Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two of America’s most iconic and diverse national parks, each offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. From the rugged, red rock formations of Capitol Reef to the towering, stainless-steel Gateway Arch in St. Louis, these parks offer a stark contrast in both geography and history. Whether you’re a fan of outdoor adventure or cultural exploration, these parks are sure to capture your imagination and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey through two of America’s most fascinating and contrasting national parks!
Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the hiking trails at each park are quite different.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Capitol Gorge Trail, a 2-mile hike that winds through a narrow canyon and past ancient petroglyphs, and the Grand Wash Trail, a 3-mile hike that leads through a narrow canyon and past towering cliffs. For more experienced hikers, the park offers a number of challenging backcountry trails, including the Cassidy Arch Trail, a 7-mile hike that leads to a towering natural arch, and the Chimney Rock Trail, a 5-mile hike that leads to the top of a towering sandstone spire.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the main attraction is the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which visitors can reach via a tram ride to the top. The park also offers a number of easy walks, including the Riverfront Trail, a 2-mile trail that runs along the Mississippi River and offers views of the Gateway Arch and the downtown St. Louis skyline. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the park offers the Riverfront Trail, which winds through the park and offers views of the Gateway Arch and the surrounding city.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the hiking trails at each park are quite different. Whether you’re looking for easy walks, challenging backcountry treks, or breathtaking views, these two amazing parks have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Capitol Reef National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hickman Bridge Trail | 2735.878 | 129.8448 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cassidy Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 213.9696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead | 7081.096 | 121.92 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chimney Rock Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 241.7064 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cohab Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 241.7064 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Navajo Knobs Trail | 14001.258 | 650.748 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Goosenecks & Sunset Point | 4023.35 | 165.8112 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Capitol Gorge Trail | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sulphur Creek Route | 18507.41 | 427.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim Overlook Trail | 6598.294 | 320.9544 | Hard | 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 Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park have different wildlife and plant communities due to their different geographical locations and climates.
At Capitol Reef National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as mule deer, pronghorns, coyotes, and bighorn sheep. Birds such as golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons can also be seen. The park is also home to a diverse range of plants, including pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
At Gateway Arch National Park, you can expect to see a mix of urban wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, and pigeons, as well as migratory birds such as geese and ducks. The park is situated in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, and as such, is surrounded by a developed urban landscape, with limited opportunities to see native wildlife. The park does have some vegetation, including trees and shrubs, but it is not as diverse as the vegetation found at Capitol Reef National Park.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park offers a wider variety of wildlife and plant life compared to Gateway Arch National Park, which is more urban in nature.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Capitol Reef 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
| Capitol Reef 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
| Capitol Reef National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Mottled Sculpin | Eelpout |
| Speckled Dace | King Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Capitol Reef National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| 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 | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Capitol Reef National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different parks, each offering its own unique landscapes and natural wonders.
At Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking landscape of towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and towering rock formations. The park is known for its sandstone formations, including the towering monoliths of Cathedral Valley and the colorful cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold. Visitors can also enjoy scenic overlooks, including the Grand Wash Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Chimney Rock Overlook, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the park’s towering sandstone spires.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can marvel at the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is the centerpiece of the park and the tallest monument in the United States. The park also offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the downtown St. Louis skyline. Visitors can also explore the surrounding park grounds, which include lush green spaces, fountains, and public art installations.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, each offering its own unique landscapes and natural wonders. Whether you’re looking for towering cliffs, narrow canyons, or breathtaking views, these two amazing parks have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer different activities due to their different geographical locations, climates, and natural features.
At Capitol Reef National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, scenic driving, and rock climbing. The park is known for its sandstone formations, canyons, and scenic drives, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Rock climbing is also popular, with a variety of routes for climbers of all skill levels.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the most popular activities include visiting the Gateway Arch, taking a riverboat cruise, and exploring the museum. The Gateway Arch is the park’s main attraction and offers stunning views of the city and Mississippi River. Riverboat cruises offer a unique perspective of the city and its history. The museum at the park provides educational exhibits and interactive displays about the history of the region and the construction of the Gateway Arch.
In conclusion, Capitol Reef National Park is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts looking for challenging hikes, scenic drives, and rock climbing opportunities, while Gateway Arch National Park is best suited for those interested in history, architecture, and city views. Both parks offer unique experiences and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
The seasonal weather at Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park is different due to their different geographical locations and climates.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate. Summer temperatures can be hot, with average highs in the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and wildflowers in bloom. Summer can be hot and dry, while winter can bring snow and road closures.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, with average highs in the 80s and 90s, while winters are cold, with average lows in the 20s. Spring and fall are mild, with comfortable temperatures and changing foliage. The park can be visited year-round, but summer can be uncomfortably hot and humid, while winter can bring snow and ice.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is in spring and fall, while the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is in spring and fall, but it can be visited year-round. The weather at each park affects the type of activities that can be enjoyed and the conditions of the roads and trails. It’s important to check the weather forecast and road conditions before planning a trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Capitol Reef National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each offers different experiences. Capitol Reef National Park is better for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, scenic drives, and exploring geological formations. The park has several short, easy hikes and plenty of opportunities for picnicking and wildlife viewing. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is better for families who enjoy city experiences and history. The park features the iconic Gateway Arch, a museum, and a riverboat tour that offer educational and entertaining experiences for all ages.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Capitol Reef National Park is a better option for families who enjoy outdoor activities, while Gateway Arch National Park is a better option for families who prefer city experiences and history.