Are you ready to embark on an epic adventure, comparing two of America’s most stunning national parks? Imagine yourself surrounded by towering mountains, pristine forests, and erupting volcanoes, all while being in two different parts of the country. That’s right, we’re talking about the majestic Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the rugged Rocky Mountain National Park. These two parks are unique in their own way and offer a diverse range of activities and scenic views.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, and the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, visitors can witness the power of nature up close and personal. The park also offers a chance to immerse in Hawaiian culture, with opportunities to visit ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, hike through lush rainforests, and watch the sunrise from the summit of Mauna Kea, one of the world’s largest astronomical observatories.
On the other side of the country, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts over 415 square miles of breathtaking mountain scenery. With scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities, visitors can experience the beauty of the Rockies in all its glory. The park is also home to over 60 peaks that reach over 12,000 feet, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to take your breath away.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two iconic parks in the United States that are known for their diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, each with their own unique features. Here’s a comparison of the hiking trails at these two national parks.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to an active volcano, Kīlauea, which offers visitors the chance to hike through a unique volcanic landscape. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Kīlauea Iki trail, a 4-mile loop that takes hikers through a volcanic crater and past steam vents. On the other hand, the hardest hike in the park is the Mauna Loa trail, a strenuous 13-mile trek that takes you to the summit of the massive shield volcano.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering peaks and alpine scenery. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Bear Lake trail, a short and flat hike around a stunning mountain lake. For a more challenging hike, visitors can attempt the Keyhole Route on Longs Peak, a strenuous 14-mile hike that takes you to the summit of the 14,259-foot peak.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike to enjoy scenic views or a strenuous trek to challenge your skills, both parks have something to offer.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While they are vastly different in terms of location and climate, both are known for their diverse wildlife.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can see a variety of endemic species, including the Hawaiian goose and Hawaiian hawk, as well as the Hawaiian hoary bat, which is the only native land mammal in the state. Additionally, the park is home to many species of endemic plants, including ferns, ohia lehua trees, and Hawaiian hibiscus.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide variety of mammals, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, as well as numerous bird species, such as the peregrine falcon and the American dipper. Visitors may also spot a variety of plant species, including aspen trees and wildflowers like columbine.
Both parks offer unique and memorable wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether exploring the lush forests and volcanic landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or the rugged peaks and alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors are sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | 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 | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Orange Sulphur |
| Monarch Butterfly | Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Monarch |
| Red Admiral | American Lady |
| Cabbage White | Red Admiral |
| Honey Bee | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Western Longnose Sucker | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is one of the most famous national parks in the United States. The park is home to two activevolcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which offer visitors an opportunity to see the raw power of nature. The Kilauea Caldera, a large crater, is a popular destination for visitors, as well as the Halema’uma’u Crater, which is known for its glowing red lava lake. The park also boasts scenic drives, such as the Crater Rim Drive, which provides stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscapes.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is famous for its majestic mountain ranges and abundant wildlife. The park is home to over 60 peaks above 12,000 feet, including Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain. Visitors can take scenic drives, such as the Trail Ridge Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s mountain ranges and alpine tundra. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, which can be seen throughout the park. The park’s many waterfalls, including Alberta Falls and Ouzel Falls, are also popular attractions for visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While they are both well-known for their scenic beauty, they offer very different experiences to visitors.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is famous for its active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which are accessible for visitors to explore. People can hike through the volcanic landscapes, witness steam vents, and even explore the park’s lava tubes. At night, visitors can attend ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s geology and watch the stars.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. The park is known for its towering peaks, rushing rivers, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can hike, backpack, and even go horseback riding through the park’s diverse landscapes. Fishing and scenic drives, such as the Trail Ridge Road, are also popular activities.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique experiences and are popular for different reasons. Whether you are interested in exploring active volcanoes or experiencing the beauty of the mountains, both parks are worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two iconic national parks that offer vastly different outdoor experiences. Both parks experience seasonal weather patterns, which can greatly impact when is the best time to visit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located in the tropical climate of the Hawaiian Islands and experiences warm temperatures year-round, with an average high of 80°F. The park is rainy during the winter months, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in December and January. However, the summer months of June through August are typically dry, making them the best time to visit.
In contrast, Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the high-elevation of the Rocky Mountains and experiences a more varied seasonal weather pattern. The summer months are warm and mild, with average high temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s. Winter is cold and snowy, with average low temperatures frequently dipping below freezing. Snow can linger into the spring months, making it difficult to access many park roads and trails. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the summer or early fall months, when the weather is mild and the snow has melted.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather patterns of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park have a significant impact on when is the best time to visit. While both parks offer unique outdoor experiences, it is important to consider the time of year and the weather conditions before planning a trip.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both popular destinations for families, but each park offers a unique experience for families with children.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a haven for families who love nature and adventure. With its diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to deserts, there are many opportunities for families to explore and learn about the unique volcanic environment. Children can also participate in ranger-led activities, like visiting the Kilauea Visitors Center or taking the Crater Rim Drive.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is a family-friendly destination for families who enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife watching. With its stunning mountain views, families can take a drive on the famous Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America. Children can also participate in ranger-led programs, such as Junior Ranger activities, and explore the park’s diverse habitats, including subalpine forests, alpine tundra, and even glaciers.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are excellent choices for families with children. However, if you’re looking for a unique nature experience, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a picturesque mountain experience, Rocky Mountain National Park is the way to go.