Are you torn between visiting Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve got the inside scoop on both destinations to help you pick the perfect park for your next adventure.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the famous 630-foot stainless steel arch that serves as a symbol of the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” But, this park offers more than just a stunning architectural wonder. With its scenic riverfront, historic sites, and interactive museum, Gateway Arch National Park is a must-visit for history buffs and city slickers alike.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California, is a desert playground for outdoor enthusiasts. With its unique Joshua trees, rock formations, and hiking trails, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a scenic drive, Joshua Tree National Park has something for everyone.
So, which one will it be? The city’s iconic Gateway Arch or the desert’s rugged beauty? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. One of the easiest hikes is the Riverfront Trail, a paved path that runs along the Mississippi River and offers great views of the Arch and the city skyline. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Arch grounds themselves offer several trails with varying levels of difficulty. The most strenuous hike is the Park Overlook Trail, a steep climb to the top of the Arch grounds for panoramic views of the city and the river.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park in California offers a completely different hiking experience. The park is known for its unique desert landscape and rock formations, making for some truly incredible hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Barker Dam Trail, a short loop that takes visitors past a historic dam and through a Joshua tree forest. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Keys View Trail is a moderate hike that takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Coachella Valley. For experienced hikers, the strenuous trails in the park, such as the Lost Horse Mine Trail, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
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 Joshua Tree National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Mountain Trail | 4828.02 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Barker Dam Nature Trail | 2896.812 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Valley Nature Trail | 1609.34 | 34.7472 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lost Palms Oasis | 11587.248 | 312.7248 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Arch Rock Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail | 4506.152 | 188.976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail | 11104.446 | 277.9776 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Skull Rock Nature Trail | 2735.878 | 48.768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Willow Hole Trail | 10943.512 | 74.9808 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique experiences for visitors, but the wildlife you’ll see at each park is different. In Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, as well as animals like squirrels and rabbits. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including native prairie grasses and wildflowers.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its abundant desert wildlife, including reptiles like rattlesnakes and Gila monsters, as well as mammals like bighorn sheep and desert tortoises. Visitors to the park are also likely to see a variety of birds, including hawks and vultures, as well as cacti and other desert plants.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe and appreciate wildlife, but the type of wildlife you’ll see will depend on the park you choose. Gateway Arch National Park is ideal for those interested in waterfowl and prairie ecosystems, while Joshua Tree National Park is perfect for those interested in desert wildlife and ecology. Regardless of which park you choose, be sure to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the amazing wildlife you’ll encounter.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Joshua Tree 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 | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Deer Mouse |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Mink | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Wolf | House Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Cougar |
| Varying Hare | Mule Deer |
| River Otter | Gray Fox |
| Common Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | American Badger |
| Montane Shrew | Californian Myotis |
| Lynx | Snowhsoe Hare |
| Wolverine | Fringed Myotis |
| American Marten | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Grizzly Bear | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Meadow Vole | Pallid Bat |
| Moose | Ringtail |
| Least Weasel | Desert Cottontail |
| Pygmy Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Brush Deermouse | |
| Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Goldfish |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a symbol of the American West. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline, as well as the opportunity to take a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views. Visitors can also explore the Museum of Westward Expansion, which details the history of America’s westward expansion, and the Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case was heard.
Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California, is named after the unique, spiky-looking Joshua Trees that are found only in the Mojave Desert. The park is also home to a diverse range of landscapes, including rock formations, canyons, and desert vistas. One of the most famous sites in the park is Skull Rock, a large boulder shaped like a skull, and Keys View, which offers views of the Coachella Valley and the Little San Bernardino Mountains. The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, including the popular 49 Palms Oasis Trail, which leads to a palm-lined oasis in the middle of the desert.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions, but they differ in terms of the activities that are most popular among visitors.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the most popular activity is to visit the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors often take a trip to the top of the Arch for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. Another popular activity is visiting the Old Courthouse, which was used during the Dred Scott trial and is now a museum.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its stunning desert landscapes and rock formations. Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities in the park, with climbers coming from all over the world to test their skills on the park’s many formations. Hiking is also popular, with trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Stargazing is another popular activity, with clear night skies offering breathtaking views of the stars and constellations.
Whether you’re visiting Gateway Arch National Park or Joshua Tree National Park, both parks offer a wealth of activities and attractions that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two popular national parks located in different regions of the United States. The weather at each park greatly affects when is the best time to visit.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach well into the 90s, making it the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. Winter can be very cold and snowy, making it difficult to access certain areas of the park.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park, located in California, has a hot and arid desert climate. Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, making it the best time to visit for outdoor activities. However, during the summer months, temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees, making it extremely hot and uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the summer months, while the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the winter months. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly, taking into consideration the weather and its effect on their desired activities.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two iconic national parks in the United States, but they differ greatly in terms of family-friendliness. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is centered around the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. The park offers family-friendly activities such as a museum and tram ride to the top of the Arch. Visitors can also take a boat tour on the Mississippi River and explore the park’s historic sites.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in California and is known for its unique landscape of towering Joshua trees and rock formations. While the park offers many hiking trails and scenic drives, it may not be as family-friendly as Gateway Arch National Park. The park’s remote location and harsh desert environment can make it difficult for families with young children to explore. Additionally, the park’s limited amenities and services can also be a hindrance for families.
For families traveling with young children, Gateway Arch National Park may be a better choice as it offers more family-friendly activities and amenities. However, for families looking for a unique and adventurous experience, Joshua Tree National Park is a great option. Whether you’re looking for history and culture or natural beauty, both Gateway Arch National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are worth a visit.