Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park are two of America’s most iconic national parks, each offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. While both parks are destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, they have different landscapes, activities, and attractions that set them apart.
The Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the 630-foot stainless steel monument that symbolizes America’s westward expansion. Visitors can take a tram to the top for breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Meanwhile, Glacier National Park in Montana boasts over one million acres of pristine wilderness, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and deep valleys.
So, which park is the best for your next adventure? Whether you’re looking for a city escape or a rugged wilderness experience, both Gateway Arch and Glacier National Park have something to offer. This article will compare the two parks, exploring their similarities and differences, and help you decide which one is right for you. Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road as we embark on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of these two American treasures!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park are two popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but each park has its own unique features that set it apart from the other.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the trails are relatively easy, with relatively flat terrain and well-maintained paths. The park features a scenic riverfront trail, which is a great option for families and visitors who are looking for an easy hike. Another popular trail is the Gateway Arch Overlook, which provides stunning views of the city.
In contrast, Glacier National Park is known for its challenging hikes and rugged terrain. The park is home to over 700 miles of trails, including some of the hardest hikes in the country. Some of the most popular trails in the park include the Highline Trail and the Grinnell Glacier Trail. These trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, but they require a high level of fitness and are recommended only for experienced hikers.
Despite the differences in the trails, both Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, both parks have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its iconic 630-foot stainless steel arch that symbolizes America’s westward expansion. While the arch may be the main attraction, the park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can spot squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and opossums, as well as a variety of bird species such as the American Goldfinch, the Blue Jay, and the Chimney Swift.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is a wilderness area with diverse wildlife species. The park is home to over 70 species of mammals, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, and elk. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 260 species, including the Bald Eagle and the Peregrine Falcon. In addition to wildlife, Glacier National Park is also home to a diverse range of vegetation, including wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. The park’s unique combination of glaciers, forests, and alpine meadows creates a unique habitat for the park’s diverse wildlife species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Glacier 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 | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Varying Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Porcupine |
| Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
| Montane Shrew | Red Fox |
| Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Mink |
| Grizzly Bear | Mule Deer |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Wolf |
| Moose | Long-Legged Bat |
| Least Weasel | Long-Eared Bat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Badger |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Longnose Sucker |
| Eelpout | Fathead Minnow |
| King Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Slimy Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Chum Salmon | Burbot |
| Dolly Varden | Mottled Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is most famous for its 630-foot steel arch. This monument serves as a symbol of the city’s role in America’s westward expansion. The arch is surrounded by 63 acres of parkland, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the Mississippi Riverfront, hike and bike trails and take part in various educational programs.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, alpine lakes and glaciers. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park. The road offers breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls and the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can also take part in a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding. One of the most popular attractions in Glacier National Park is the Highline Trail, a scenic hike that takes visitors along a narrow path above the sheer cliffs of the Garden Wall.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park are both popular tourist destinations in the United States, offering different experiences for visitors.
At the Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, visitors can take a tram to the top of the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding city and Mississippi River. The park also offers riverboat cruises, museum exhibits, and a film about the park’s history.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, offers a more natural and rugged experience for visitors. Here, visitors can hike through pristine forests and alpine meadows, witness the power of glaciers carving through the landscape, and see a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and mountain goats. The park also offers scenic drives, boat tours, and ranger-led programs.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but those seeking a more urban experience should visit Gateway Arch National Park, while those seeking a more wilderness experience should visit Glacier National Park.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences, but the seasonal weather is significantly different.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is from spring to fall, when temperatures are mild and comfortable. However, summer can be hot and humid, and visitors should be prepared for thunderstorms.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Montana and has a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit is from June to September, when temperatures are warm and the snow has melted, allowing for easy access to the park’s many trails and scenic drives. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, as thunderstorms and rapid temperature drops are common in the summer months.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park affects when is the best time of year to visit. While Gateway Arch National Park is best visited from spring to fall, Glacier National Park is best visited from June to September. Both parks offer unique experiences and visitors should be prepared for the seasonal weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park are both stunning natural wonders, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. However, if you’re traveling with children, there are some differences to consider when deciding which park to visit.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and ranger-led tours that are great for families with kids. The famous Gateway Arch, which stands 630 feet tall, is a popular attraction for families and offers stunning views of the city. There is also a museum with interactive exhibits and displays, as well as a tram that takes visitors to the top of the arch.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is a more rugged and remote destination. While it’s still family-friendly, it may be best suited for families with older children who are able to handle more strenuous hikes and outdoor activities. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and stunning natural scenery, including glaciers, lakes, and mountains. There are plenty of ranger-led programs and guided hikes to help families get the most out of their visit, but it’s important to note that the park can be challenging for younger children.
Ultimately, both Gateway Arch National Park and Glacier National Park are great destinations for families, but if you’re traveling with younger children, Gateway Arch National Park may be the better choice. With its interactive exhibits and educational programs, it offers a more accessible and kid-friendly experience, while still providing plenty of opportunities for families to explore and learn about the great outdoors.