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Accesses the halfway point of the Ka'u Desert Trail and 200-year-old fossilized footprints.


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Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.1

KM

Point to Point

3,042' 927 m

High

2,922' 891 m

Low

103' 31 m

Up

120' 37 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Description

From the pullout along the Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 11), the Footprints Trail traverses mostly level ground though various old lava flows. Along the way, stop off at the shelter and have a look at 200-year-old fossilized depressions made by ancient Hawaiians in volcanic mud ash. The prints featured in the shelter may no longer be the best preserved. Look nearby where the shifting sands have revealed other footprints. For more info on the history of the footprints and their discovery visit the park's website.

Continuing along to the southeast, the trail soon reaches the Ka'u Desert Trail at its approximate midpoint allowing for a bail-out option or a quicker way to reach the nearby Mauna Iki Trail to the northeast.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  2.0 from 1 vote

#44947

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  2.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#169

in Hawaii

#44,947

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3 Views Last Month
1,066 Since Mar 2, 2016
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Photos

Approaching the Ka'u Desert Trail- volcanic ash and A'a Lava. with permission from Andrew Stehlik
Mar 2, 2016 near Volcano, HI
Craters in the far distance - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Mar 2, 2016 near Volcano, HI
When it rains in volcanic desert ... with permission from Andrew Stehlik
Mar 2, 2016 near Volcano, HI

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