Gateway Arch National Park vs Petrified Forest National Park

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Gateway Arch National Park vs Petrified Forest National Park

The United States is a land of diverse geological wonders and cultural heritage, and two of its National Parks stand out in their unique offerings. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument, while Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, boasts one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world.

In this article, we will be comparing these two National Parks and highlighting the best things to see and do in each, while also discussing the history, geology, and wildlife that make them so special. Whether you’re planning a road trip across the country or just looking for a new place to explore, this guide will help you choose between Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure as we explore two of America’s most unique and awe-inspiring National Parks!

Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers several trails for visitors to explore. The park’s main trail, the Riverfront Trail, is a paved walkway that runs along the Mississippi River and provides stunning views of the Arch and the city skyline. The park also has several hiking trails in its Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park and the surrounding area, including the Lone Elk Park Trail, which is a moderate 2.2-mile hike that takes visitors through a herd of elk.

Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is known for its stunning petrified wood formations and offers several trails for visitors to explore. One of the park’s most popular hikes is the Blue Mesa Trail, a 3-mile hike that takes visitors through the park’s colorful badlands and offers views of the Painted Desert. The park also has several challenging hikes, including the Jasper Forest Trail, which is a strenuous 7.6-mile hike that takes visitors through the park’s stunning petrified wood formations.

Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging hikes. In Gateway Arch National Park, the Riverfront Trail is a great option for visitors who want a leisurely stroll, while the Lone Elk Park Trail is a moderate hike that provides stunning views of the park’s wildlife. In Petrified Forest National Park, the Blue Mesa Trail is a great option for visitors who want to explore the park’s unique landscapes, while the Jasper Forest Trail is a challenging hike that provides visitors with an in-depth look at the park’s petrified wood formations.

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 Petrified Forest National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Blue Mesa Trail 1448.406 32.9184 Easy loop 4.5
Crystal Forest Trail 1448.406 10.9728 Easy loop 4.5
Painted Desert Rim Trail 1770.274 11.8872 Easy out and back 4
Petrified Forest Scenic Drive 46027.124 297.7896 Moderate point to point 4.5
Giant Logs Trail 965.604 10.9728 Easy loop 4
Onyx Bridge Trail 7402.964 134.7216 Moderate loop 4
Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail 3379.614 24.9936 Easy loop 4
Puerco Pueblo Trail 482.802 2.7432 Easy loop 4
Devil’s Playground Loop 12070.05 144.78 Moderate loop 4.5
Old Jasper Forest Road 4184.284 53.9496 Easy loop 4.5

Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique parks that offer different wildlife experiences. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is primarily focused on the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is a symbol of westward expansion in America. The park is situated along the Mississippi River and offers a variety of habitats for a range of wildlife. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can expect to see a variety of birds such as American White Pelican, Great Egret, Double-crested Cormorant and several species of ducks. Squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits also make their home in the park.

Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is home to one of the largest and most colorful collections of petrified wood in the world. The park’s unique landscape provides habitats for a variety of wildlife species, including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and elk. Birds that can be seen in the park include the Greater Roadrunner, the Phainopepla, and the Western Tanager. In addition to the larger mammals and birds, visitors can also see a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards. The park also boasts a rich plant community, including species of cacti and wildflowers that are unique to the region.

When it comes to wildlife, both Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer visitors a chance to see a range of species that are unique to their respective regions. Whether you are interested in birds or mammals, each park provides a unique opportunity to see a variety of species in their natural habitats.

