Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park may seem like vastly different destinations at first glance, but these two national parks offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors. Badlands National Park is a rugged and remote wilderness in South Dakota, home to stunning rock formations and an array of wildlife. Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, and offers an urban experience with a glimpse into American history. While one park immerses you in the natural beauty of the Great Plains, the other provides a chance to learn about the country’s westward expansion and its impact on American society. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a challenging hike or a history buff eager to learn more about America’s past, these two parks have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and come along to discover the most interesting, unusual, and beautiful features of Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both known for their unique geological features and offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. However, the types of hikes and the difficulty levels vary between the two parks due to their distinct ecosystems and habitats.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, offers a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include:
– Door Trail: This 0.5-mile hike is a boardwalk trail that leads visitors through a badlands formation known as the “Door.” This hike is wheelchair accessible and provides visitors with a great introduction to the park’s unique geology.
– Pinnacles Overlook Trail: This 0.75-mile hike is a moderate trail that leads visitors to the top of a hill for a panoramic view of the park’s rugged landscapes.
– Fossil Exhibit Trail: This 0.25-mile hike is an easy trail that leads visitors through an area where fossilized remains of ancient animals can be seen.
Some of the harder hikes in the park include:
– Castle Trail: This 3-mile hike is a strenuous trail that leads visitors through a rugged badlands formation known as “The Castle.” This hike includes steep climbs and rocky terrain.
– Notch Trail: This 2.5-mile hike is a strenuous trail that leads visitors to a narrow passageway known as “The Notch.” This hike includes steep climbs and rocky terrain.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, offers a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include:
– Riverfront Trail: This 1.5-mile trail is a paved trail that follows the Mississippi River and offers great views of the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline.
– Memorial Overlook Trail: This 0.5-mile trail is an easy trail that leads visitors to the top of a hill for a panoramic view of the Gateway Arch.
Some of the harder hikes in the park include:
– Park Overlook Trail: This 1-mile trail is a moderate trail that leads visitors to the top of a hill for a panoramic view of the Gateway Arch. This hike includes some steep inclines and uneven terrain.
– The Stairs to the Top of the Gateway Arch: This hike is a strenuous hike that leads visitors to the top of the Gateway Arch via a series of stairs. This hike includes a lot of stairs and is not recommended for those with limited mobility.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged landscapes, remote wilderness and challenging trails, while Gateway Arch National Park is known for its urban trails and easy hikes. Visitors to Badlands National Park will find more opportunities for challenging hikes, while visitors to Gateway Arch National Park will find more opportunities for easy hikes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both unique national parks that offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife. However, the types of wildlife that can be found in each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The park is also a great place to see a variety of bird species, such as the golden eagle, the ferruginous hawk, and the swift fox. Other animals commonly seen in the park include the black-footed ferret, the swift fox, and the bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants, including the prairie grasses, the cacti and the wildflowers.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in the heart of a urban area and thus, the wildlife is not as diverse and not as common as in Badlands National Park. The park is home to a variety of birds such as the Great Blue Heron, the American White Pelican, and the Bald Eagle. Visitors may also spot squirrels, chipmunks and raccoons. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including the Cottonwood trees, the Oak trees and the Maple trees.
In summary, while both Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, the types of wildlife that can be found in each park are quite different. Badlands National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs, as well as a wide variety of bird species and plants. Gateway Arch National Park, being located in an urban area, offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of birds, some mammals and a variety of plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands 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
| Badlands 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 |
| Porcupine | Varying Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Common Shrew |
| Red Fox | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| House | Lynx |
| Mountain Lion | Wolverine |
| Mule Deer | American Marten |
| Gray Fox | Grizzly Bear |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| Northern Myotis | Moose |
| Badger | Least Weasel |
| Weasel | Pygmy Shrew |
| North American River Otter | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Common Shrew | |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
| European Carp | Northern Pike |
| Longnose Dace | Eelpout |
| Yellow Bullhead | King Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Black Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Dolly Varden |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both known for their unique and striking landscapes.
Badlands National Park is famous for its vast expanse of rugged terrain, with layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors through the park’s most iconic landscapes, including the Pinnacles Overlook, where visitors can see the park’s towering spires and layered rock formations, and the Badlands Loop Road, where visitors can see the park’s vast expanse of rugged terrain. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors through the park’s most iconic landscapes.
Gateway Arch National Park is famous for its iconic Gateway Arch, which is 630-foot-tall monument that stands as a symbol of the country’s westward expansion. The park’s most famous landscape is the Gateway Arch, which visitors can see from various angles, and take a tram ride to the top for a panoramic view of the city of St. Louis. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Riverfront Trail, which takes visitors along the Mississippi River and provides a great view of the Gateway Arch. The park also has a museum which tells the story of the people and events that shaped the American West and the nation.
In summary, Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are known for their unique and striking landscapes. The park’s most famous landscape at Badlands National Park is the Badlands Loop Road, while at Gateway Arch National Park is the Gateway Arch. Both parks also offer several hiking trails and other natural features like overlooks and waterfalls that visitors can see during a visit to the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both unique national parks that offer visitors a variety of activities to enjoy. However, the types of activities that can be found in each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park offers a number of hiking trails, including the popular Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the park. Additionally, the park offers a number of campgrounds, allowing visitors to spend the night in the heart of the park. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in Badlands National Park, as visitors can see a wide variety of animals and bird species.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in the heart of a urban area and thus the activities offered are quite different. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for a panoramic view of the city, take a boat cruise on the Mississippi River, or explore the Museum of Westward Expansion to learn more about the history of the area. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Gateway Arch, which is a 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument that stands as a symbol of American expansion.
In summary, while both Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer visitors a variety of activities to enjoy, the types of activities that can be found in each park are quite different. Badlands National Park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, while Gateway Arch National Park offers more urban activities such as visiting the Gateway Arch, taking a boat cruise or exploring the Museum of Westward Expansion.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both located in the United States, but they have very different weather patterns due to their distinct geographical locations.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) and during the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing. The park receives very little precipitation throughout the year, with an annual average of around 14 inches (35 cm). The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the wildflowers and fall colors are in full bloom.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in Missouri and has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and during the winter months, temperatures can drop to freezing. The park receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with an annual average of around 42 inches (106 cm). The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the wildflowers and fall colors are in full bloom.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its hot and dry summers, while Gateway Arch National Park is known for its hot and humid summers. Visitors to Badlands National Park will find the best weather conditions in the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the wildflowers and fall colors are in full bloom. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park will find the best weather conditions in the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the wildflowers and fall colors are in full bloom.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of experiences for families traveling with children.
Badlands National Park is a great choice for families with children who enjoy the outdoors. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park’s many hiking trails range from easy to challenging, and offer a great way for families to explore the park’s rugged terrain and unique landscapes. The park also offers ranger-led activities and educational programs, which can be a great way for families to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Gateway Arch National Park is also a family-friendly destination, but it’s particularly well-suited for families with children who are interested in history and culture. The park’s Gateway Arch is the most popular attraction and the park also offers a museum that tells the story of the people and events that shaped the American West and the nation. The park also has a playground, and several trails that families can enjoy.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of experiences for families traveling with children. Badlands National Park is a great choice for families with children who enjoy the outdoors, while Gateway Arch National Park is particularly well-suited for families with children who are interested in history and culture. Both parks offer a variety of activities, educational programs, and playgrounds that families can enjoy.