Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail

Descends from the 9,700-foot Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot into the volcano's crater on loose cinder, dropping almost 2,500 feet to the valley floor. The classic full-day route crosses the crater 11.2 miles to the Halemaʻuʻu Trailhead and requires a car shuttle; shorter out-and-backs to the first crater overlook are common. High-altitude wilderness where help may be hours away — the climb back out takes roughly twice as long as the descent.