Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park may seem worlds apart on first glance, but both offer a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors. Canyonlands, located in southern Utah, is a vast and rugged landscape of red rock canyons, mesas, and buttes, offering a glimpse into the ancient past. Meanwhile, Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall stainless steel monument that stands as a symbol of American expansion and innovation. Imagine standing at the edge of a multi-colored canyon and looking down at the layers of rock that tell a story of millions of years, and then imagine yourself standing at the top of the Gateway Arch and looking out at the Mississippi river and the city of St. Louis, both parks offer a unique perspective on the American landscape and history. Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking to explore the backcountry of Canyonlands or a history buff eager to learn more about the Gateway Arch, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both popular destinations for hiking, but the types of hikes and the level of difficulty vary greatly between the two parks.
Canyonlands National Park, located in southern Utah, offers a wide variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. The park is known for its spectacular scenery, including canyons, mesas, and rock formations. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Island in the Sky Visitor Center Nature Trail, which is a 0.5-mile loop that offers great views of the surrounding canyons and mesas. Another easy hike is the Grand View Point Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that offers panoramic views of the park. On the other hand, some of the most strenuous hikes in the park include the Chesler Park Loop Trail, which is a 11-mile round trip hike that takes you through a remote area of the park and the Maze Overlook Trail, which is a 7-mile round trip hike that takes you through a remote and rugged area of the park.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St Louis Missouri, offers a limited amount of hiking trails and is primarily known for its iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument that serves as a symbol of the city of St Louis. The park offers a 1.2-mile-long Riverfront Trail that runs along the Mississippi River and offers great views of the Gateway Arch and the St Louis skyline. Also available is the Museum of Westward Expansion Underground, which is a short hike that takes visitors down to the underground museum. These hikes are considered easy and accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous, with some of the easiest hikes include the Island in the Sky Visitor Center Nature Trail and Grand View Point Trail. While Gateway Arch National Park offers limited amount of hiking trails, with the Riverfront Trail and the Museum of Westward Expansion Underground, which are considered easy and accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | 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 Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park both offer unique wildlife experiences, but the types of wildlife you can expect to see at each park are quite different.
Canyonlands National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including big game such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and elk. The park also has a diverse population of smaller mammals, including desert cottontail rabbits, rock squirrels, and pack rats. Visitors may also encounter a variety of reptiles, such as the desert tortoise, desert horned lizard, and western collared lizard. In addition, Canyonlands National Park is home to a wide variety of birds, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and great horned owls. Visitors may also spot a variety of plant life, such as the Joshua tree, yucca, and cactus.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is home to a much smaller variety of wildlife. The park is situated in an urban area and wildlife is limited to some small mammals, such as squirrels and raccoons, and a variety of birds. Visitors may spot some common urban birds, such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings. The park also features a few species of plants, such as the eastern redbud, dogwood, and serviceberry, but is not as diverse as Canyonlands National Park in terms of flora.
Overall, Canyonlands National Park offers a much more diverse and unique wildlife experience than Gateway Arch National Park. Visitors to Canyonlands National Park can expect to see a wide variety of big game, small mammals, reptiles, birds, and plants, while visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can expect to see a limited variety of small mammals, birds, and some common urban plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands 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
| Canyonlands 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 |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Northern Pike |
| Green Sunfish | Eelpout |
| Bluegill | King Salmon |
| Fathead Minnow | Slimy Sculpin |
| Common Carp | Chum Salmon |
| Northern Pike | Dolly Varden |
| Speckled Dace | Arctic Grayling |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Canyonlands National Park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including:
– The Island in the Sky: This section of the park features a mesa top with panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the Colorado River. Visitors can take in the views from several overlooks, including the famous Mesa Arch.
– The Needles: This section of the park is characterized by colorful spires of sandstone and rock formations. Visitors can hike through canyons, explore natural arches, and camp in designated backcountry sites.
– The Maze: This remote section of the park is known for its rugged and challenging terrain, featuring a labyrinth of canyons and rock formations that are popular among experienced hikers and backpackers.
Gateway Arch National Park is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall stainless steel monument that stands as a symbol of American expansion and innovation. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis. The park is also home to the Museum of Westward Expansion, which offers exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the American West, and the Old Courthouse, a National Historic Landmark that played a pivotal role in the Dred Scott case.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different national parks, each offering a unique set of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its outdoor recreational activities, particularly hiking, backpacking, and camping. The park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, paved walks to challenging backcountry routes, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park also offers excellent opportunities for backpacking and camping, with several backcountry campsites and designated wilderness areas to explore. In addition, the park offers scenic drives, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is known for its cultural and historical activities. The most popular attraction at the park is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as a symbol of the city of St. Louis and the American West. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for a stunning view of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also offers a variety of educational and interpretive programs, such as ranger-led tours, and exhibits about the history of the Arch and the city of St. Louis. The park also has a museum with many exhibits about the history of the area, including the Lewis and Clark expedition, the French colonial period and the American West.
Overall, Canyonlands National Park is known for its outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, backpacking, and camping, while Gateway Arch National Park is known for its cultural and historical activities, particularly its Gateway Arch monument, educational and interpretive programs, and exhibits about the history of the area.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both located in different parts of the country and have different seasonal weather patterns. This can affect the best time of year to visit each park.
Canyonlands National Park, located in southern Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park receives the most visitors during the spring and fall months when the temperatures are mild and comfortable. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it less comfortable for hiking and other outdoor activities. The winter months can bring snow and freezing temperatures, making it difficult to access certain areas of the park. It is also worth noting that some of the roads in the park may be closed during winter due to snow.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St Louis Missouri, has a four-season climate with warm summers and cold winters. The park receives the most visitors during the summer months when temperatures are warm and comfortable. The park offers a great spot to beat the heat with the Gateway Arch providing shade and relief from the sun. The fall and spring months can be mild, with cool temperatures and colorful foliage. Winters in St Louis can be cold with snow and ice, so visitors should be prepared for colder weather and potential closures if the park or the Arch.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, it’s best to visit the park during spring and fall months. While Gateway Arch National Park has a four-season climate with warm summers and cold winters, and the best time to visit is during the summer months. However, visitors should be aware of the potential for colder weather and closures in the winter.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Both Canyonlands National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are family-friendly, however, they offer different types of experiences.
Canyonlands National Park is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and are looking for a more natural experience. The park offers a variety of easy-to-moderate hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and scenic drives that allow families to explore the park’s unique landscapes. The park’s visitor center also has educational exhibits and ranger-led programs for children. However, some of the trails and backcountry areas can be challenging and not suitable for young children or strollers.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is a great option for families who want to experience a more urban and cultural side of the parks. The Gateway Arch is the park’s main attraction, and it offers a tram ride to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of the city. The park also has the Museum of Westward Expansion, which offers exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the American West, and the Old Courthouse, a National Historic Landmark that played a pivotal role in the Dred Scott case. The park also has a playground and a park area for children to play.
In general, if you’re traveling with children who are interested in outdoor activities and nature, Canyonlands National Park may be a better option. If your kids are more interested in urban and cultural experiences, Gateway Arch National Park may be a better choice.