The Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most iconic and breathtaking national parks in the United States. While they may seem like they couldn’t be more different, they both offer visitors the chance to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature.
For those looking for a city escape, the Gateway Arch provides a unique urban park experience in the heart of St. Louis. The 630-foot stainless steel Arch is not only a symbol of the city, but it also offers incredible panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding area.
On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and are home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world. The parks boast a variety of landscapes, from rolling hills to soaring peaks, and offer visitors the chance to hike, camp and explore.
So, whether you’re a city slicker or a mountain climber, both of these parks have something to offer. In our article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting these two unique national parks and helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two popular national parks in the U.S. offering unique hiking experiences. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers several trails along the Mississippi River and in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. The park is known for its easy hikes, including the Riverfront Trail, which offers scenic views of the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, offer a wider range of hiking options with varying levels of difficulty. The parks are home to the largest trees in the world, the giant sequoias, and offer several trails to explore them. Some of the easiest hikes include the Congress Trail, which takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias, and the Big Trees Trail, which is a short, accessible trail that provides an up-close look at these magnificent trees.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer several strenuous trails, including the High Sierra Trail, which takes visitors through the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the Rae Lakes Loop, which is a strenuous 41-mile hike that passes through some of the most scenic areas of the park.
Regardless of the park you choose, both Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a unique and unforgettable hiking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, both parks offer trails that are sure to exceed your expectations.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is home to the famous Gateway Arch. It is a popular place for visitors to explore and learn about the history of the area. The park features a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits. There are also several species of birds that can be seen, including blue jays, cardinals, and woodpeckers.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are known for their stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The parks are home to a variety of mammals, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. Visitors can also see a wide range of bird species, such as the California Condor, Woodpeckers and Hummingbirds. The parks are also home to a diverse range of plants, including giant sequoias, redwoods, and wildflowers.
Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors, but Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have a greater variety of wildlife compared to Gateway Arch National Park. Visitors who are interested in seeing a wider range of animals and plants are more likely to find what they are looking for in Sequoia & Kings Canyon. Additionally, the stunning landscapes in these parks make them a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Gateway Arch National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
Osprey | Osprey |
Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
Mallard | Mallard |
Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
American Robin | American Robin |
Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
Merlin | Merlin |
Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
American Pipit | European Starling |
Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
Hairy Woodpecker | Green-Winged Teal |
Red-Breasted Nuthatch | American Pipit |
Mammals
Gateway Arch National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
Porcupine | Bobcat |
Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
Mink | Little Brown Bat |
Wolf | Deer Mouse |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
Varying Hare | Black Bear |
River Otter | Porcupine |
Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
Montane Shrew | Red Fox |
Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Wolverine | House Mouse |
American Marten | Mountain Lion |
Grizzly Bear | Mink |
Meadow Vole | Mule Deer |
Moose | Gray Fox |
Least Weasel | Wolf |
Pygmy Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
Northern Bog Lemming | Long-Eared Myotis |
Badger | |
Ermine |
Fish
Gateway Arch National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
Lake Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
Eelpout | Green Sunfish |
King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
Slimy Sculpin | European Carp |
Chum Salmon | Black Bullhead |
Dolly Varden | Brown Bullhead |
Arctic Grayling | Goldfish |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Gateway Arch National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
Gateway Arch National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Racer | |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Common Kingsnake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Nightsnake | |
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the famous 630-foot stainless steel Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the US. This iconic arch is a symbol of American westward expansion and is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline, and visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the region.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, is a natural wonderland filled with towering trees, stunning mountain ranges, and breathtaking valleys. The parks are home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on the planet, and the Giant Forest, a group of towering sequoias that will leave visitors in awe. The parks offer a variety of scenic drives and hikes, including the stunning Moro Rock, a massive granite dome that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors. While Gateway Arch National Park is a symbol of American history and innovation, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a glimpse into the raw beauty of nature and the power of the earth’s natural wonders. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply want to experience something new, these parks are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, offer vastly different experiences for visitors. Gateway Arch National Park is a city park, offering urban amenities and easy accessibility, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are remote wilderness areas.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can take a tram to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch for panoramic views of the city, take a guided tour of the Old Courthouse, and explore the Museum of Westward Expansion. The park also offers riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River and bike rentals.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, offer a more rugged and natural experience. Visitors can drive through the park to admire the towering sequoia trees, hike to stunning vistas, and go camping or backpacking in the backcountry. The parks also offer ranger-led programs, including walks, campfire talks, and stargazing.
While both parks offer unique experiences, they both showcase the beauty and majesty of nature. Whether you’re looking for an urban escape or a wilderness adventure, Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two popular destinations for nature lovers, but the weather at these two parks is very different. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its hot and humid summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there is less humidity. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90°F and the humidity can be oppressive, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are located in California and have very different weather patterns. The parks have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit these parks is during the summer when the weather is warm and there is little rain. The parks are also popular during the fall when the trees are changing colors, but the weather can be unpredictable, with the occasional rainstorm. Winter is also a popular time to visit the parks, but visitors should be prepared for cold weather and snow, especially at higher elevations.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gateway Arch National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of America’s most iconic national parks. Both offer unique experiences and stunning natural beauty. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, these parks can differ greatly.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is an excellent choice for families with young children. The park features a museum, interactive exhibits, and a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch. The park is well-maintained and wheelchair accessible, making it easy for families to explore.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are located in California and offer a completely different experience. The parks are home to towering trees, deep canyons and a rugged wilderness that can be challenging for young children. While the parks offer plenty of family-friendly activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking, they may not be suitable for families with young children or those with limited mobility.
In conclusion, Gateway Arch National Park is a better option for families with young children, as it offers a more accessible and user-friendly experience. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are better suited for families with older children or those who enjoy a more challenging outdoor experience.