Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most magnificent national parks in the United States. While both parks offer breathtaking views and unique experiences, they’re vastly different in terms of size, landscape, and activities.
Imagine standing on top of a 10,023-foot tall dormant volcano, overlooking a sea of clouds. That’s what you’ll find at Haleakalā National Park. This park is located in the island of Maui in Hawaii and is a popular destination for those seeking adventure and scenic beauty.
Now, imagine standing in the largest national park in the United States, where glaciers, peaks, and valleys stretch out before you as far as the eye can see. That’s what you’ll find at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska. This park is home to some of the tallest peaks in North America, as well as glaciers that are larger than the state of Rhode Island.
Which park is right for you? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska are two of the largest national parks in the United States. Both parks offer hikers a chance to explore the wilderness and enjoy breathtaking scenery.
Haleakalā National Park offers a variety of trails including the Sliding Sands trail which is a challenging hike through a volcanic landscape. Another popular trail is the Halemau’u trail, which is a bit easier and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its backcountry trails, including the challenging Root Glacier trail and the easier Tonsina River trail. The park is also home to several glaciers, including the Kennicott Glacier, which can be accessed via a strenuous hike.
Both parks offer a range of trails to suit different skill levels, from beginner to experienced hikers. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, both Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve have something to offer. So, if you are a fan of hiking and the great outdoors, these parks are definitely worth a visit.
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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is known for its unique and diverse wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species, such as the Hawaiian Goose and the Hawaiian Hawk, as well as several species of plants, including the Silversword plant, which is endemic to the park. In addition, visitors may also spot the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, which is the only native land mammal in Hawaii.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its abundant wildlife, including large mammals such as grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. Visitors to the park may also see several species of birds, including the bald eagle and the Steller’s Jay. In addition to its wildlife, the park is also home to a variety of plant species, including the bluejoint reedgrass, which is found in the wetland areas of the park.
Both Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, but each park has its own unique set of species. While Haleakalā focuses on endemic species, such as the Silversword plant and the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, Wrangell – St Elias is known for its abundance of large mammals, including grizzly bears and caribou. Regardless, both parks provide visitors with an unforgettable wildlife experience, making them must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Haleakalā National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Haleakalā National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | |
| Puma | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| Land Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Long-Tailed Vole | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole |
Amphibians
| Haleakalā National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Haleakalā National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Silvery Blue |
| Monarch Butterfly | Clouded Sulphur |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Haleakalā National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui and is known for its stunning landscapes and unique geological features. The park’s most famous sight is the massive Haleakalā Crater, a massive volcanic crater that spans over 7.5 miles and is over 2,000 feet deep. Visitors to the park can hike to the summit of the crater for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States. The park is home to several towering mountain ranges, including the Wrangell Mountains, which are among the oldest in the world. Visitors to the park can explore glaciers, ice fields, and alpine valleys, as well as historic mining sites and the birthplace of the Kennicott River. The park is also home to the Root Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Alaska, which is accessible by foot or by air.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike through the wilderness or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, both Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, both offer unique experiences for visitors. In Hawaii, people love to watch the sunrise from the summit of the Haleakalā volcano, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including the rainforest, desert, and subalpine regions, on horseback, by bike, or on foot.
On the other hand, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can go rafting and kayaking on the park’s glacial rivers, go fishing in the park’s many lakes and streams, and take guided tours to see the park’s glaciers and wildlife, including moose, caribou, and grizzly bears. Winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, are also popular.
Both parks offer a range of activities for different interests, but what sets them apart is their unique landscapes. While Haleakalā is known for its volcanic landscape, Wrangell – St Elias is known for its glaciers, mountains, and vast wilderness areas. Whichever park you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable experience filled with outdoor activities and stunning scenery.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks have unique weather patterns and it is important to understand these patterns when planning a visit.
Haleakalā National Park is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui and has a tropical climate. The park experiences warm temperatures year-round, with average summer temperatures ranging from 75 to 85°F and average winter temperatures ranging from 65 to 75°F. The park is relatively dry, receiving the majority of its rainfall in the winter months from November to April. This makes the summer months the best time to visit for clear and sunny weather, while winter visitors should be prepared for increased rainfall.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate. The park experiences long, cold winters with average temperatures ranging from 0 to 20°F and short, mild summers with average temperatures ranging from 40 to 60°F. The park receives the majority of its precipitation in the form of snow, with snowfall ranging from 200 to over 400 inches annually. The best time to visit Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, when the snow has melted and the weather is mild, making it easier to explore the park’s glaciers, mountains, and valleys.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is known for its stunning sunrise views and unique volcanic landscapes. With easy hiking trails and ranger-led programs, this park is a great option for families with kids. The park also offers a Junior Ranger Program, where children can earn a badge by completing activities and learning about the natural and cultural history of the park.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a vast wilderness area that offers a variety of outdoor activities for families. While the park is not as developed as Haleakalā, it is still a great option for families who love hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. With nine different campgrounds and a Junior Ranger Program, Wrangell – St. Elias is a great place for families to explore and learn about the natural and cultural history of Alaska.
Both parks offer unique experiences for families, but Haleakalā is probably the better option for those with younger children or those who prefer a more developed park with easier access to facilities and amenities. Wrangell – St. Elias is a great choice for families who enjoy a more rugged and adventurous experience. Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your interests, travel style, and the age of your children.