The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the world. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the rolling prairies of the Midwest, there is something for everyone. But what if you have to choose between two of the most iconic parks in the country? That’s where Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park come in.
On one hand, Gateway Arch National Park is a symbol of American ingenuity and determination. This 630-foot-tall monument, located in St. Louis, Missouri, stands as a testament to man’s ability to conquer the elements and build something truly awe-inspiring. On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is a natural wonder, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we will compare Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park so that you can make an informed decision on which park to visit. We will take a look at the history, attractions, and activities offered at each park and weigh the pros and cons of each. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a unique vacation experience, this article has got you covered. So buckle up, grab a map and let’s explore the great parks of America!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, with a focus on history and architecture. The park features several walking paths, including the Riverfront Trail, which offers views of the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the park also offers several steep inclines and descents, including the Gateway Arch Trail, which climbs to the top of the Arch for breathtaking views of the city.
In contrast, Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is a true hiker’s paradise, with over 350 miles of trails ranging from easy, paved paths to difficult, strenuous mountain hikes. Some of the park’s most popular trails include the Bear Lake Trail, which circles Bear Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and the Emerald Lake Trail, which leads to a serene lake surrounded by towering mountains. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the park also offers several high-altitude trails, including the Keyhole Route, which takes hikers to the summit of Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s tallest mountains.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from leisurely strolls to challenging mountain climbs. At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can enjoy the unique blend of history and nature, while at Rocky Mountain National Park, they can immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Rockies.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, and various species of birds, such as the American robin, blue jay, and woodpecker. The park also features several species of native plants, including wildflowers and various types of trees, such as oak and maple.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, offers a more traditional national park experience, with stunning mountain vistas and an abundance of wildlife. Visitors to the park may see black bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, along with a variety of birds, such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and golden eagle. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, aspen groves, and evergreen forests.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but the type of wildlife you are likely to see will vary depending on the park you choose to visit. Whether you are interested in exploring the urban landscape of Gateway Arch National Park or the rugged wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park, both parks offer a chance to experience the rich diversity of America’s natural heritage.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Mink |
| Grizzly Bear | Mule Deer |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Fox |
| Moose | Gray Wolf |
| Least Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Badger |
| Ermine | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Western Longnose Sucker |
| King Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Chum Salmon | Cutthroat Trout |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the famous Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that symbolizes the American West. The Arch is surrounded by a museum and park grounds, which offer stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. Visitors can also take a ride to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the area.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. From towering mountain peaks to tranquil alpine lakes, the park offers a variety of breathtaking vistas. The park’s famous Trail Ridge Road, a scenic drive that crosses the Continental Divide, offers outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Hiking and camping are popular activities in the park, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Both parks offer unique and awe-inspiring landscapes. Gateway Arch National Park is a symbol of American ingenuity and serves as a reminder of the country’s westward expansion, while Rocky Mountain National Park is a natural wonder that showcases the beauty of the Rockies. Whether you’re looking for a city skyline or a mountain panorama, both parks have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a unique set of activities for visitors to enjoy. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. In addition, there is a museum dedicated to the history of westward expansion.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and encompasses over 400,000 acres of rugged mountains and alpine lakes. Some of the most popular activities in the park are wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and picnicking. Hiking is also a major draw, with over 350 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Fishing and horseback riding are also popular pastimes in the park.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the American West. Whether you are interested in history, wildlife, or outdoor recreation, there is something for everyone at these two national parks.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two beautifully contrasting national parks in the United States. The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, while the Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado. The seasonal weather at these two parks can vary greatly and can greatly affect when is the best time to visit each park.
At the Gateway Arch National Park, the weather is generally warm during the summer months with temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters in the Gateway Arch National Park are cold with temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow and ice are common during the winter months. This makes spring and fall the best time to visit the Gateway Arch National Park, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.
On the other hand, the Rocky Mountain National Park experiences a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, while winter temperatures can drop below zero. Winter snow and ice are common in the park, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. However, the best time to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park is during the summer months when temperatures are mild, wildlife is abundant, and the park’s scenic beauty is at its peak.
The varying weather conditions at these two parks make them each unique and special in their own way. Whether you are looking for a winter wonderland or a summer paradise, both Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer something for everyone.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both beautiful and well-known parks in the United States. When it comes to visiting with children, both parks offer unique experiences, but one may be more suitable depending on the age and interests of your children.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is centered around the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. The park offers several interactive exhibits and educational programs that are perfect for families with younger children. The tram ride to the top of the Arch provides stunning views of the city and is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is a picturesque park with stunning mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Hiking, camping, and wildlife watching are just a few of the activities that families can enjoy here. The park also offers ranger-led programs for kids, which are a great way for them to learn about the park and its wildlife.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer unique experiences for families. Gateway Arch National Park is perfect for younger children, with its interactive exhibits and educational programs, while Rocky Mountain National Park is ideal for families with older children who are looking for outdoor adventures.