If you’re looking for adventure, you won’t be disappointed with these two national parks. Haleakalā and Voyageurs both offer unique experiences that are sure to make your heart race.
Haleakalā, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is a stunning park with a massive volcanic crater at its heart. With its diverse landscape, ranging from barren volcanic deserts to lush tropical rainforests, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or simply take in the view, you won’t be disappointed.
Voyageurs, on the other hand, is a park located in northern Minnesota. With its numerous lakes and waterways, it offers a completely different experience from Haleakalā. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are just a few of the activities you can enjoy in this park. The night skies are also incredible, with stars so bright you’ll feel like you can reach out and touch them.
So which park is right for you? Read on to find out more about these two unique and amazing national parks.
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Each park offers a unique hiking experience, with different terrains and landscapes.
Haleakalā National Park is located in Maui, Hawaii, and is known for its volcanic landscapes. The park’s most popular hike is the Sliding Sands Trail, a challenging hike that takes you through a cinder desert and offers views of the volcanic crater. Another popular hike is the Halemau’u Trail, a strenuous hike that takes you through lush forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys. The park also offers easier hikes like the Pipiwai Trail, a 2-mile hike that takes you through a bamboo forest and leads to a waterfall.
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its network of interconnected waterways. The park’s most popular hike is the Kabetogama Peninsula, a moderate hike that takes you through forests and along the shores of Kabetogama Lake. Another popular hike is the Rainy Lake Hiking Trail, a challenging hike that takes you through dense forests and offers views of the surrounding lakes. The park also offers easier hikes like the Ash River Hiking Trail, a 2-mile hike that takes you along the Ash River and offers views of the surrounding wetlands.
Overall, both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging treks. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or a strenuous hike, Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park have something for everyone.
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 Voyageurs National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, each with its own unique wildlife.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species, including Hawaiian honeycreepers, nene geese, and pueo owls. The park is also home to a number of endemic plant species, such as the silversword and the Haleakalā silversword. Additionally, visitors may spot a Hawaiian hoary bat, the only native land mammal in Hawaii.
At Voyageurs National Park, the wildlife is a mix of both land and water species, including beavers, river otters, and moose. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 270 species of birds seen in the area. Some of the most commonly seen birds include the common loon, the merganser, and the bald eagle. There are also a variety of plant species in the park, including the northern boreal forest and the northern hardwoods forest.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, making them must-visit destinations for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re looking to spot rare bird species, witness the beauty of endemic plants, or observe the behavior of local mammals, both Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Haleakalā National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs National Park |
---|---|
House Mouse | Coyote |
Norway Rat | American Beaver |
Black Rat | Muskrat |
Domestic Cattle | Big Brown Bat |
Feral Hog | Bobcat |
Striped Skunk | |
Little Brown Bat | |
Deer Mouse | |
Raccoon | |
Black Bear | |
Porcupine | |
Silver-Haired Bat | |
Hoary Bat | |
Red Fox | |
Long-Tailed Weasel | |
House Mouse | |
Mountain Lion | |
Mink | |
Common Gray Fox | |
Plains Wolf | |
American Badger | |
Ermine | |
Snowshoe Hare | |
River Otter | |
Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
Haleakalā National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Wood Frog |
Insects
Haleakalā National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
---|---|
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
Cabbage White | |
Honey Bee |
Fish
Haleakalā National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | |
Longnose Sucker | |
Green Sunfish | |
Bluegill | |
Fathead Minnow | |
Golden Shiner | |
Lake Trout | |
Northern Pike | |
Ellpout | |
Mottled Sculpin | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Black Crappie | |
Black Bullhead | |
Creek Chub | |
Brown Bullhead | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique and stunning natural reserves in the United States. Haleakalā, located in Hawaii, is renowned for its towering volcanic mountain that rises 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The park’s panoramic vistas, including the sunrise and sunset views from the summit, are truly breathtaking.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its interconnected system of waterways, including four large lakes and countless smaller ones. Visitors can explore the park by boat and catch a glimpse of its diverse landscape, including forests, wetlands, and rocky shores. The park is also home to numerous hiking trails, including the popular Kabetogama Peninsula, which provides stunning views of the surrounding lakes and forests.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, from the towering mountain of Haleakalā to the lush waterways of Voyageurs. Whether you prefer to hike, boat, or simply take in the views, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression and provide a memorable experience for visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a wide variety of activities for visitors, but each has its own unique attractions.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, stargazing, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including endemic species such as the Hawaiian goose and the Hawaiian hoary bat. In addition, the park features several scenic drive routes, including the Road to Hana, which winds through lush rainforests and along rugged coastlines. Stargazing is also popular at Haleakalā, as the park’s high elevation and lack of light pollution provide ideal conditions for observing the night sky.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping. The park is located on the shores of four large lakes, and visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or motorboats to explore the park’s waterways. Fishing is also popular, with a variety of species available, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The park also offers a number of backcountry camping opportunities, allowing visitors to experience the wilderness up close.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors, from scenic drives and stargazing to boating and camping. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, and Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, offer vastly different seasonal weather experiences.
Haleakalā features a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 60-90°F throughout the year. However, the park’s high elevation can result in much cooler temperatures and occasional snow during the winter months. Summer months tend to be the driest, making it the best time to visit for those looking to hike and explore the park’s unique landscape.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snow and ice can persist through the spring, making many park roads and trails inaccessible. Summer months bring warmer temperatures and opportunities for water-based recreation, such as boating and fishing. Fall offers mild temperatures and stunning foliage, making it a popular time for scenic drives and camping.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Haleakalā National Park is during the summer months for hiking and exploring, while Voyageurs National Park is best visited in the summer for water-based recreation and in the fall for scenic drives and camping. Regardless of the season, both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences for visitors, but it’s important to plan ahead and consider the weather to make the most of your visit.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. If you’re traveling with children, both parks offer unique opportunities for exploration and learning.
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, as well as its scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife. The park offers educational programs for children, including ranger-led hikes and Junior Ranger programs. Additionally, the park’s scenic drives and easy hikes are perfect for families with young children.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is a water-based park that offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and camping. The park also has a Junior Ranger program and ranger-led activities, including guided boat tours and hiking trails. However, some areas of the park may not be accessible to families with young children, as some trails and waterways may be difficult to navigate.
Ultimately, both parks are family-friendly and offer unique experiences for families with children. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Haleakalā National Park may be the better choice, with its more accessible trails and educational programs. On the other hand, if your family is adventurous and enjoys water-based activities, Voyageurs National Park may be the perfect choice.