The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri and the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona are two of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Both are popular tourist destinations with millions of visitors every year. But which one is better? In this article, we will be comparing the two national parks and help you decide which one is worth your time.
The Gateway Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West, stands at 630 feet tall and is a symbol of St. Louis’ role as the starting point for westward expansion. On the other hand, the Grand Canyon is an immense natural wonder, stretching 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, with breathtaking views of the canyon’s multi-colored rock formations.
So, which one is the better destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers? Does the Gateway Arch offer more than just a photo opportunity or does the Grand Canyon’s vastness make it a must-see? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous hikes.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the easiest hike is the Riverfront Trail, a flat, paved trail that runs along the Mississippi River. For a more challenging hike, try the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park, which offers stunning views of the Arch and the city of St. Louis.
At Grand Canyon National Park, the easiest hike is the Rim Trail, a flat, paved trail that runs along the rim of the canyon. For a more challenging hike, try the South Kaibab Trail, which descends into the canyon and offers breathtaking views of the rock formations.
The Grand Canyon also offers several strenuous hikes, including the Bright Angel Trail, which descends into the canyon and offers views of the towering cliffs and waterfalls. The park also offers backcountry hiking, which can be challenging and requires a permit.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Grand Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but the wildlife you’ll see in each park is very different.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can see a variety of wildlife including squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits. The park is also home to many species of birds, including pigeons, sparrows, and the occasional hawk. Rarely seen animals in the park include opossums and coyotes. Additionally, the park is home to a number of species of trees and plants, including oak, maple, and elm.
In contrast, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Visitors can see a variety of animals such as bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer. The park is also home to a large number of bird species, including eagles, hawks, and owls. Additionally, the park is home to a number of species of plants, including cacti, shrubs, and wildflowers. Some of the most unique plants in the park include the Grand Canyon bluebell and the Grand Canyon cactus.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors, but they are very different from each other. Whether you’re interested in birds, plants, or wildlife, each park has something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Grand Canyon 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 | Grand Canyon 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Mule Deer |
| Grizzly Bear | Gray Fox |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Moose | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Badger |
| Pygmy Shrew | California Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | North American River Otter |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Largemouth Bass |
| King Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Bluegill |
| Chum Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
| Dolly Varden | Golden Shiner |
| Arctic Grayling | European Carp |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Canyon Treefrog | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch monument, which is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. The Arch symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States and is a popular attraction for visitors. The park also includes the Old Courthouse, where important trials in American history took place, and the Museum of Westward Expansion, which showcases the history of the American frontier.
Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, is home to one of the most famous natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon. The Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. Visitors can hike to the bottom of the Canyon, take a scenic drive along the rim, or take a helicopter tour to see the Canyon from above. The Canyon is also home to the Colorado River, which runs through the Canyon and offers opportunities for rafting and other water sports. The park also includes several scenic overlooks and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Canyon and the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from scenic overlooks to historical landmarks.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is famous for its iconic 630-foot-tall steel monument, the Gateway Arch. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Gateway Arch for panoramic views of the city or take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River to learn about the area’s history and culture.
Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, is one of the most popular national parks in the country and is famous for its breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. Visitors can hike along trails, take a scenic drive, or take a helicopter tour to get a bird’s eye view of the canyon. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs, such as guided walks and stargazing programs, to help visitors learn about the park’s history and geology.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors. While Gateway Arch National Park is known for its iconic monument and cultural history, Grand Canyon National Park is famous for its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of America’s most iconic national parks. Both offer stunning natural beauty and a wealth of recreational opportunities, but the seasonal weather at each park can be quite different.
At Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, temperatures are moderate throughout the year, with average highs ranging from the mid-50s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. Winter months can be chilly and damp, but snow is relatively rare. Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm, humid weather and long daylight hours.
At Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, temperatures are much more extreme. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night. Winter is the best time to visit if you’re looking to avoid the heat and crowds, as well as catch a glimpse of the snow-capped canyon walls. Summer is the busiest time of year, with long lines and crowded trails, but it’s also the best time to experience the park’s vibrant wildflowers and unique landscapes.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer unique and beautiful experiences, but the best time to visit each park will depend largely on your personal preferences and the type of weather you are willing to tolerate. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat, enjoy the snow, or simply soak up the sun, these two parks have something to offer everyone.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors, but they also have some key differences, especially when it comes to family-friendliness.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is a 630-foot monument that offers stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. It is a great place to visit if you’re traveling with children, as there are several family-friendly activities available, such as a tram ride to the top of the arch, a museum, and a movie theater that shows films about the history of the West.
On the other hand, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is a natural wonder that is truly awe-inspiring. With its vast size, stunning views, and breathtaking sunsets, it is a great place for families to explore and learn about the natural world. However, it can also be more challenging for families with young children, as there are many steep and rocky trails that may not be suitable for strollers or young kids. Additionally, the park can get very hot during the summer months, which may not be ideal for families with small children.
Overall, both Gateway Arch National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are great places to visit with your family, but they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a more structured, family-friendly experience that is easy to navigate, the Gateway Arch may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a natural adventure that is sure to be both challenging and awe-inspiring, the Grand Canyon is definitely worth considering.