The Sliding Sands trail heads into the caldera of Haleakala, the site of its original peak that eroded away. We just walked a very short distance to the first overlook which provides an expansive view of the scene down below. From this overlook, one can see the trail as it makes its way down to the caldera floor. Also visible from the trail, in the opposite direction, is the current highest point of Haleakala.