Gateway Arch National Park vs Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

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Gateway Arch National Park vs Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

“Nature has a way of creating awe-inspiring landscapes and geological wonders that leave us speechless. And when it comes to national parks, the United States has some of the best examples of these wonders. Today, we’re going to take you on a virtual tour of two of the most unique and contrasting national parks in the country: Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

One park stands tall and proud, a symbol of American ingenuity and strength, while the other rumbles and roars with the power of the earth. The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is home to the famous 630-foot stainless steel arch that dominates the city’s skyline. On the other hand, the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the big island of Hawaii is a living museum of volcanic activity, showcasing the raw and untamed power of Mother Nature.

Join us as we explore these two magnificent parks and discover which one will reign supreme in areas such as natural beauty, accessibility, and adventure. Will the Gateway Arch’s manmade marvels impress or will the fiery, explosive landscape of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park steal the show? Let’s find out!”

Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park both offer challenging and rewarding hiking trails, but each has its own unique features.

Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and has a variety of trails ranging from easy to challenging. The Riverfront Trail is a paved path that runs along the Mississippi River and is great for those looking for an easy hike. On the other hand, the Gateway Arch Park Overlook Trail offers a strenuous climb to the top of the Gateway Arch, providing breathtaking views of the city.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The easiest hike is the Crater Rim Trail, which takes you around the rim of Kilauea’s summit crater and offers stunning views of the volcano. For those seeking a challenging hike, the Mauna Loa summit trail is a grueling 13-mile trek to the top of the world’s largest shield volcano.

Both parks offer an opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, but Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience with the chance to hike on a live volcano.

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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail 4828.02 209.7024 Moderate loop 4.5
Kalapana Lava Viewing 15288.73 196.9008 Easy out and back 4.5
Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail 4023.35 94.7928 Moderate out and back 4.5
Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks 2092.142 24.9936 Easy loop 4
Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail 1931.208 25.908 Moderate out and back 4
Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail 20760.486 905.8656 Very Hard out and back 4.5
Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook 1609.34 37.7952 Easy out and back 3.5
End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing 16576.202 130.7592 Moderate out and back 4
Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail 1931.208 13.716 Moderate loop 4
Halema’uma’u Trail 2735.878 130.7592 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including raccoons, squirrels, river otters, and beavers. Visitors may also spot a variety of bird species, such as bald eagles, pelicans, and herons. The park is also a great place to see a variety of plant life, including native wildflowers and grasses.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the most unique wildlife environments in the world. Visitors can see a variety of endemic species, including the Hawaiian goose (nene), the Hawaiian hawk (io), and the Hawaiian owl (pueo). The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including native ferns, orchids, and flowering trees. Visitors may also spot a variety of native and introduced bird species, including the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the endangered Hawaiian crow (alala).

In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer visitors the chance to see a diverse array of wildlife, including a variety of animals, birds, and plants. However, the unique environment of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in seeing endemic species, while Gateway Arch National Park offers visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife in a more traditional park setting.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Gateway Arch National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon
Northern Harrier Canada Goose
Sharp-Shinned Hawk Great Blue Heron
Osprey Rock Pigeon
Tree Swallow House Sparrow
Mallard Northern Mockingbird
Canada Goose Black-Crowned Night-Heron
Lincoln’s Sparrow Wild Turkey
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Barn Owl
American Robin Cattle Egret
Great Horned Owl Sanderling
Red-Tailed Hawk Ring-Necked Pheasant
Northern Flicker Chukar
Merlin Ruddy Turnstone
Savannah Sparrow Northern Cardinal
Hermit Thrush California Quail
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Coyote House Mouse
American Beaver Norway Rat
Muskrat ‘Iole
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Longnose Sucker
Lake Trout
Northern Pike
Eelpout
King Salmon
Slimy Sculpin
Chum Salmon
Dolly Varden
Arctic Grayling

Amphibians

Gateway Arch National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Wood Frog Bullfrog

Insects

Gateway Arch National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Cabbage White
Honey Bee

Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. The arch is the centerpiece of the park, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis from its observation deck. Visitors can also take a tram ride to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of the city.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a unique and captivating landscape that showcases the power of nature. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which have been continuously erupting for decades. Visitors can witness the ongoing volcanic activity at the park’s summit crater, steam vents, and lava tubes. The park also boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and unique geological formations.

These two parks offer completely different experiences, but both are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning views of a cityscape or the raw power of nature, these parks offer something for everyone.

Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is famous for its 630-foot tall stainless steel arch. On the other hand, the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located in the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

At the Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of St. Louis. There is also a museum at the park that showcases the history and culture of the region. Visitors can also take a riverboat tour on the Mississippi River or visit the Old Courthouse to learn about the history of the area.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. One of the most popular activities is hiking through the park’s many trails. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park to see the active volcanoes and steam vents. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as volcano walks, where visitors can learn about the park’s geology and wildlife. In addition, visitors can take a guided tour of the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum to learn about the history and science of volcanoes.

Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two very different destinations, and their weather also constitutes a major difference. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can range from the mid-80s to low 90s, while in the winter the temperatures can range from the low 30s to high 40s. This park is best visited during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and there are fewer crowds.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located in Hawaii, has a tropical climate. It is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s. The park experiences more rainfall during the winter months, but it is still a great time to visit as the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer is the driest season, but it is also the busiest time of year, so visitors should plan accordingly if they want to avoid crowds.

In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park have distinct weather patterns and visitors should be mindful of the time of year they plan to visit. Whether you’re looking for warm and sunny weather or mild and rainy conditions, each park has its own unique appeal.

Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both great options for families who want to experience the beauty and diversity of America’s national parks. However, each park has its own unique features and amenities that cater to families in different ways.

Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is a great option for families who want to experience the history and culture of America. The park features the famous Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that offers stunning views of the city. Families can also take a tram ride to the top of the Arch, which provides a panoramic view of the city. The park also has a museum that showcases the history of the Gateway Arch and the city of St. Louis, making it a great educational experience for families.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is a great option for families who want to experience the natural beauty of America. The park features two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which offer families the chance to witness the power of nature. The park also has a variety of hiking trails, which allow families to explore the unique landscapes and ecosystems of the island. The park’s Visitor Center is also a great resource for families, as it offers educational programs and interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the park’s history and geological features.

In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are great options for families. While Gateway Arch National Park offers a mix of history and culture, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of nature. Ultimately, the best park for families will depend on their individual preferences and interests.

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