The United States is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking national parks, each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Two parks that stand out for their stark contrasts are the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska and the Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri.
One park is located in the rugged wilderness of the Arctic Circle, where visitors can experience the raw power of nature in its purest form. The other is located in the heart of the city, where towering steel and marble stand as a symbol of American ingenuity and determination.
So, which park should you visit? That’s what we’re here to find out! In this article, we’ll compare these two parks side by side, exploring their history, geography, and what makes each one special. You’ll learn about the unique features that set them apart, and discover which park is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned national park explorer or just looking to get away from it all, this article is your ticket to two of America’s most captivating parks. So, buckle up and get ready for an epic journey through the wilds of Alaska and the heart of the city!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences. Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and is known for its challenging and remote wilderness hikes. It’s one of the least visited national parks in the U.S., making it a great destination for experienced hikers seeking solitude. Some of the more challenging hikes include the 8.5-mile Arrigetch Peaks Loop and the 20-mile Alatna River Trail.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is much more accessible and better suited for beginner hikers. The park features short, easy hikes such as the Riverfront Trail, a 1-mile walk along the Mississippi River, and the Old Courthouse Trail, a 0.5-mile walk to the top of the Old Courthouse. The park also offers ranger-led hikes, including the Arch Hike, a strenuous 6-mile hike through the park’s historic district.
For those seeking a real challenge, the Gateway Arch National Park also offers the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Hike, a strenuous 8-mile hike to the top of the Gateway Arch. This hike provides incredible views of the city and is a must-do for experienced hikers.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique hiking experiences, with Gates of the Arctic being more remote and challenging, and Gateway Arch being more accessible and beginner-friendly.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique wildlife experiences. Gates of the Arctic, located in Alaska, provides a chance to see a variety of arctic and subarctic wildlife. Visitors can expect to see large mammals such as bears, moose, and caribou, as well as smaller mammals like arctic hares and red foxes. There are also numerous bird species to be seen, including the peregrine falcon, the common raven, and the Arctic tern. The park’s diverse plant life includes tundra vegetation and boreal forests.
In contrast, Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, offers a different type of wildlife experience. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the American white pelican, the green heron, and the great blue heron. Visitors can also see beavers, muskrats, and river otters, as well as many species of fish in the Mississippi River. The park’s plant life is characterized by tallgrass prairies and wetlands.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences that provide opportunities to see a wide range of species. Whether you are interested in observing arctic mammals or river otters, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park are sure to provide a memorable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Mink | Mink |
| Wolf | Wolf |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Varying Hare | Varying Hare |
| River Otter | River Otter |
| Common Shrew | Common Shrew |
| Red Squirrel | Red Squirrel |
| Montane Shrew | Montane Shrew |
| Lynx | Lynx |
| Wolverine | Wolverine |
| American Marten | American Marten |
| Grizzly Bear | Grizzly Bear |
| Meadow Vole | Meadow Vole |
| Moose | Moose |
| Least Weasel | Least Weasel |
| Pygmy Shrew | Pygmy Shrew |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Eelpout | Eelpout |
| King Salmon | King Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Dolly Varden |
| Arctic Grayling | Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the Gateway Arch, the 630-foot monument that represents the Gateway to the West. The Arch is made of stainless steel and is one of the tallest monuments in the world. Visitors can take a tram to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its remote wilderness and rugged terrain. The park covers over 8 million acres and contains two mountain ranges, the Brooks Range and the Endicott Mountains. Visitors can hike, backpack, and camp in the park and enjoy views of glaciers, tundra, and wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve offer unique and stunning landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you are looking for a cityscape view or a remote wilderness adventure, both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to delight and inspire.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Gateways of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different national parks, each offering unique experiences for visitors. One of the most popular activities at Gates of the Arctic is backpacking and wilderness camping. This park is known for its remote and rugged wilderness, and visitors come to experience the beauty of the Arctic wilderness, including glaciers, rivers, and rugged peaks. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with visitors having the opportunity to see animals like grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is centered around the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors come to this park to tour the Gateway Arch, take in the views from the top, and learn about the history of the Arch and the city of St. Louis. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, such as riverboat cruises and walking tours, as well as opportunities for picnicking and bike riding along the Mississippi River.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but visitors to Gates of the Arctic come for the remote wilderness and wildlife viewing opportunities, while visitors to Gateway Arch National Park come for the history, monument viewing, and urban park activities.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park are two vastly different parks with diverse weather patterns. Gates Of The Arctic is located in northern Alaska and is one of the coldest national parks in the US, with sub-zero temperatures and snow cover lasting up to 7 months of the year. The best time to visit is between June and September, when temperatures are warmer and the sun shines for up to 24 hours a day.
In contrast, Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Winters are cold but mild, with occasional snow and temperatures averaging in the 30s°F. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more mild, and the fall foliage is a beautiful sight.
Weather plays a crucial role in determining the best time to visit each park. Gates Of The Arctic is only accessible by bush plane, and the weather can greatly affect flight schedules. In the summer, the long days and extended hours of sunlight allow visitors to take advantage of the park’s scenic beauty. On the other hand, Gateway Arch is a year-round destination, with indoor attractions like the museum and the movie theater providing refuge from hot summer days and cold winter nights.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Gateway Arch National Park offer quite different experiences for family travelers. Gates of the Arctic is a remote and rugged wilderness park located in northern Alaska, offering breathtaking views of the Alaskan tundra and the Brooks Range mountains. The park is primarily accessible by foot or small aircraft, making it a challenging destination for families with small children.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis is a city park with a focus on history and culture. The park’s centerpiece is the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which offers breathtaking views of the city from the top. The park is also home to the Museum of Westward Expansion, which offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for families.
For those traveling with children, Gateway Arch National Park is the clear choice. With its city location and abundance of educational opportunities, families can have a fun and educational experience while visiting the park. Gates of the Arctic, while beautiful, may not be the best destination for families with small children due to its remote location and rugged terrain. However, families who enjoy outdoor adventure and are looking for a unique and challenging experience may find Gates of the Arctic to be the perfect destination.