The great outdoors offers unlimited opportunities to explore and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From coast to coast, the United States is home to some of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world. But when it comes to choosing the perfect destination for your next adventure, it can be tough to decide between two of the country’s most iconic parks: Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
While Gateway Arch is defined by its towering 630-foot stainless steel structure that stands as a symbol of westward expansion, Guadalupe Mountains is a rugged and wild mountain range that boasts breathtaking views from its highest peak. Both parks offer unique experiences, but which one is right for you?
Join us as we take a closer look at Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and explore the beauty, history, and adventure that each has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing stroll or a heart-pumping hike, there’s something for everyone in these two stunning parks. So, grab your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and let’s hit the trails!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park both offer unique and diverse hiking experiences for visitors. However, the type of trail and difficulty level can vary greatly between the two parks.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the most popular hike is the Riverfront Trail, a paved path that follows the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the Gateway Arch. It is an easy hike, suitable for all ages and abilities. On the other hand, the park also offers more challenging hikes like the St. Louis City Trail that leads visitors to historic sites and hidden gems throughout the city.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, offers a completely different type of hiking experience. The park is home to the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which is the highest peak in Texas and offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. This hike is considered challenging, with an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet and a total distance of 8.5 miles. However, the park also has easier hikes like the Bowl Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that leads to a serene mountain bowl.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options for visitors, from easy, leisurely walks to challenging, strenuous hikes. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting out, both Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park 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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park both offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors. In Gateway Arch National Park, you can spot urban wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of birds including pigeons and sparrows. The park also has a small but thriving bat population, which can be seen at dusk.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to a much wider variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, black bears, and a variety of birds such as eagles, hawks, and vultures. The park is also home to a diverse range of plants, including cacti, yucca, and oaks. The park’s elevation changes also provide a variety of habitats for different species of animals and plants.
Both parks offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing, but for those looking for a more diverse range of animals and plants, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the better choice. The park’s rugged terrain and varied habitats make it a great place for hiking and exploring, while Gateway Arch National Park is better suited for those who want a more urban wildlife experience. Regardless of which park you choose, be sure to bring a camera and be prepared to spot some amazing wildlife!
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Guadalupe Mountains 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 | American Wigeon |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Green-Winged Teal |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Porcupine | Deer Mouse |
| Red Fox | Raccoon |
| Mink | Black Bear |
| Wolf | Porcupine |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Varying Hare | Hoary Bat |
| River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Red Squirrel | Mule Deer |
| Montane Shrew | Common Gray Fox |
| Lynx | Gray Wolf |
| Wolverine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Marten | American Badger |
| Grizzly Bear | California Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Fringed Myotis |
| Moose | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Least Weasel | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| Bighorn Sheep | |
| White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Night Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and features the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch as its main attraction. The Arch is a symbol of American westward expansion and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis from its observation deck. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in West Texas, is home to the Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet. The park is known for its rugged beauty and diverse landscapes, including canyons, mountains, and scenic drives. The park is also home to the popular McKittrick Canyon, which is known for its fall foliage, and offers hiking and bird-watching opportunities.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes for visitors to explore. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history of the American West or experiencing the rugged beauty of the Texas wilderness, these parks are must-visits for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its iconic 630-foot tall stainless steel arch that is a symbol of the American West. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in Texas and is known for its rugged mountain range and diverse landscapes.
One of the most popular activities at Gateway Arch National Park is taking a tram ride to the top of the arch to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Visitors can also tour the museum and learn about the history of the arch and the Westward Expansion. Another popular activity is taking a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River, where visitors can see the arch from a different perspective.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors love to hike and explore the rugged terrain. The park is home to several popular trails, including the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which leads to the highest point in Texas. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and wildlife viewing, as the park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, mountain lions, and black bears.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer unique experiences for visitors. While Gateway Arch provides a cityscape and riverboat experience, Guadalupe Mountains offers a rugged wilderness and scenic mountain views. Regardless of the park, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience and create lasting memories.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F, and cold winters with temperatures dropping below freezing. The park is best visited in spring and autumn, with mild temperatures and comfortable weather conditions. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the park’s many amenities, including boat rides, guided tours, and air-conditioned exhibits.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, has a different climate, with hot and dry summers, with temperatures reaching up to 100°F, and cool winters with occasional snowfall. The park is best visited in the spring and fall, with comfortable temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. Winter can be quite cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, making it a less desirable time to visit the park. However, winter is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer unique experiences year-round, with the best time to visit dependent on individual preferences and weather conditions. Those seeking mild temperatures and comfortable weather conditions should visit Gateway Arch National Park in the spring or autumn, while those seeking outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing should visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the winter.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two popular United States national parks. Both parks have unique features that make them ideal destinations for families traveling with children.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as a symbol of the western expansion of the United States. The park offers several interactive exhibits, a museum, and a tram ride to the top of the Arch, making it a great place for families to learn about the history of the United States and the westward expansion.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in west Texas and is known for its towering peaks and scenic vistas. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing, making it a great place for families who enjoy the great outdoors. The park also has several designated trails that are suitable for families, including the McKittrick Canyon Trail and the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which lead to stunning views of the surrounding mountain range.
Overall, both parks have a lot to offer families, but Gateway Arch National Park may be the better choice for families with young children, as it offers more interactive exhibits and a tram ride to the top of the Arch, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is better suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic vistas.