Looking for a unique vacation that combines history and nature? Look no further than Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park! These two parks offer a completely different experience, from the cityscape of St. Louis to the wild Alaskan wilderness.
Gateway Arch is a symbol of American ingenuity and determination, standing 630 feet tall in the heart of St. Louis. It offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city from its observation deck. The park also offers a museum that explores the history of westward expansion in the United States.
Kobuk Valley, on the other hand, is a remote park located in Alaska’s Brooks Range. It’s home to the largest sand dunes in the Arctic and the pristine Kobuk River, which is home to spawning salmon and other wildlife. Visitors can also explore the park by hiking, backpacking, or even dog sledding.
So, which park is right for you? Do you want to experience the excitement of a bustling city and the history of westward expansion or escape to the peaceful wilderness of Alaska? The choice is yours, but one thing is for sure: both Gateway Arch and Kobuk Valley National Parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two very different national parks, each offering a unique hiking experience. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is best known for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a monument to American westward expansion. The park offers several hiking trails, including the Riverfront Trail and the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park. The Riverfront Trail is an easy hike along the Mississippi River, offering beautiful views of the city and the river. The Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park is a bit harder, with hills and stairs, but is well worth the effort for the views of the Arch and the river.
On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park is located in Alaska and offers a completely different experience. It is known for its sand dunes, which are some of the largest in the world, and the park offers several hiking trails that take visitors through the dunes. The park also offers several backcountry trails, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and the Rainbow Trail, which offer a more challenging hike. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is a strenuous hike through the park’s volcanic landscape, while the Rainbow Trail is a moderate hike through the park’s beautiful and diverse landscape. Both trails offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique environments.
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 Kobuk Valley 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two unique national parks that offer visitors a chance to experience different types of wildlife. While Gateway Arch National Park is located in the heart of a bustling city, Kobuk Valley National Park is located in the remote wilderness of Alaska.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can see a variety of urban wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, and pigeons. The park also has a large population of migratory birds, including geese, ducks, and swans, which can be seen in the surrounding waterways. In addition, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including native prairie grasses and wildflowers.
In contrast, Kobuk Valley National Park is home to a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and foxes. The park is also a prime location for birdwatching, with species such as the Gyrfalcon, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Snowy Owl commonly seen in the area. The park’s remote location also makes it a great destination for those interested in observing plant life, with species such as the Arctic cotton, the Arctic willow, and the Arctic poppy commonly found in the area.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, each unique to its respective location. Whether you’re interested in urban wildlife or Arctic wildlife, both parks offer a chance to experience the beauty of nature and see the wildlife that call these parks home.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Northern Pintail |
| Bald Eagle | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
| American Pipit | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Shoveler |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Golden Eagle |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Mink | Mink |
| Wolf | Wolf |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Varying Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
| River Otter | River Otter |
| Common Shrew | Common Shrew |
| Red Squirrel | Red Squirrel |
| Montane Shrew | Montane Shrew |
| Lynx | Lynx |
| Wolverine | Wolverine |
| American Marten | American Marten |
| Grizzly Bear | Grizzly Bear |
| Meadow Vole | Moose |
| Moose | Least Weasel |
| Least Weasel | Pygmy Shrew |
| Pygmy Shrew | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Eelpout | Burbot |
| King Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | King Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Dolly Varden | Alaskan Stickleback |
| Arctic Grayling | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as a symbol of the city and the Westward Expansion of the United States. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for a panoramic view of the city and beyond.
On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park, in Alaska, is a wilderness park that is home to some of the largest sand dunes in the world. The park is also home to the Kobuk River, which is home to several species of fish and is a popular destination for rafting and kayaking. Visitors can also hike on the dunes and enjoy the park’s scenic beauty.
Both parks offer unique landscapes and natural wonders, but Gateway Arch National Park is known for its urban setting and landmark monument, while Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its wild and remote wilderness. Whether you are looking for an urban adventure or a remote wilderness experience, both Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the US. Apart from the Arch, visitors can also enjoy a scenic boat tour, explore the Museum of Westward Expansion and take a trip to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city.
In contrast, Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska is known for its sand dunes and the Kobuk River, which is home to one of the largest herds of caribou in the world. Visitors can go on guided backcountry hikes, river rafting, and wildlife viewing trips to see grizzly bears, caribou and other wildlife.
Both parks offer unique experiences and it depends on personal preference and the type of adventure one is seeking. Gateway Arch National Park is ideal for those who prefer a mix of culture and outdoor activities, while Kobuk Valley National Park is perfect for those who are looking for a remote and rugged wilderness adventure. Regardless of which park you choose, both promise to offer a memorable experience and connect visitors with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the United States.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri and Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska are two unique national parks with vastly different climates. The Gateway Arch experiences a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and picnicking. Winter temperatures, on the other hand, can drop to below freezing, making it ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, experiences an arctic climate with long, harsh winters and short, mild summers. In the winter, temperatures can drop to -40°F, making it extremely cold and inhospitable for visitors. The best time to visit Kobuk Valley is during the summer months when temperatures are mild and the park is accessible. This is when visitors can experience the park’s unique beauty, including the sand dunes created by the Kobuk River and the opportunity to see grizzly bears and caribou.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the summer while the best time to visit Kobuk Valley National Park is during the summer months. The weather at both parks greatly affects when is the best time to visit and what activities can be enjoyed. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to ensure the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two very different national parks located in the United States. While both parks offer unique experiences, they have different levels of family-friendliness.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a highly family-friendly park with many activities and attractions designed for visitors of all ages. The park features the iconic Gateway Arch, which visitors can ride to the top of for panoramic views of the city. Additionally, there are boat tours, a museum, and educational exhibits that are great for families with children.
On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska is not as family-friendly. This park is known for its beautiful sand dunes and glaciers, but it is a remote wilderness area with limited facilities and infrastructure. While it may be suitable for older children and teenagers who are experienced outdoor enthusiasts, it is not recommended for families with young children.
In conclusion, for those traveling with children, Gateway Arch National Park is the better choice as it offers many family-friendly activities and attractions. Kobuk Valley National Park is better suited for older children and teenagers who are comfortable in remote wilderness areas.