Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two unique and fascinating destinations that offer visitors a chance to experience the wonders of nature and human ingenuity. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico and is home to one of the largest and most elaborate cave systems in the world. The park offers visitors a chance to explore the underground world of the caves, with their stunning formations and unique wildlife. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a symbol of America’s westward expansion. The park offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of the American West, as well as enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of the Arch. Whether you’re a fan of nature or history, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are must-visit destinations that offer something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– The park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy, self-guided walks to strenuous, multi-hour hikes.
– The Natural Entrance Trail is one of the easiest hikes in the park, providing a scenic route down into the cave system. This trail is 1.25 miles long and takes about 1 hour to complete.
– The Big Room Trail is another popular and relatively easy hike, taking visitors through the largest chamber in the park. This trail is .75 miles long and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
– For more strenuous hikes, visitors can explore the backcountry of the park, including the Left Hand Tunnel Trail, which is a challenging, multi-hour hike through one of the park’s remote cave systems.
Gateway Arch National Park:
– The park does not have any traditional hiking trails, but visitors can hike up the 630-step staircase to the top of the Gateway Arch for a unique and challenging hike.
– The staircase to the top of the Gateway Arch provides panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River, and is a popular activity for visitors.
– The park also offers several walking trails, including the Riverfront Trail, which provides scenic views of the Mississippi River and the city, and the Luther Ely Smith Square Trail, which takes visitors through a park and garden area near the Gateway Arch.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking options, but the best park for your visit will depend on your interests and the level of difficulty you’re looking for in a hike. If you’re looking for easy, self-guided hikes, then Carlsbad Caverns National Park may be the better option. If you’re looking for a unique and challenging hike, then Gateway Arch National Park may be the better option.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two vastly different parks in terms of the wildlife you will see.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its diverse array of bats, including the Mexican free-tailed bat, which is the most abundant bat species in the park. Other wildlife in the park includes various species of birds, such as the Canyon Wren and the Black-throated Sparrow, as well as various species of reptiles, such as the Desert Tortoise and the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, has limited wildlife compared to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The park is primarily known for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is a monument to westward expansion in the United States. The park is also home to various species of birds, such as the Rock Pigeon and the American Crow, as well as various species of squirrels and rabbits.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a park with a rich diversity of wildlife, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the better option. However, if you are more interested in exploring the Gateway Arch and the history of westward expansion, then Gateway Arch National Park is the better choice.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns 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
| Carlsbad Caverns 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 |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Moose |
| American Badger | Least Weasel |
| California Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| Fringed Myotis | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Gartersnake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| New Mexico Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Mosquitofish | Northern Pike |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its unique and stunning landscapes underground. The park is home to one of the largest and most elaborate cave systems in the world, with over 119 known caves. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Big Room, a massive underground chamber that is over 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high, and the King’s Palace, a series of interconnected rooms filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations. Visitors can also witness the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert above ground, with its rolling hills and unique desert vegetation.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is known for its iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is a symbol of America’s westward expansion. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis from the top of the Arch. Visitors can also explore the park’s lush green spaces, including the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park, which is filled with beautiful trees, flowers, and walking paths. The park also offers stunning views of the Old Courthouse, a historic building that played a significant role in the early history of St. Louis.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are worth exploring. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the underground world of caves, while Gateway Arch National Park is a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the history and beauty of the American West.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different parks with distinct activities and experiences.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the most popular activity is exploring the underground caves, including the famous Big Room, as well as hiking the trails above ground. Visitors can also take ranger-led tours, attend educational programs, and go on bat flights.
In contrast, Gateway Arch National Park is more focused on cultural and historical experiences, with the main attraction being the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for a panoramic view of the city, visit the museum, and explore the park grounds.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but if you are looking for a more adventurous and natural experience, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a better choice. If you are interested in history and culture, Gateway Arch National Park is a great option.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– The park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, which has a hot, arid climate.
– Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it the least popular time to visit the park.
– Winter temperatures are mild, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making it a popular time to visit the park.
– The best time to visit the park is spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the park is less crowded.
Gateway Arch National Park:
– The park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, which has a humid subtropical climate.
– Summer temperatures can be hot and humid, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, making it the least popular time to visit the park.
– Winter temperatures can be cold, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, making it the least popular time to visit the park.
– The best time to visit the park is spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the park is less crowded.
Both parks have different climates, but the best time to visit both parks is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the parks are less crowded. However, if you’re looking to avoid hot and humid weather, then Carlsbad Caverns National Park may be the better option. If you’re looking to avoid cold temperatures, then Gateway Arch National Park may be the better option.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are family-friendly destinations that offer a range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. However, each park has its own unique features that make it better suited for families with children in different ways.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great destination for families with children who are interested in exploring the underground world of caves. The park offers a range of ranger-led tours and self-guided walks that are suitable for families with children of all ages. Children will love exploring the caves, seeing the stunning formations, and learning about the unique wildlife that lives in the park. The park also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities that families can enjoy together.
Gateway Arch National Park is a great destination for families with children who are interested in history and urban adventures. The park offers a range of educational programs and interactive exhibits that are designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages. Children will love visiting the top of the Gateway Arch, which offers stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River, as well as exploring the lush green spaces of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. The park is also located in the heart of St. Louis, which offers a range of family-friendly attractions, including museums, zoos, and amusement parks.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are family-friendly destinations that offer a range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is better suited for families with children who are interested in exploring the underground world of caves, while Gateway Arch National Park is better suited for families with children who are interested in history and urban adventures.