Trail of the Week: Crater Rim Trail, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A chance to run around an active volcano.
Our Trail of the Week feature is made possible through a partnership with Trail Run Project.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is unlike any place in the United States—and its main attraction is Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world that has been continuously erupting since Jan. 3, 1983.
One of the coolest trails within the park circles Kilauea’s summit caldera. The 11.3-mile route has everything a trail runner will love—lots of climbing, amazing plant life, one-of-a-kind scenery, steam vents, both desert and rainforest, and animal life including birds and insects. It is a challenging route considering the terrain and unpredictable weather, but one you will never forget.
Before you plan a trip and a trek, make sure to check the National Park Service—sections of the trail are sometimes closed due to volcanic eruptions.
RELATED: An Epic Escape: Trail Running in Kauai
The Data
Miles: 11.3
Runnable: 98 percent
Average Grade: 2 percent
Max Grade: 12 percent
Total Ascent: 698 feet
Total Descent: -701 feet
Highest Elevation: 4,085 feet
For a closer look, check out the interactive map, data, photos and virtual run simulator courtesy of Trail Run Project: