is the best choice for your next adventure? Is it the towering peaks of Haleakalā or the ancient wonders of Petrified Forest? In this article, we’ll explore the unique features of each park, and help you make an informed decision on which one to visit next. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this article is a must-read for anyone looking to experience the best that nature has to offer.
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique parks that offer different landscapes and hiking experiences. While Haleakalā is known for its volcanic landscapes, Petrified Forest is famous for its petrified trees and colorful rock formations.
The hiking trails at Haleakalā range from easy, short walks to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes at Haleakalā include the Sliding Sands and Halemau’u trails, both of which offer great views of the park’s unique landscapes while being relatively short and easy to navigate. On the other hand, the toughest hike at Haleakalā is the journey to the summit of the volcano, which requires an overnight backpacking trip and a difficult ascent to the summit.
Petrified Forest National Park also offers a range of hiking options, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Giant Logs Trail and the Crystal Forest Trail, both of which are relatively short and offer great views of the park’s petrified trees. The toughest hike at Petrified Forest is the Blue Mesa Trail, which takes hikers through a remote area of the park and requires a full day to complete.
Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, both Haleakalā and Petrified Forest National Parks offer unique and diverse hiking opportunities for visitors.
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 Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both popular destinations for nature enthusiasts. Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, but differ in the types of species visitors can expect to see.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors can spot endangered species such as the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian petrel, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. The park is also home to a wide variety of native plants, including the silversword, a type of sunflower that is unique to the Hawaiian islands. In addition, visitors may also see feral goats, mouflon sheep, and axis deer.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park is a hot spot for fossil discoveries and is known for its petrified wood, hence the name of the park. Here, visitors can see a variety of wildlife including pronghorns, prairie dogs, and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to a large number of bird species, including the greater roadrunner, the western meadowlark, and the western kingbird. Petrified Forest National Park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including the Apache plume, the New Mexico locust, and the big sagebrush.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, but differ in the types of species visitors can expect to see. Whether you’re interested in observing rare and endangered species or exploring the rich history of petrified wood, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Haleakalā National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Haleakalā National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Rat | Bobcat |
| Domestic Cattle | Striped Skunk |
| Feral Hog | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse |
Amphibians
| Haleakalā National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Haleakalā National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Reptiles
| Haleakalā National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Haleakalā National Park, located in Maui, Hawaii, is known for its magnificent sunrise and sunset views from the summit of the 10,023-foot dormant volcano. The park encompasses over 33,000 acres and includes a unique landscape of volcanic craters, cinder cones, and diverse plant life found nowhere else on earth. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views or take a scenic drive to one of the many overlooks.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. The park spans over 93,500 acres and contains a vast landscape of rolling hills, badlands, and canyons. The park is also home to Native American petroglyphs, as well as the Painted Desert, a colorful landscape of layered rock formations.
Both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Whether you are looking for breathtaking views or unique geological formations, both Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique and popular National Parks located in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but each park has its own set of unique experiences.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors are drawn to the stunning sunrise and sunset views from the summit of the park’s dormant volcano. Additionally, visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystem, with trails ranging from easy, scenic walks to challenging, off-trail hikes. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including stargazing, birdwatching, and cultural demonstrations.
At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can witness one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. The park also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 13,000 years. The park offers scenic drives, self-guided trails, and ranger-led programs, including talks on the park’s geology and cultural history. Additionally, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park’s Painted Desert to see the colorful, layered rock formations.
Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors, with each park offering its own unique set of activities and experiences. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, both Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Haleakalā National Park is situated in Maui, Hawaii, and Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona. The seasonal weather at both parks is vastly different, with Hawaii experiencing warm temperatures year-round and Arizona having a more extreme temperature swing.
At Haleakalā, temperatures typically range from the high 60s to low 80s, with the warmest months being from June to September. Despite the warm temperatures, it is important to note that the summit of Haleakalā can get quite chilly, particularly during the early morning hours. Visitors should pack layers to accommodate for the change in temperature.
At Petrified Forest National Park, temperatures range from the high 40s to high 80s, with the warmest months being from June to August. During the winter months, temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it important for visitors to pack warm clothing. The park also experiences monsoon season from July to September, which can bring flash floods and thunderstorms to the area.
The best time of year to visit each park depends on the type of experience you are looking for. For those interested in experiencing the unique landscape and wildlife of Haleakalā, the warm months of June to September are the best time to visit. For those looking to experience Petrified Forest National Park in its full glory, the best time to visit is from May to September, when temperatures are more moderate and the monsoon season has not yet started.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Haleakalā National Park on Maui, Hawaii and Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona are both popular tourist attractions in the United States, but they have different offerings for families traveling with children.
Haleakalā National Park is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and camping. With guided ranger programs and a junior ranger program, families can learn about the park’s unique geology and history. However, the park is at a high elevation and some trails can be strenuous, making it less suitable for young children.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park is a great choice for families with young children. The park features scenic drives, short hikes, and educational ranger programs for families to learn about the park’s geology, paleontology, and Native American history. Additionally, park staff provide activity books for children and a Junior Ranger program, encouraging them to explore and learn about the park in a fun, interactive way. The park’s well-maintained trails and visitor center make it a convenient and accessible option for families.
In conclusion, Petrified Forest National Park is more family-friendly than Haleakalā National Park. The park’s accessibility, educational opportunities, and interactive programs make it a great choice for families traveling with young children.