Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural histories, but they are as different as night and day. Whether you prefer towering mountain peaks or towering steel arches, both parks have something to offer. So which one is right for you?
Take a journey with us as we explore the rugged terrain of Denali and the towering Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. From the gleaming glaciers of Alaska to the shimmering Mississippi River, get ready to be captivated by the diversity of these two parks. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, you will be amazed by the beauty and history that each park has to offer. So grab your hiking boots or your camera, and let’s get started!
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri are two unique national parks featuring diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities. Hiking is a popular activity in both parks and offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of each park.
Denali offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. One of the easiest hikes is the Horseshoe Lake Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that takes you through a peaceful forest and past a serene lake. On the other hand, the hardest hike in the park is the challenging Mount Healy Overlook Trail, a strenuous 8.5-mile round trip hike that takes you above the tree line to panoramic views of the park.
Gateway Arch National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, including the easy Riverfront Trail, a 1.5-mile paved trail that takes you along the Mississippi River and offers views of the Gateway Arch. For a more challenging hike, visitors can undertake the strenuous Park Overlook Trail, a 2.5-mile hike that takes you to the top of a bluff with panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.
Both Denali and Gateway Arch National Parks offer unique hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels, from easy, scenic walks to challenging hikes with stunning views. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous workout, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve is a vast wilderness area in Alaska, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Visitors will also have the chance to see a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, gyrfalcon, and great horned owl.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri offers a different type of wildlife viewing experience. The park is situated on the Mississippi River and is home to a variety of species of waterfowl, such as geese, ducks, and cranes, as well as beavers, squirrels, and river otters. However, visitors may also be able to spot deer and other mammals in the park’s woodlands.
When it comes to plant life, Denali is home to a range of tundra and taiga ecosystems, with species such as the arctic cotton, dwarf birch, and tundra rose. At Gateway Arch, visitors will find a mix of prairie grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, with species such as wildflowers, bald cypress trees, and cottonwoods.
Overall, both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, with Denali being a destination for those looking to see larger mammals and a variety of bird species in a wilderness setting, while Gateway Arch is ideal for those seeking to observe waterfowl and other species in a more urban setting along the Mississippi River.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Northern Pintail |
| Song Sparrow | American Wigeon |
| European Starling | Green-Winged Teal |
| Northern Pintail | American Pipit |
| American Wigeon | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Mink |
| Mink | Wolf |
| Wolf | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Varying Hare |
| Snowshoe Hare | River Otter |
| River Otter | Common Shrew |
| Common Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Water Shrew | Montane Shrew |
| Red Squirrel | Lynx |
| Montane Shrew | Wolverine |
| Lynx | American Marten |
| Wolverine | Grizzly Bear |
| American Marten | Meadow Vole |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Moose |
| Grizzly Bear | Least Weasel |
| Meadow Vole | Pygmy Shrew |
| Moose | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | Eelpout |
| Coho Salmon | King Salmon |
| Chinook Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Chum Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Dolly Varden |
| Dolly Varden | Arctic Grayling |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is famous for its towering mountain peak, Mount Denali. The park offers breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness, including glaciers, tundra, and wildlife such as grizzly bears and moose. Visitors can hike, camp, or take a scenic drive along the park road for unique perspectives of the landscape.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, is centered around the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. The park provides a glimpse into the history of the American West, with exhibits and monuments dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, and the fur traders and pioneers who shaped the region. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different parks but both offer a range of popular activities for visitors.
Denali is famous for its scenic drives and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park road provides access to the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and opportunities to see wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. Visitors can also take a scenic flightseeing tour, offering a unique perspective of the park and its wildlife. Additionally, the park offers a range of guided activities, such as backpacking trips and bus tours, for visitors to experience the park’s natural beauty.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is a city park located in St. Louis, Missouri, offering a different type of experience. The highlight of the park is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot 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 panoramic views of the city, or take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The park also offers ranger-led tours, showcasing the history and cultural significance of the Arch, as well as the Old Courthouse, a historic building located within the park that was a key site in the Dred Scott case.
Both parks offer unique experiences and a range of popular activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives and wildlife viewing, or city-based attractions and cultural experiences, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences to visitors. However, their weather conditions can vary greatly, affecting the best time of year to visit.
At Denali, the weather is extremely varied, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to warm and sunny in summer. The park experiences heavy snowfall in the winter, making it difficult to explore the park. Summer is the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and the snow has melted, making it easier to explore the park.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, experiences hot and humid summers, as well as cold and frigid winters. The park experiences rain and thunderstorms in the spring and fall, making it a less ideal time to visit. The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is in the winter, when temperatures are cooler and the park is less crowded.
In conclusion, the weather at Denali and Gateway Arch National Parks greatly affect when is the best time to visit. While summer is the best time to visit Denali, winter is the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park are two popular destinations for families. Denali is located in Alaska and is known for its expansive wilderness and diverse wildlife. On the other hand, Gateway Arch is located in Missouri and is centered around the 630-foot steel monument, the Gateway Arch.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Denali National Park & Preserve is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and want to experience the wilderness. The park offers a variety of nature walks, ranger-led programs, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Children can also participate in Junior Ranger program, which offers hands-on learning activities and educational opportunities.
However, if you’re traveling with young children, Gateway Arch National Park may be a better choice, as the majority of the park’s attractions are located indoors. The Gateway Arch Museum features interactive exhibits and educational programs, while the park also offers boat rides along the Mississippi River. Additionally, the park is located in the heart of St. Louis, which offers plenty of other family-friendly attractions and activities.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park offer great family-friendly experiences, but the best choice for your family will depend on your specific interests and travel style.