Haleakala Crater on Horseback
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Haleakala Crater on Horseback
My husband and I will only have on day to visit Haleakala Crater. We are going to do the sunrise thing and then either do a Zipline tour or the horseback riding. Has anyone done the horseback riding and would you recommend it?? If you do the horseback riding is that all we will have time for in a day and will we see enough of the crater?? Any help would be great. Thanks!
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 1st time there I did the horseback ride. The last 2(including our trip 2 weeks ago) we hiked into Haleakala instead. Personally, I enjoy the hiking much better for several reasons. The horseback riding trips start later in the morning (I forget, but around 9-10am). So, if you are up for the sunrise(which is done by 6am), then you'll have several hours to kill before the ride. The ride then lasts all day. Yes, it is beautiful and nice to go to the bottom; but it was a very long, hot day for us - not to mention, I am not accustomed to horseback riding, so 'certain areas' were sore for a day or 2 after the ride.
The last 2 trips we went up for the sunrise, snoozed in the car for about an hour afterwards, then changed into shorts and spent about 2 or so hours hiking down and up the Sliding Sands trail. It is definitely more strenuous this way, the scenery(in my opinion) is just as beautiful. Back to the car by 9:30-10am(or explore a few of the other trails in the area); then drive back down; eat brunch/lunch and have rest of afternoon to explore or go back to beach and lounge. We saw the zipline tour the other week on our way back down and thought about doing it, but changed our minds at the last minute.
If you enjoy hiking, then I think you'll enjoy that more than spending the whole day on horseback. In either case, the area is beautiful - enjoy!
The last 2 trips we went up for the sunrise, snoozed in the car for about an hour afterwards, then changed into shorts and spent about 2 or so hours hiking down and up the Sliding Sands trail. It is definitely more strenuous this way, the scenery(in my opinion) is just as beautiful. Back to the car by 9:30-10am(or explore a few of the other trails in the area); then drive back down; eat brunch/lunch and have rest of afternoon to explore or go back to beach and lounge. We saw the zipline tour the other week on our way back down and thought about doing it, but changed our minds at the last minute.
If you enjoy hiking, then I think you'll enjoy that more than spending the whole day on horseback. In either case, the area is beautiful - enjoy!
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're not used to horseback riding, go to a saddle shop before you leave and buy a "seat saver." This is a fleece (or gel) pad that goes over the saddle seat and cusions it. I am assuming you'll need a Western model for Hawaii.
#7
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry, don't mean to be ignorant. I assumed there would be trails for the ATV's to stay on...not running over vegatation or anything. And, I've never been on an ATV so, if there are other harmful aspects..I appreciate the education. What other options are there for exploring the crater?
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jackie
Mexico & Central America
4
Jan 11th, 2007 02:03 PM
Chris9
United States
7
Dec 12th, 2005 07:06 PM