Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of America’s most unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Both parks offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave visitors breathless and in wonder. But, which one is the better destination for your next outdoor adventure?
On the one hand, you have the explosive power of an active volcano at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, and visitors can witness the fiery spectacle of molten lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean. The park also boasts lush tropical forests, towering shield volcanoes, and a diverse array of wildlife.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park offers a completely different experience. This park is home to one of the world’s largest and most colorful displays of petrified wood, as well as a remarkable collection of Native American artifacts and fossils. The park’s rolling hills and badlands provide a breathtaking backdrop to the ancient trees, making it a photographer’s paradise.
So, which park is the better destination for your next adventure? The answer is up to you and your personal interests! Whether you’re in search of an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon or a journey through Earth’s ancient past, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from volcanic craters to steam vents and lush rainforests. The Kīlauea Iki Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park and takes visitors through a volcanic crater, past steam vents and through a lush rainforest. This trail is considered easy to moderate and is suitable for families with children. The Crater Rim Trail is a challenging hike that takes visitors along the rim of Kīlauea Caldera and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique, colorful rock formations and petrified trees. The Giant Logs Trail is one of the easiest hikes in the park and takes visitors through a section of the park where they can see some of the largest petrified trees. The Blue Mesa Trail is a challenging hike that takes visitors through a remote section of the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to see some of the park’s most unique rock formations.
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 |
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two distinct and unique parks that offer visitors a glimpse into the diversity of wildlife in the United States. Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to a unique and diverse ecosystem. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of birds, including the Nene, Hawaii’s state bird, as well as several species of endemic honeycreepers. In addition, the park is home to a range of mammals, including the Hawaiian hoary bat, the only native land mammal in the Hawaiian Islands.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is well known for its petrified wood, but it also has a diverse array of wildlife. The park is home to several species of reptiles, including the Gila Monster and the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of birds, including the Greater Roadrunner and the Northern Goshawk. The park is also home to a range of mammals, including the pronghorn antelope and the Desert Bighorn Sheep. In addition, visitors may also see a variety of cacti and other desert plants, which are well adapted to the arid climate of the park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Canada Goose | Northern Harrier |
| Great Blue Heron | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Rock Pigeon | Osprey |
| House Sparrow | Tree Swallow |
| Northern Mockingbird | Mallard |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Canada Goose |
| Wild Turkey | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Barn Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Cattle Egret | American Robin |
| Sanderling | Great Horned Owl |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Chukar | Northern Flicker |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Merlin |
| Northern Cardinal | Barn Swallow |
| California Quail | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | Big Brown Bat |
| ‘Iole | 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
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most fascinating and unique parks in the world. It is home to the active Kīlauea volcano, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. Visitors can see the incredible power of nature as they witness the volcanic activity, including steam vents, lava flows, and the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which is a large, explosive volcanic vent. The park also offers breathtaking views of the Mauna Loa volcano, the largest shield volcano on earth.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is a fascinating landscape of ancient forests that have been turned to stone. The park is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. Visitors can see towering stone trees, as well as ancient fossils and rock formations. The park also offers incredible views of the Painted Desert, a vast, colorful landscape of layered rock formations, and breathtaking sunsets.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see some of the world’s most beautiful and unique natural wonders. Whether you’re interested in the raw power of volcanoes or the ancient beauty of petrified forests, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two vastly different parks with their own unique offerings. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can witness the power of nature as they hike through volcanic landscapes, witness the glow of molten lava at night, and learn about the geological processes that formed the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors can also visit the park’s museum, where they can learn about the cultural and historical significance of the park, including the Hawaiian religion, culture, and traditions.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park is known for its beautiful and colorful petrified wood, which is the result of fallen trees being fossilized over time. Visitors can hike or drive through the park, stopping at various overlooks to admire the petrified wood formations. The park also has a number of trails that lead visitors through the badlands, where they can see the colorful rock formations up close. Petrified Forest National Park is also home to several Native American ruins and petroglyphs, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the area long ago.
Overall, both parks offer unique experiences and activities that are sure to be enjoyable for different reasons. Whether you are interested in the geological wonders of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or the colorful petrified wood formations of Petrified Forest National Park, both parks are sure to be a highlight of any trip.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its dynamic and ever-changing volcanic landscapes. The park experiences a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit year-round, with higher humidity levels. The rainy season typically occurs from November to April, with the wettest months being December through March. This weather can make hiking and exploring the park’s backcountry challenging, but it also provides an opportunity to witness the park’s lush vegetation.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, experiences a much different climate. The park is situated in a desert environment, with hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making outdoor activities challenging during the hottest months of June through August. Winter temperatures are more moderate, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s, making it an ideal time to explore the park’s trails and backcountry.
When considering the best time to visit each park, it’s important to consider the weather and how it affects outdoor activities. For Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is drier and more comfortable for hiking and exploring. For Petrified Forest National Park, the best time to visit is from September to May, when temperatures are cooler and more tolerable for outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both iconic and family-friendly destinations. However, they have different offerings and experiences.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has a wide variety of trails for all ages and levels of difficulty, making it easier for families to find a hike that is suitable for everyone. The park is also home to several active volcanoes, which can be an exciting and educational experience for children. The park offers ranger-led programs and activities, including walks, talks, and campfire programs that can provide an interactive and educational experience for families.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, has a much drier climate, and its main attraction is the petrified wood scattered throughout the park. The park offers several trails, including a paved path through the Rainbow Forest, which is ideal for families with strollers or those who prefer a more leisurely pace. The park also has several ranger-led programs and activities, including walks, talks, and campfire programs, but they may not be as extensive as those offered at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Overall, both parks are family-friendly, but Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a more diverse and interactive experience, making it a better choice for families traveling with children.