Welcome to the great outdoors! Are you planning a trip but can’t decide between visiting Gateway Arch National Park or Haleakalā National Park? Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences, but which one is right for you?
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the city and Mississippi River. The park also features a museum and the Old Courthouse, which played a role in the famous Dred Scott case.
Meanwhile, Haleakalā National Park, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park features a dormant volcano, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the sunrise from the summit. Visitors can also spot rare and exotic wildlife, such as the Hawaiian nene goose and the silversword plant.
So, which park will you choose? The cityscape and history of Gateway Arch National Park or the natural beauty and adventure of Haleakalā National Park? Read on to find out more and make your decision!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The park features the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as a symbol of the city and the nation’s westward expansion.
In contrast, Haleakalā National Park on the Hawaiian island of Maui is a wilderness area featuring the 10,023-foot dormant Haleakalā Volcano. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures.
The Gateway Arch National Park has an easy hike, the Riverfront Trail, which is a paved path that runs along the Mississippi River for about 4 miles. The trail offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline. On the other hand, the park’s most challenging hike is the Gateway Arch Trail, a strenuous climb to the top of the Arch.
In contrast, the easiest hike in Haleakalā National Park is the Sliding Sands Trail, a well-maintained path that winds down into the crater and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park’s most challenging hike is the Halemau’u Trail, a strenuous 8.5-mile climb to the summit of the volcano. The trail is steep and rocky, with an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, making it a challenging hike for even experienced hikers.
Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park are sure to find a hike that suits their skill level and interests. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging adventure, these national 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 Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes. While visiting, visitors can expect to see a variety of different species of birds, including bald eagles, blue herons, and several species of waterfowl. In addition to birds, there are also many species of mammals that are commonly seen in the park, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, and squirrels.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii is a volcanic landscape with a unique and diverse ecosystem. The park is home to several endemic species, including the Hawaiian silversword, a species of plant that is found nowhere else in the world. In addition to the silversword, visitors to the park can also expect to see a variety of different species of birds, including the endangered Nene Goose, as well as several species of mammals, including the Hawaiian hoary bat.
While both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, it is important to note that the conditions in each park can vary greatly. At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors will find a mix of urban and natural landscapes, while at Haleakalā National Park, visitors will experience a rugged and remote volcanic landscape. Regardless of the differences between the parks, both offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
| Osprey | House Sparrow |
| Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
| Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| American Robin | Chukar |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
| Northern Flicker | California Quail |
| Merlin | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit | |
| Swainson’s Thrush | |
| Hairy Woodpecker | |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | Black Rat |
| Black Bear | Domestic Cattle |
| Porcupine | Feral Hog |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Varying Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, which serves as a monument to America’s westward expansion. The Arch, made of stainless steel, is the tallest monument in the US and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. Visitors can also explore the Old Courthouse and take a riverboat tour along the Mississippi River.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is home to the 10,023-foot dormant volcano, Haleakalā. The volcano offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains. Visitors can hike through the park to reach the summit, where they will find a unique landscape of cinder cones, volcanic craters, and diverse vegetation. At sunrise and sunset, the park is a popular destination for stargazing and witnessing the vibrant colors of the sky. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystem of the Silversword Loop Trail, which is home to the rare and endemic Silversword plant.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its iconic 630-foot tall arch that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for a breathtaking view of the city. In addition to the arch, the park offers riverboat cruises, museum exhibits, and bike rentals for exploring the surrounding park grounds.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Maui, Hawaii, is home to the 10,023-foot dormant volcanic crater that offers a unique and diverse landscape. Popular activities include scenic drives to the summit, sunrise hikes, and wildlife watching. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails and visit the visitor center to learn about the park’s cultural and natural history.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery. However, Gateway Arch National Park is more city-based and offers a mix of historical and cultural experiences, while Haleakalā National Park is a remote wilderness that provides a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re looking for a city adventure or a tranquil escape, either of these parks is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri boasts a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures typically reach into the low 90s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 20s. The park experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the spring and early summer.
Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park is located at a high elevation, however, which can lead to cooler temperatures, especially at night. The park experiences occasional rain showers, but the majority of precipitation falls during the winter months.
Based on the weather patterns at each park, the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the fall or spring when temperatures are mild and precipitation is low. Summer can be uncomfortably hot, and winter can be too cold for outdoor activities. On the other hand, the best time to visit Haleakalā National Park is during the summer when temperatures are warm and precipitation is minimal. Winter can be rainy and cooler temperatures can make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of activities, but which is better for families traveling with children? Let’s take a closer look.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is known for its 630-foot-tall stainless steel arch. The park offers a museum, a tram ride to the top of the arch, and boat tours on the Mississippi River. These activities are ideal for families with children, as they offer a unique way to experience the city and learn about its history.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is famous for its volcanic landscapes and unique ecosystems. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails and ranger-led programs. Although the park offers a unique experience for families, the hikes can be challenging for young children, and the high elevation may not be suitable for those with respiratory problems.
In conclusion, Gateway Arch National Park is more family-friendly than Haleakalā National Park. The activities offered are more suitable for children, and the park is more accessible for families with young children. If you’re traveling with kids, Gateway Arch National Park is the better choice.