Exploring the American wilderness is a true adventure, and it can be difficult to decide which national parks to visit. But what if we told you that you could experience two of the most iconic parks in one trip? That’s right, we’re talking about Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park, two of the most unique and fascinating parks in the United States.
On one hand, Gateway Arch National Park offers a modern take on American history, showcasing the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. On the other hand, Mesa Verde National Park transports visitors back in time with its ancient Native American cliff dwellings and the rich cultural heritage of the Pueblo people.
So, which park should you choose? That’s the question we’re here to answer. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through both parks, showcasing their unique features and comparing them to help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a fun and educational experience, this article has got you covered. So pack your bags and let’s hit the road!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both unique in their own right. Hiking trails at these parks offer breathtaking views and unique experiences.
Gateway Arch National Park is best known for its iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, but it also has 11 miles of trails that offer views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. The park has a range of trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes. For an easy hike, the Riverfront Trail offers a scenic walk along the Mississippi River. For a more challenging hike, the Riverfront Trail leads to the Arch Grounds with stairs and steep inclines.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is home to ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the iconic Cliff Palace. The park has a number of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. The Petroglyph Point Trail is one of the easiest hikes in the park, offering a short and easy walk to a rock art panel. For a more challenging hike, the Knife Edge Trail leads to a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs. This strenuous hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding mesas and valleys.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique hiking experiences, from scenic riverfront walks to challenging hikes with breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a challenging adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Mesa Verde National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer unique wildlife experiences. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, features a variety of urban wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, and various bird species like pigeons and sparrows. The park also has a small population of coyotes and white-tailed deer that can be seen in the early morning or late evening.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is home to a diverse array of wildlife including elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species such as the golden eagle, prairie falcon, and red-tailed hawk. The park is also home to a variety of plants including pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush, all of which provide habitats for the wildlife that call Mesa Verde home.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitats, whether in the heart of the city or in the beautiful wilderness of southwestern Colorado. Whether you’re looking for a unique urban wildlife experience or a chance to see some of the West’s most iconic wildlife, both Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer something truly special.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Gateway Arch National Park | Mesa Verde 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 | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
Porcupine | Bobcat |
Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
Mink | Little Brown Bat |
Wolf | Deer Mouse |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
Varying Hare | Black Bear |
River Otter | Porcupine |
Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
Montane Shrew | Red Fox |
Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Wolverine | House Mouse |
American Marten | Mountain Lion |
Grizzly Bear | Mink |
Meadow Vole | Mule Deer |
Moose | Gray Fox |
Least Weasel | Wolf |
Pygmy Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
Northern Bog Lemming | Long-Eared Myotis |
Badger | |
Ermine |
Fish
Gateway Arch National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Longnose Sucker | |
Lake Trout | |
Northern Pike | |
Eelpout | |
King Salmon | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
Gateway Arch National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
Gateway Arch National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Racer | |
Western Rattlesnake | |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
Side-Blotched Lizard | |
Nightsnake | |
Milksnake | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Eastern Fence Lizard | |
Glossy Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer stunning, picturesque landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is home to the famous Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. The park also features beautiful parks and gardens, scenic overlooks, and miles of trails that wind along the Mississippi River. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is famous for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park’s most popular attraction is the Cliff Palace, a large complex of rooms and kivas built into the cliffs. Visitors can also explore the park’s many trails and scenic overlooks for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and mountain lions.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique and unparalleled opportunities to experience the beauty of nature. Whether you are looking for stunning views, unique cultural experiences, or simply a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these parks are sure to delight and inspire visitors of all ages.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most iconic and popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer unique and amazing experiences, they differ in terms of the activities that attract visitors. Gateway Arch National Park is renowned for its 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument, the Gateway Arch, which is a symbol of American westward expansion. Visitors love to take the tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and is centered around the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. Visitors to Mesa Verde can take guided tours to see the well-preserved ruins, including the famous Cliff Palace, which was once home to the ancestors of the Puebloan people. In addition, visitors can hike the park’s trails to explore the beautiful landscapes and learn about the history and culture of the ancient civilizations that lived there.
Both parks offer a variety of educational opportunities, including ranger-led tours, museum exhibits, and interactive programs. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or geology, both Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a unique and educational experience or just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, these two parks are a must-visit for anyone traveling to the United States.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique experiences to visitors, with their own distinct climates and best visiting times.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The spring season is very pleasant and is a great time to visit the park, with temperatures ranging from the low 60°F to mid 70°F. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F or higher, making it quite uncomfortable for outdoor activities. Winter months, on the other hand, can be quite harsh with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park experiences high temperatures in the summer months, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F or higher. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park, with temperatures ranging from the mid 60°F to mid 70°F. The winter months can be quite harsh and snowy, making it difficult for visitors to explore the park.
Both parks offer different weather experiences, and it is important to plan your visit accordingly. If you enjoy warm weather, Gateway Arch National Park is the best place to visit in the spring or summer months. If you want to experience the beauty of snow and enjoy outdoor activities, Mesa Verde National Park is the place to be in the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States and are known for their unique architectural and cultural history. Both are family-friendly, but they offer different experiences that cater to different ages and interests.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis and is centered around the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. The park has a museum, riverboat cruises, and a tram that takes visitors to the top of the Arch for views of the city. Gateway Arch National Park is ideal for families with young children, who will be fascinated by the Arch and the interactive exhibits in the museum.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its cliff dwellings and ancient Native American pueblos. The park offers guided tours and ranger programs that allow visitors to learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Mesa Verde National Park is ideal for families with older children who have an interest in history, archaeology, and culture.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are family-friendly and offer unique experiences, but Gateway Arch National Park is better suited for families with young children, while Mesa Verde National Park is better for families with older children with an interest in history and culture.