Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park may share the word “arches” in their names, but they couldn’t be more different! Arches National Park, located in Moab, Utah, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, the park offers a unique and otherworldly landscape that will leave visitors in awe. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a different kind of arch experience. The Gateway Arch, also known as the “Gateway to the West,” is a 630-foot tall monument that provides visitors with a birds-eye view of the city. Both parks offer a diverse range of activities and experiences, but one is a natural wonder while the other is a man-made marvel. So whether you’re looking to hike through awe-inspiring landscapes or take in the views from atop an architectural masterpiece, these two parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both popular destinations for hiking, but they offer very different experiences. Arches National Park is located in Utah and features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as other unique rock formations. Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in Missouri and is centered around the 630-foot Gateway Arch, which is the tallest man-made monument in the United States.
Arches National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, paved paths to strenuous, off-trail routes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip trail that leads to a viewpoint of Park Avenue, a striking collection of red rock formations. Another easy hike is the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to the famous Delicate Arch, an arch that is 65 feet tall and has a span of 46 feet.
The hardest hike in Arches National Park is the Devils Garden Trail. This hike is 7.2 miles round trip and takes you through the primitive trail which leads to several arches, including Double O Arch, Landscape Arch and Partition Arch. This hike is strenuous and can be challenging for some hikers due to the rocky terrain and steep inclines.
In contrast, Gateway Arch National Park does not have many natural trails for hiking. The park is primarily centered around the Gateway Arch, which visitors can take a tram to the top for a panoramic view of the city. However, there are several parks nearby that offer hiking trails like the Riverfront Trail, which is a paved trail that runs along the Mississippi River and offers views of the Gateway Arch and the city skyline.
Overall, Arches National Park offers a wider range of hiking experiences, from easy, paved trails to challenging, off-trail routes that lead to some of the most spectacular natural arches in the world. Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is focused primarily on the Gateway Arch and does not offer many natural hiking trails.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
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 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are vastly different when it comes to the wildlife that can be found there.
Arches National Park, located in the desert region of Moab, Utah, is home to a variety of wildlife species that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Visitors may also be lucky enough to spot a mountain lion or a black bear, although these sightings are less common. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including the desert tortoise, the Great Basin rattlesnake, and the Gila monster.
Birds are also commonly seen at Arches National Park. The park is home to a variety of birds of prey, such as the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the red-tailed hawk. Visitors may also spot a variety of songbirds, including the Western Tanager, the Black-throated Sparrow, and the Canyon Wren.
As for plants, the park’s desert environment is home to a variety of cacti and succulents, such as the prickly pear, the yucca, and the Joshua tree. Wildflowers such as the desert marigold and the desert lily can also be found blooming in the springtime.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is an urban park and the wildlife seen here is not as diverse as in Arches National Park. The park is mostly visited for the Gateway Arch and its surrounding areas, the wildlife that can be seen here are mostly birds such as Canada geese, Mallards, and Great Blue Herons. It’s also a common sight to see squirrels, raccoons, and white-tailed deer around the park, but since the park is in the city, the wildlife is not as abundant or diverse as in natural parks like Arches National Park.
In terms of plants, the Gateway Arch National Park has mostly trees and grass that are common in urban areas, such as Oak and Maple trees, and lawn grass. The park also has some flowers planted around the Gateway Arch’s grounds and around the park in general.
In conclusion, Arches National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and plant life that have adapted to the desert environment, while Gateway Arch National Park has limited wildlife and plant life due to its urban setting.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Northern Pintail |
| Bald Eagle | American Wigeon |
| Song Sparrow | Green-Winged Teal |
| European Starling | American Pipit |
| Northern Pintail | Swainson’s Thrush |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Varying Hare |
| Porcupine | River Otter |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Common Shrew |
| Hoary Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Red Fox | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Lynx |
| House Mouse | Wolverine |
| Mountain Lion | American Marten |
| American Mink | Grizzly Bear |
| Mule Deer | Meadow Vole |
| Common Gray Fox | Moose |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Least Weasel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| American Badger | Northern Bog Lemming |
| California Myotis | |
| Northern River Otter |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Fathead Minnow | Eelpout |
| Common Carp | King Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Arches National Park is known for its natural arch formations, which are the park’s most famous landscapes. The park is home to over 2,000 natural arches, the highest density of natural arches in the world. Some of the most famous arches in the park include Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch. Delicate Arch is one of the most photographed and iconic arches in the park and is a must-see for visitors. Landscape Arch is one of the longest natural arches in the world, and Double Arch is a pair of arches that are located close together.
