If you’re looking for a road trip that combines history, natural beauty and breathtaking views, then two of the best national parks in the US are Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park. Both parks have a lot to offer, from towering monuments to rugged mountains and scenic trails. But which one is right for you? To help you decide, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to these two incredible parks.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. From the top of the arch, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also features a museum, riverboats and a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great destination for families and history buffs.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is located in Nevada and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Lehman Caves and the ancient bristlecone pines, which are some of the oldest living organisms on earth. The park also offers great hiking, camping, and stargazing opportunities, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park are two unique parks with different offerings for outdoor enthusiasts. In terms of hiking, Gateway Arch National Park offers a number of urban hikes within the city, including the Riverfront Trail, which provides views of the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch. On the other hand, Great Basin National Park has a more remote and rugged feel with a variety of trail options for all skill levels.
The Great Basin National Park has several easy hikes, including the Lehman Caves trail, which is a 0.5-mile round trip hike to the cave entrance. Another popular option is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike through a grove of ancient bristlecone pines. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Wheeler Peak Trail offers a challenging 13.0-mile round trip hike to the summit of the park’s highest peak.
In contrast, Gateway Arch National Park has fewer and shorter trails, but they are still worth exploring. The climb to the top of the Gateway Arch is a must-see and can be done by taking the Tram Ride to the Top. For those who prefer a hike, the Park Overlook Trail provides a 1.6-mile round trip hike with views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis. Another option is the Riverfront Trail, which is a 2.2-mile round trip hike along the Mississippi River.
Both parks offer a unique experience for those looking to explore and hike, with Great Basin National Park being a more remote and rugged option, and Gateway Arch National Park offering more urban hikes within the city.
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 Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri and Great Basin National Park in Nevada are two unique parks that offer a diverse range of wildlife experiences. Gateway Arch National Park is located in a city setting, while Great Basin National Park is nestled in the high desert mountains.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can see a variety of birds such as blue jays, cardinals, and woodpeckers. Also, several types of squirrels and rabbits can be seen in the park. The park is also home to several species of fish, including catfish, bass, and carp, which can be found in the Mississippi River.
In contrast, Great Basin National Park is home to a wider range of wildlife, including mule deer, mountain lions, and a variety of other mammals. The park is also a great place for bird watching, with species like the Great Basin sparrow, the pygmy nuthatch, and the Clark’s nutcracker. Additionally, visitors to the park can see a variety of plants, including sagebrush, pinyon pine, and juniper.
Overall, both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, with Gateway Arch National Park offering a more urban wildlife experience, and Great Basin National Park offering a more wilderness experience. Whether you’re interested in birds, mammals, or plants, both parks have something to offer for nature enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Great Basin 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 | Great Basin 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 | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Lion |
| American Marten | Mink |
| Grizzly Bear | Mule Deer |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Fox |
| Moose | Gray Wolf |
| Least Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Badger |
| Ermine | |
| Californis Myotis |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Mottled Sculpin |
| King Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Cutthroat Trout |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park are two popular National Parks that offer visitors stunning landscapes and unique natural wonders.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the main attraction is the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which provides breathtaking views of the city of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Visitors can also explore the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park and take a scenic riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, offers visitors the chance to explore the magnificent Lehman Caves, which are filled with unique and intricate rock formations. The park is also home to the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees, some of which are estimated to be over 4,000 years old. Additionally, visitors can hike to the top of Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in the park, to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, unique natural wonders, or a combination of both, Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park are two iconic national parks that draw millions of visitors each year. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is centered around the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, while Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its remote and rugged terrain.
Gateway Arch is a popular destination for history buffs, as the park features exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the important role St. Louis played in the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can also take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. In addition, the park offers boat tours and bike rentals, making it a great place for outdoor recreation.
Great Basin National Park is a nature lovers paradise, with its stunning alpine forests and towering peaks. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and stargazing. Visitors can explore the ancient Bristlecone Pine forests, which are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Great Basin is also home to the Lehman Caves, which are a popular destination for visitors who want to see stunning rock formations and learn about the geological history of the park.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park offer unique experiences and are popular destinations for visitors of all ages. Whether you are interested in history, outdoor recreation, or simply want to escape to a natural oasis, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park are both popular tourist destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, the seasonal weather at each park can vary greatly, affecting when is the best time of year to visit.
At Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, the weather can be hot and humid in the summer months, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and high humidity levels. Winter temperatures at the park can drop into the 30s and 40s, with occasional snow and ice. This makes spring and fall the best seasons to visit the park, when temperatures are more moderate and weather is milder.
In contrast, Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its desert-like climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures at the park can reach into the 90s, making it a popular destination for those seeking respite from the heat. Winter temperatures can drop into the single digits, with snow and ice making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the weather at Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park varies greatly, affecting the best time of year to visit each park. While Gateway Arch is best visited in spring and fall, Great Basin is a popular destination for both hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Great Basin National Park are two highly visited parks in the United States, both offering unique experiences for families traveling with children.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, provides a mix of history, architecture, and outdoor activities. The highlight of this park is the 630-foot Gateway Arch, a symbol of the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” Families can take a tram ride to the top of the Arch for stunning views of the city and Mississippi River. Additionally, the park offers a museum and interactive exhibits that educate visitors on the history and cultural significance of the Arch and the city.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is a nature lover’s paradise. This park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the ancient bristlecone pine trees, and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and stargazing. The park also features a scenic drive, the Lehman Caves, and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer different experiences. Gateway Arch National Park provides a mix of history, education, and outdoor activities, making it a great choice for families looking for a cultural experience. On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is a nature lover’s paradise and is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Ultimately, the best park to visit will depend on your family’s interests and what type of experience you are looking for.