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

Birds

Gateway Arch National Park Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest National Park
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver Big Brown Bat
Muskrat Bobcat
Black Bear Striped Skunk
Porcupine Little Brown Bat
Red Fox Deer Mouse
Mink Raccoon
Wolf Black Bear
Short-Tailed Weasel Porcupine
Varying Hare Silver-Haired Bat
River Otter Hoary Bat
Common Shrew Red Fox
Red Squirrel Long-Tailed Weasel
Montane Shrew Mountain Lion
Lynx Mule Deer
Wolverine Gray Fox
American Marten Wolf
Grizzly Bear Long-Legged Myotis
Meadow Vole Badger
Moose California Myotis
Least Weasel Fringed Myotis
Pygmy Shrew Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
Northern Bog Lemming Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat
Bushy-Tailed Woodrat
Western Harvest Mouse

Fish

Gateway Arch National Park Petrified Forest National Park
Longnose Sucker
Lake Trout
Northern Pike
Eelpout
King Salmon
Slimy Sculpin
Chum Salmon
Dolly Varden
Arctic Grayling

Amphibians

Gateway Arch National Park Petrified Forest National Park
Wood Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Reptiles

Gateway Arch National Park Petrified Forest National Park
Gopher Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Rattlesnake
Sagebrush Lizard
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard
Side-Blotched Lizard
Common Kingsnake
Nightsnake
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Milksnake
Striped Whipsnake
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake
Eastern Collared Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Glossy Snake

Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is best known for the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, which is a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city. The park is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Westward Expansion, which highlights the history of the American frontier.

Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is a unique landscape of colorful badlands and petrified trees. The park is famous for its petrified wood, which is over 200 million years old. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park and see the historic Painted Desert Inn, as well as the Blue Mesa and Agate House, two amazing formations of petrified wood. The park is also home to several hiking trails, including a three-mile trail that leads to the Crystal Forest, where visitors can see large deposits of petrified wood.

Both Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer visitors the chance to see some of the most famous landscapes in the United States. While Gateway Arch National Park is known for its iconic arch, Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its petrified wood and colorful badlands. Both parks offer visitors the chance to see unique geological formations and learn about the history of the American frontier.

Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique parks with different offerings for visitors. While Petrified Forest National Park is known for its geological wonders and rich history, Gateway Arch National Park offers a mix of history, architecture, and stunning views of St. Louis.

Gateway Arch National Park is famous for its 630-foot stainless steel arch, which serves as a symbol of westward expansion in the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. In addition to the arch, the park also features the Museum of Westward Expansion, which showcases the history and culture of the frontier days.

In contrast, Petrified Forest National Park is a hotbed for paleontologists and geologists. The park features one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. Visitors can also explore ancient Native American sites, wandering through the park’s scenic backcountry roads and hiking trails. The park also features a scenic drive that takes visitors through Painted Desert, a landscape of colorful rock formations and mesas.

Other popular activities at both parks include ranger-led programs, scenic drives, and picnicking. Both parks offer opportunities to learn about the history and geology of the region and to connect with nature. Whether visiting Gateway Arch National Park to admire its iconic arch or Petrified Forest National Park to explore its geological wonders, both parks are must-see destinations for nature and history enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, MO, and Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, both have unique weather patterns.

Gateway Arch National Park experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F while winter temperatures can drop down to 20°F. Rain is abundant in the spring and fall, making these seasons ideal for outdoor activities like hiking.

Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F while winter temperatures typically remain in the 40s and 50s. The park receives very little rainfall, making it a great destination for those looking to escape the rain and enjoy clear, sunny days.

Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions, but the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy hot weather and outdoor activities, summer is the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park. If you prefer milder weather and sunny skies, Petrified Forest National Park is a great destination during the winter months.

Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both great destinations for families. However, each park offers a unique experience, making them better suited for different types of families. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is centered around the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. The park offers a variety of educational and interactive exhibits, making it a great choice for families with children. The park also has a museum, movie theater, and tram rides to the top of the Arch for incredible views of the city.

Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and features the largest and most colorful concentration of petrified wood in the world. The park has several trails that are suitable for families, including the Giant Logs trail and the Long Logs trail. Additionally, the park has a visitors center with interactive exhibits, a movie theater, and a museum that provides insight into the park’s history and geology. While Petrified Forest National Park may not be as educational as Gateway Arch National Park, it offers a unique and exciting outdoor experience that is perfect for families who enjoy hiking and exploring.

In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are great options for families. If you are looking for a more educational and interactive experience, Gateway Arch National Park is the better choice. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, Petrified Forest National Park is the better option.

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