Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. While they are situated on opposite sides of the country and offer vastly different landscapes and experiences, they both offer fascinating glimpses into the natural world and the forces that shape it.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawai’i, is a truly awe-inspiring place. It is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and the park offers visitors the chance to witness the raw power of the earth as it continues to shape the island. Whether it’s hiking through lava fields or watching the glow of molten lava at night, this park is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, may not have the same fiery spectacle as its Hawaiian counterpart, but it is no less captivating. This park is a testament to the resilience of nature and the American spirit, as it is named after the 26th President of the United States, who was a passionate conservationist and helped lay the foundation for the National Park System. The park is home to rolling prairies, rugged badlands, and abundant wildlife, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the quiet beauty of the great American wilderness.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is famous for its active volcanoes and unique geological features. There are several hiking trails that range from easy walks to strenuous hikes, including:
– Kīlauea Iki Trail: This 4-mile round trip trail takes you through a volcanic crater and is considered to be an easy hike.
– Chain of Craters Road: This road offers scenic views of the park and is a great option for a leisurely hike.
– Mauna Loa Summit: This grueling 13-mile round trip hike takes you to the summit of the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, and is considered to be a strenuous hike.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, offers a completely different type of hiking experience. The park is home to rolling hills and prairies, as well as the Little Missouri River. Some popular hiking trails include:
– Wind Canyon Trail: This 2-mile round trip trail takes you through a scenic canyon and is considered to be an easy hike.
– Painted Canyon Trail: This 4-mile round trip hike takes you through a colorful canyon and is considered to be a moderate hike.
– Caprock Coulee Trail: This 5-mile round trip hike takes you through a deep coulee and is considered to be a strenuous hike.
In conclusion, both parks offer a variety of hiking experiences, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk or a challenging hike, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park 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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two vastly different parks with unique wildlife. In Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can expect to see endemic species such as the Hawaiian goose (nene), the Hawaiian hoary bat, and the Hawaiian honeycreeper. The park also has a diverse range of plant life, including native ohia forests, ferns, and rare Hawaiian lobelias. On the other hand, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of North Dakota and is home to a variety of mammals, including bison, pronghorns, and elk. In addition to these large mammals, the park is also a great place to spot birds of prey, such as the golden eagle and the ferruginous hawk. The park is also home to a variety of cacti and other desert plants, such as yucca and sagebrush.
Both parks offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, but the types of species that can be seen vary greatly. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park provides a chance to see endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, while Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a glimpse into the lives of prairie wildlife. Regardless of the type of wildlife you’re interested in, both parks are a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullsnake | |
| Racer | |
| Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Flathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Carp/European Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is famous for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can witness volcanic eruptions, steam vents, and walk through a lava-tube cave. The park also features the Thurston Lava Tube, the Jaggar Museum, and the Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs, which are ancient Hawaiian rock carvings.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is famous for its rolling prairies, badlands formations, and wildlife. Visitors can see bison, elk, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep in their natural habitats. The park also features several scenic drives, including the 36-mile Loop Road, which offers stunning views of the Little Missouri River and the surrounding landscape. The park also has several hiking trails, including the Wind Canyon Trail, which provides panoramic views of the Badlands.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park both offer unique outdoor experiences. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors love to explore the park’s active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. This park offers a variety of ways to experience volcanic activity, including hiking through volcanic craters and witnessing steam vents and lava flows. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the park’s geology, history and cultural significance.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of experience. This park is known for its diverse wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors love to go on scenic drives and take guided walks to see these animals in their natural habitat. Additionally, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also popular for its backcountry hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The park’s unique rock formations, such as the Painted Canyon, are also a big draw for visitors.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in experiencing volcanic activity or observing wildlife, these parks offer unique and memorable experiences.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of America’s most beautiful and unique natural landscapes. But these two parks are very different in terms of weather.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park is located at a high enough elevation to experience cooler temperatures, but it is still warm and humid. The best time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in the summer months, when temperatures are milder and there is less chance of rain.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is located in North Dakota and experiences extreme temperature fluctuations. Winters can be brutal with below-freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s and are often accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and wildlife is more active.
In conclusion, both Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer unique outdoor experiences, but they are very different in terms of weather. Visitors should consider the seasonal weather conditions when planning their trips to ensure they can fully enjoy the beauty of these parks at the best time of year.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, but each park has different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to being family-friendly.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great destination for families who are interested in learning about volcanoes and the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands. With its stunning volcanic landscapes and educational programs, children will be captivated by the beauty and science of this unique park. However, it should be noted that the park can be quite physically demanding, with long hikes and steep trails, so it may not be the best choice for families with young children or those who are looking for a more leisurely experience.
On the other hand, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an excellent choice for families who are looking for a more relaxed and accessible park experience. With its wide open spaces and gentle slopes, the park is perfect for picnicking, wildlife viewing, and short hikes. The park also features a number of ranger-led programs, including educational talks and nature walks, which are great for families with younger children. Additionally, the park is located in the heart of the Badlands, a unique and fascinating landscape that is sure to capture the imagination of visitors of all ages.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are great destinations for families, but each park has different strengths and weaknesses. If you’re traveling with children, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the better choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed and accessible park experience, while Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a better choice if you’re interested in learning about volcanoes and the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands.