Name: Byron Ledge Trail
Rating: 3.0

“Partake in grand caldera views from the eastern rim where forests offer welcome shade.”

— Megan W

Features Birding · Views

The section of Byron Ledge Trail crossing the Kilauea caldera is often closed. Check with park rangers for current conditions.

Runner Notes

More tree cover and shade here than most places in the park.

Description

Starting from the caldera rim just south of the Volcano House, the Byron Ledge Trail heads south through forested terrain. After an initial, short climb, the path stays atop the cliff on mostly level ground. Pass intersections with the Byron Ledge Spur Trail and the Kilauea Iki Spur Trail as they head east to explore the Kilauea Iki Crater.

The Byron Ledge Trail offers benches to rest on and great views of the vast steaming Kilauea cauldron. Learn about the native plants by reading the interpretive signs along the trail. Soon, you reach the junction of the Devastation to Byron Ledge Connector Trail that heads southeast.

After just over a mile of running the Byron Ledge Trail, the route normally makes an abrupt turn to the west and dips down into the crater, but for the past several years the trail has been closed beyond this point. If the trail is reopened, you'll cross the lava pooled in the bottom of the crater using lava rock cairns to navigate. Enjoy seeing the crazily contorted lava formations and interesting surface textures on display. The trail terminates at an intersection with the Halema'uma'u Trail.