The erosional valley above the clouds.
Rocky, volcanic landscape.
Solitude on the trail early in the day.
There is minimal vegetation high in the erosional valley.
Plant life becomes more abundant at lower elevations.
The colorful ancient lava flows.
View of the eroded valley floor.
A small patch of silversword ('āhinahina) plants. Silversword is a rare native Hawaiian plant only seen in Haleakalā National Park that is known as 'Āhinahina, or "very grey."
View of the closed trail to Ka Lu'u o ka 'Ō'ō cinder cone.
There are many vistas and plateaus along the trail.
There are many unofficial boot paths off of the main trail that should not be used.
Silversword plants below Haupa'akea peak.
A thick patch of silverswords with dead stalks along the trail.
The view up the trail from mid-way down to the erosional valley floor.
View of the switchbacks on the Sliding Sands Trail descending into the valley.
Multi-colored ancient lava flows.
Descending into the valley as the clouds move in and out.
The trail continues east through the valley floor.
View of Hanakauhi summit on the northeast rim of the valley.
View of the eastern rim of the valley.
The trail heading northeast from the junction to the Halemaui'u Trail.
The Sliding Sands Trail continues east and connects with many other trails that cross the valley.
View of the old cinder cones and ancient lava flows.
The well-traveled Sliding Sands Trail.
Panoramic view from the top of the trail.