My wife and I recently returned from a backpacking trip in the spectacular and somewhat otherworldly environment of Haleakala National Park. This photo captures the start of our first day backpacking, heading to the far side and our campsite at Paliku. We were seeking to truly unplug on this trip, and this wonderful park provided the needed quiet and depth of experience. What a unique spectrum of environments and life forms in this place! Every journey we’ve had through a beautiful and unique place on planet Earth, afforded by our National Park system, has brought wonder, joy, and richness to life. We are grateful.
Sincerely,
Haleakalā National Park
This park protects a portion of the dormant 10,000-foot-tall shield volcano that makes up most of the island of Maui, including a 2-mile-wide crater at the volcano's summit.
State(s): Hawaii
Established: 1916
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