Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer two vastly different experiences for visitors. One is a rugged and wild landscape filled with towering canyons, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife, while the other is a modern and urban oasis with a towering monument at its center. Both parks are unique and captivating in their own ways, making them perfect destinations for those looking for adventure or a day out in the city. Whether you’re looking to hike through remote wilderness or explore a bustling city, these two parks have something to offer for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the natural beauty and cultural significance of Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different parks, offering different types of hiking experiences. Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and challenging hikes. The park has a variety of trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backpacking trips. Some of the most popular hikes in Big Bend include the Chisos Basin Loop, which takes hikers through the heart of the Chisos Mountains, and the Emory Peak hike, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in Missouri and is focused on the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. The park does not have many traditional hiking trails. Instead, visitors can take a tram to the top of the Gateway Arch for views of the city. The park also has a museum and an old courthouse where you can learn more about the history of the area.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is ideal for those who are looking for challenging hikes in a desert wilderness setting. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is more suited for those who are looking for a more urban experience and are interested in learning about the history of the region.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
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 Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both unique in terms of the wildlife you’ll see during a visit.
Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including desert animals such as desert bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and mule deer. Visitors may also spot roadrunners, jackrabbits, and coyotes. The park is also a great place for birdwatching, with over 450 species of birds found in the park, including golden eagles, roadrunners, and peregrine falcons. In addition, the park is home to several species of reptiles, including the desert tortoise, desert horned lizard, and the Gila monster.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in an urban area, and the wildlife is less diverse than Big Bend National Park. The park is home to a variety of birds, such as the American Goldfinch, the American Robin, and the Blue Jay. Visitors may also spot squirrels, raccoons, and foxes. The park is also home to several species of fish, including catfish, carp, and bass.
In terms of plants, Big Bend National Park has a diverse array of plant life, including cacti, yucca, and agave. Visitors can also see mesquite trees, creosote bushes and other desert plants. Gateway Arch National Park has a variety of native and non-native trees and plants. Visitors can see the typical park landscaping, including lawns, flower beds, and ornamental trees like Dogwoods, Redbuds and Maples.
Overall, both parks offer unique wildlife and plants, but Big Bend National Park is more diverse and offers a greater variety of species. Visitors to Big Bend National Park can expect to see a wide range of desert animals and birds, as well as a variety of cacti and other desert plants. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can expect to see a variety of birds and small mammals, as well as a variety of native and non-native trees and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend 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
| Big Bend 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 |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Varying Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Common Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
| House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Lynx |
| Mule Deer | Wolverine |
| Common Gray Fox | American Marten |
| Gray Wolf | Grizzly Bear |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| American Badger | Moose |
| California Myotis | Least Weasel |
| Fringed Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Mexican Milksnake | |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Fathead Minnow | Eelpout |
| Common Carp | King Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Dolly Varden |
| Mosquitofish | Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different types of national parks, each offering a unique experience to visitors. Big Bend National Park is located in the southwest corner of Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and vast wilderness. The park features stunning landscapes, including the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande River, and the Santa Elena Canyon. Visitors can hike through the desert landscapes, explore the park’s many canyons and mountains, and even take a scenic drive along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that serves as a symbol of the city and the nation’s westward expansion. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also features the Museum of Westward Expansion, which tells the story of the United States’ westward expansion through exhibits and interactive displays.
While Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and natural beauty, Gateway Arch National Park is known for its iconic architectural and historical landmarks. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but Big Bend National Park is better for those who are looking for outdoor adventure and natural beauty, while Gateway Arch National Park is better for those who are interested in history and urban culture.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both popular tourist destinations, but the activities that visitors enjoy doing at each park are quite different.
Big Bend National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most popular activities at the park include hiking, camping, birdwatching, and river rafting. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backpacking trips. Many visitors also enjoy camping in the park, either in the backcountry or in one of the park’s developed campgrounds. River rafting is also a popular activity on the Rio Grande, which runs through the park. Additionally, the park offers guided tours of the Chisos Mountains and the Santa Elena Canyon.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is known for its iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, which is the centerpiece of the park. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for a panoramic view of St. Louis. Additionally, visitors can take a cruise on the Mississippi River, visit the Old Courthouse Museum and the Museum of Westward Expansion, and take a guided tour of the Gateway Arch. The park also offers bike and Segway rentals, and visitors can enjoy a picnic on the grounds of the park.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and river rafting, while Gateway Arch National Park is known for its unique architectural feature, the Gateway Arch, and its museums and cultural activities. Visitors to Big Bend National Park can expect to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, while visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can expect to enjoy the history, culture, and architecture of the park.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different parks in terms of climate and weather. Big Bend National Park, located in West Texas, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park receives very little precipitation and temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. The best time to visit is during the cooler months of fall and spring, when temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in spring and summer. The park also experiences snowfall in the winter. The best time to visit is during the cooler months of fall and spring, when temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities.
In terms of hiking trails, Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Some of the easiest hikes include the Chisos Basin Trail and the Window View Trail. The most challenging hikes include the Emory Peak Trail and the South Rim Trail.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, does not have any natural hiking trails, but the park offers the Gateway Arch Riverfront Trail, which is an easy urban trail that runs along the Mississippi River. The main attraction of the park is the Gateway Arch, which visitors can take a tram to the top of the 630-foot tall structure for a panoramic view of the city.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is best known for its rugged desert landscape, outdoor activities and diverse wildlife, while Gateway Arch National Park is best known for its urban setting, Gateway Arch, and riverfront trail. Both parks offer unique experiences, but Big Bend National Park is better for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike and explore nature, while Gateway Arch National Park is better for those who are interested in history, architecture, and urban views.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Big Bend National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are vastly different in terms of landscapes and activities, making them appealing to different types of visitors. Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and features rugged mountains, canyons, and vast deserts. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and river trips. It is not the most family-friendly park as the rugged terrain and extreme temperatures can make it challenging for young children.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot stainless steel monument. The park also offers riverboat cruises, tram rides to the top of the Arch, and a museum. The park is more accessible and family-friendly, offering activities such as picnicking, playing in the playgrounds and exploring the museum.
If you’re traveling with children, Gateway Arch National Park would be a better choice as it offers more age-appropriate activities and a more urban setting. However, if you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure, Big Bend National Park would be a better option.