The House Of The Sun
The news has recently been peppered with stories of vandalism and maintenance issues at some National Parks due to thousands of federal employees being furloughed. So, I want to highlight some of our nations most beautiful natural attractions and I need your feedback. One of my favorites and also one of the more geographically remote parks in the nation is Haleakala National Park.
Right Side of Crater View
Left Side of Crater View
Located in Hawaii, Haleakala is one of the ‘lesser known’ but moderately visited National Park's with barely 1 million visitors last year. The name Haleakala translates to "House of the Sun" and once you are there you realize the name is fitting. I had the opportunity to visit this park before I truly understood the history and importance of the National Parks Service. This was the first national park that I visited and quite honestly it was just a stop on a vacation excursion. I wasn't sure what to expect. Haleakala is actually a dormant Volcano who's peak is about 10,000 feet above sea level, with another 19,000 feet extending below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.
Haleakala Volcano Crater
Those heights and depths actually make this mountain top taller than Mt. Everest. If you measure from the base of the sea floor to the summit. However, access to this peak is much more accessible than Everest. The drive to the summit of the park is a beautiful scenic drive that takes you on a slow and deliberate accent above the clouds to a breathtaking view of the Volcano’s crater. The sunrises and stargazing are well worth the journey. If it's not on your bucket list I suggest you add Haleakala or “The House of the Sun” to your list.
"..In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of it’s warmth. Psalms 19:4-6
Keep it in the road! Not much room for error.
In 1872 Congress established Yellowstone National Park in the Territories of Montana and Wyoming. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service, a new federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for protecting the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the department and those yet to be established. In the last couple of years we have seen less importance placed on preserving the environment and it's natural resources by some political leaders. Fortunately there are many organizations and individuals who still treasure these resources and are fighting to keep them preserved and protected.
SilverSword: Haleakala Endemic and Endangered Plant
Haleakala High Altitude Observatory
Haleakala National Park Visitors
Millions of people each year visit National Parks. The most visited is The Great Smokey Mountains National Park with over 11 million visitors in 2018. This is more than the next two most visited parks combined, the Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks. Some national parks don't get much love. Like Gates of the Arctic in Alaska. Alaska has three of the top four least visited national parks mostly due to their remoteness. Sounds like an adventure awaits!
Road to the Summit
Here is where I need your help. Which National Park is your hidden gem? Or, what is the National Park that you most want to visit? Please share by leaving a comment below.
On Top of the World? What’s your park? Let me hear from you.