In addition to the arches, the park also offers a variety of other natural landscapes such as the red rock formations, scenic drives, and beautiful sunsets. The Park Avenue trail offers a great view of Park Avenue, a group of large sandstone fins. The Windows section of the park is another popular spot, featuring a collection of arches, including the famous North and South Windows, as well as the Turret Arch.
Gateway Arch National Park, formerly known as Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is located in St Louis Missouri and is not known for its natural landscapes, but rather for its iconic Gateway Arch and the museum inside. The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot monument that offers great views of the city from the top. The Gateway Arch is an architectural wonder and a symbol of the city and is surrounded by a beautiful park, the Gateway Arch National Park, that features the Old Courthouse, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and the Luther Ely Smith Square.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its natural arch formations and other natural landscapes such as the red rock formations, scenic drives, and beautiful sunsets. While Gateway Arch National Park is known for its iconic Gateway Arch and the museum inside, surrounded by a beautiful park, the Gateway Arch National Park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different parks that offer a wide range of activities for visitors.
Arches National Park, located in Moab, Utah, is known for its natural stone arches, and as such, many visitors come to the park to hike and explore the park’s trails. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, and some of the most popular trails include the Delicate Arch Trail, the Park Avenue Trail, and the Double Arch Trail. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the park’s unique rock formations and take in the stunning desert landscapes.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy rock climbing and camping in Arches National Park. Rock climbing is popular in the park, with routes ranging from easy to difficult. Camping is also allowed in the park, with several designated campsites available for visitors.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that provides visitors with a birds-eye view of the city. The park is mostly visited for the Gateway Arch, and many people come to the park to take a tram ride to the top of the Arch, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Visitors can also take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River, which provides a different perspective of the Gateway Arch and the city.
Another popular activity in Gateway Arch National Park is visiting the museum located at the base of the Gateway Arch, called the Gateway Arch Museum. The museum provides information on the history of the Gateway Arch and the city of St. Louis. Visitors can also watch a film about the Gateway Arch and the city, and learn about the people who built the Gateway Arch and the impact it had on the city of St. Louis.
In conclusion, Arches National Park is known for its hiking, rock climbing and camping activities, while Gateway Arch National Park is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, tram rides, riverboat cruises, and museum visits. Both parks offer different experiences for visitors, but both are worth visiting for the unique activities they offer.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Arches National Park is located in Utah and has a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is milder and more comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it difficult to hike and enjoy the park’s attractions. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and are considered the best time to visit, as the weather is comfortable for hiking and the park’s landscape is in full bloom.
Gateway Arch National Park, formerly known as Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is located in St Louis Missouri, and it has a humid continental climate. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. During the summer months, the park can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and are considered the best time to visit, as the weather is comfortable for outdoor activities, and the park’s landscape is in full bloom.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. However, both parks have very different landscapes and weather patterns, Arches National Park is located in a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters while Gateway Arch National Park is located in a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly, considering the weather conditions and what activities they would like to do while visiting the park.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Both Arches National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are great destinations for families, but they offer different types of experiences. Arches National Park is located in the desert and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in the city and is primarily centered around the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument that visitors can take a tram to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Arches National Park is considered to be more family-friendly for several reasons. The park offers a wide variety of easy and moderate hiking trails that are suitable for children of all ages. Families can hike to some of the most famous arches in the park, such as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, and enjoy stunning views along the way. The park also offers a Junior Ranger Program, which is a great way for children to learn about the park’s unique geology and history.
Gateway Arch National Park is also a great destination for families, especially for those who are interested in learning about American history and architecture. The Gateway Arch is an iconic symbol of St. Louis, Missouri and families can take a tram to the top for a panoramic view of the city. The park also offers a few interactive exhibits and film presentation which would be interesting for children.
In summary, Arches National Park is a better option if you’re traveling with children and looking for a wide variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty. The park offers easy and moderate hiking trails, as well as educational programs that will keep children engaged and interested. Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is a great destination for families who are interested in learning about American history and architecture, and offers a panoramic view of the city.