Introducing a showdown of two American national parks that are as different as night and day: Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park.
On one hand, there’s Gateway Arch National Park, a city park that boasts America’s tallest monument, the Gateway Arch. This 630-foot monument stands tall and proud in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri and offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top and admire the view from the observation deck.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park in Arizona is a desert oasis that is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, towering up to 50 feet tall. The park is split into two districts, East and West, each offering unique hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
So, what do these two parks have in common? Well, both offer breathtaking views, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and a chance to connect with nature. But which park is the ultimate winner? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park are both unique destinations for hiking enthusiasts. The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is famous for its iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch. Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in Tucson, Arizona and is known for its giant cacti that can grow up to 40 feet tall.
In Gateway Arch National Park, the most popular hike is the Riverfront Trail, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. The Riverfront Trail is an easy hike, ideal for families and those who are looking for a leisurely stroll. Another easy hike is the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park Trail, which provides a scenic walk through the park’s lush green areas and offers views of the Gateway Arch.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, offers a range of hiking trails, from easy to challenging. The easiest hike is the Freeman Homestead Trail, which is a short, one-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful desert landscape. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Cactus Forest Loop is a strenuous 8-mile trail that takes you through the park’s rugged terrain and offers stunning views of its towering cacti.
Overall, both Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails for all levels of fitness and experience. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, both parks are great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park are two iconic National Parks in the United States, each known for its unique features, landscapes and wildlife. While both parks are popular destinations for tourists, they are each distinctive in their own way.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can see a variety of birds including the American White Pelican and the Double-Crested Cormorant that are commonly seen along the Mississippi River. In addition, the park has a diverse array of trees, such as the River Birch, Green Ash and the Box Elder.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is home to a diverse collection of cacti, including the iconic Saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 50 feet tall. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the Desert Bighorn Sheep, Gila Monster, and the Coyote. In addition, visitors can also see a range of birds including the Cactus Wren, Gilded Flicker, and the Say’s Phoebe.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife and vegetation. Whether you are interested in birds, wildlife, or vegetation, both parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Killdeer |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Varying Hare | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Mountain Lion |
| Montane Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Lynx | Common Gray Fox |
| Wolverine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Marten | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | Badger |
| Meadow Vole | Californis Myotis |
| Moose | Fringed Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Yuma Myotis |
| Bighorn Sheep | |
| White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that visitors can admire during their visit.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is best known for its 630-foot stainless steel monument, the Gateway Arch. The park also features a museum and a riverfront park. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for a panoramic view of the city, or explore the museum for a history lesson about the area.
Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, is home to the largest cacti in the world, the saguaro cacti. The park is divided into two districts, the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. Visitors can hike through the park to admire the giant cacti, and also enjoy scenic drives to overlooks offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but Gateway Arch National Park is ideal for visitors who want to experience a city and a monument, while Saguaro National Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to admire the natural beauty of the desert and the giant cacti.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park are two iconic national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer a diverse range of activities that appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch for panoramic views of St. Louis. The park also features a museum that showcases the history of the area, as well as interactive exhibits and a movie theater. In addition, visitors can take a scenic boat tour on the Mississippi River or participate in ranger-led programs and tours.
In contrast, Saguaro National Park is known for its towering cacti and stunning desert landscapes. Visitors can take scenic drives through the park to see the giant saguaro cacti, go on ranger-led walks or talks, and hike in the park’s many trails. The park also has picnic areas and campgrounds for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park are popular destinations for visitors looking to enjoy the great outdoors and learn about the unique histories and cultures of their respective regions. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or simply want to relax and take in the scenic beauty, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park
Gateway Arch National Park located in St. Louis, Missouri, and Saguaro National Park located in Tucson, Arizona, are two popular national parks in the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks is quite different, with Gateway Arch experiencing hot summers and cold winters, while Saguaro National Park is hot and dry in summer and mild in winter.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F or higher with high humidity levels, making it less ideal for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with occasional snow and ice, making it difficult for visitors to enjoy the park’s amenities.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is best visited between October and April, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities, ranging from 50°F to 80°F. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it challenging for visitors to spend extended periods of time outdoors. In addition, monsoon season from July to September brings flash flooding and thunderstorms, which can be dangerous for park visitors.
Overall, the weather at each park plays a significant role in determining the best time to visit. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to ensure they have the best possible experience while enjoying these beautiful national parks.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park are two popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their strengths and weaknesses.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is an iconic landmark that appeals to visitors of all ages. The park features a museum that provides children with interactive exhibits and activities, as well as a tram ride to the top of the arch that offers stunning views of the city. The park’s easy accessibility and family-friendly amenities make it a great choice for families traveling with children.
Saguaro National Park, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a desert park that offers a different type of adventure. The park features scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs that allow visitors to learn about the unique desert environment. While the park is still family-friendly, it may not be as suitable for young children as Gateway Arch National Park. The park’s remote location and rugged terrain may be challenging for families with young children, but it is a great choice for families looking for a more adventurous experience.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Saguaro National Park are family-friendly parks, but each has its own unique features and experiences. Gateway Arch National Park is a great choice for families with young children, while Saguaro National Park is a better choice for families looking for a more adventurous experience.