The Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri and the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska are two of the most unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. But which one is right for you?
The Gateway Arch, located in the heart of St. Louis, is a 630-foot monument that pays homage to the country’s westward expansion. You can take a tram to the top for a panoramic view of the city or take a boat tour to explore the Mississippi River. The park also offers a museum showcasing the history of the westward expansion.
Meanwhile, the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is a rugged and wild place, where glaciers and ice cut through the fjords and create spectacular landscapes. Visitors can take a boat tour to spot whales, sea lions, and otters, or go kayaking to get up close and personal with the glaciers.
So, whether you prefer city views or rugged wilderness, there’s a national park for you! In this article, we’ll compare the Gateway Arch National Park and the Kenai Fjords National Park to help you decide which one to add to your travel bucket list.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two very different destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, with each park offering a unique range of hiking experiences. In Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can hike along the Mississippi River and take in views of the iconic Gateway Arch, with easy trails such as the Riverfront Trail and the Arch Grounds Trail. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the park also offers the Jefferson Expansion Memorial climb and the Gateway Arch legs, which take visitors to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park offers a completely different landscape, with its rugged coastline, glaciers and fjords. The park’s strenuous hike, the Exit Glacier Trail, takes visitors to the face of the glacier, offering a unique opportunity to view a glacial landscape up close. For those looking for a less strenuous hike, the Harding Icefield Trail offers breathtaking views of the icefield and the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a strenuous adventure, both Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer something for every level of hiker.
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 Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its iconic 630-foot arch, which serves as a symbol of the American West. The park is situated on the Mississippi River and encompasses the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which includes the Gateway Arch, a museum, and the Old Courthouse. Visitors to the park can enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River, take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, and learn about the history of the American West.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is a breathtaking wilderness that features glaciers, fjords, and rugged coastline. This park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, and porpoises. Visitors to the park can take a boat tour to see glaciers and wildlife, hike through the wilderness, and explore the rugged coastline. In addition, the park is home to numerous bird species, such as the bald eagle, puffin, and pigeon guillemot.
In terms of wildlife, Kenai Fjords is a more diverse destination as it offers a chance to see marine mammals and a variety of bird species. On the other hand, Gateway Arch has fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, but visitors can observe the Mississippi River and its river-dwelling birds. Both parks offer unique experiences and are worth visiting for their natural beauty and historical significance.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | Bald Eagle |
| American Wigeon | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Green-Winged Teal |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Red Fox | Porcupine |
| Mink | Red Fox |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Varying Hare | Gray Wolf |
| River Otter | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Shrew | California Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Montane Shrew | Northern River Otter |
| Lynx | Masked Shrew |
| Wolverine | Red Squirrel |
| American Marten | Montane Shrew |
| Grizzly Bear | Lynx |
| Meadow Vole | Wolverine |
| Moose | American Marten |
| Least Weasel | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Pygmy Shrew | Brown Bear |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Meadow Mouse |
| Moose | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Burbot |
| Eelpout | Silver Salmon |
| King Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Threespine Stickleback |
| Dolly Varden | Red Salmon |
| Arctic Grayling | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St Louis, Missouri and is famous for its 630-ft tall stainless-steel Gateway Arch that symbolizes the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” Visitors can also enjoy views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline from the Arch.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. Visitors can explore the park by boat and see glaciers, such as the Harding Icefield, calving into the sea. Wildlife such as whales, sea lions, and sea otters can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to the Exit Glacier, which visitors can hike to see up close.
These two parks offer vastly different experiences, but both offer breathtaking landscapes. Gateway Arch National Park provides a unique urban experience with its iconic arch, while Kenai Fjords National Park offers a rugged, natural landscape filled with glaciers and wildlife. Whether you prefer the city or the wilderness, both of these parks have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two popular U.S. national parks that attract millions of visitors each year. While both parks offer unique opportunities for outdoor recreation, they have different specialties.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is best known for its 630-foot tall stainless steel arch that serves as a symbol of the city and the Westward Expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city, explore the museum and visitor center, and take part in ranger-led programs. The park also has a scenic riverfront park, walking trails, and picnic areas.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours to see whales, seals, sea lions, and sea otters, or go kayaking, fishing, or hiking. The park has several glaciers, including the Exit Glacier, which visitors can hike to and explore. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with opportunities to see moose, black bears, and a variety of bird species.
Whether you’re looking to take in breathtaking views, hike through glaciers, or observe wildlife, both Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its 630-foot stainless steel monument, the Gateway Arch. The park has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F or higher, but it’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop quickly in the evenings. Winter temperatures can be below freezing and snow is common.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate. Summer temperatures are mild, with average highs in the mid-50s to 60s°F. However, the park is known for its abundant rainfall, with up to 200 inches falling each year. Winter temperatures can reach below zero, with snow and ice covering much of the park.
The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate. The summer months can be very hot and humid, which can make it difficult to enjoy the park’s attractions. Winter months can be cold and snowy, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.
For Kenai Fjords National Park, the best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s glaciers are accessible. Winter months can be very cold and snowy, making it difficult to access many of the park’s attractions. The park is also known for its abundant wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and seals, which are best viewed during the summer months.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular destinations for families, but each offers a unique experience and level of accessibility for children.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St Louis, Missouri, is a great option for families with young children. The park features a museum and interactive exhibits, as well as a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch. The park is also home to several walking trails and picnic areas, making it a fun and educational destination for families.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is a more rugged and remote option for families. The park is known for its glaciers, wildlife, and scenic boat tours, but may not be as accessible for young children. The park is also home to several strenuous hiking trails and challenging backcountry camping opportunities, making it a better fit for older children and teenagers.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique experiences for families, but Gateway Arch National Park is the better option for families with young children due to its accessibility and educational opportunities. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a better fit for families with older children and teenagers who are interested in more rugged outdoor adventures.