Looking for a unique vacation experience that combines history, nature, and adventure? Look no further than Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park! These two stunning parks offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the unique stories, landscapes, and cultures of the American West.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Badlands of North Dakota, and is named after America’s 26th president, who was a conservationist and staunch advocate for the protection of the country’s public lands. Here, visitors can explore the rugged beauty of the Badlands, hike through the park’s scenic trails, and even spot bison, elk, and other wildlife.
So, which one should you choose? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both offer a variety of hiking trails, each with its own unique features and challenges.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the easiest hike is the Riverfront Trail, which is a paved trail that runs along the Mississippi River. This trail is perfect for families and those who are looking for a leisurely stroll. The hardest hike at Gateway Arch National Park is the Mineral Springs Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes you through rugged terrain and steep inclines.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The easiest trail is the Painted Canyon Nature Trail, which is a short, paved trail that takes you through a colorful canyon. The hardest trail at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the Wind Canyon Trail, which is a challenging hike that takes you to the top of a cliff for panoramic views.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer a range of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. Whether you are looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, you are sure to find what you are looking for at one of these parks. So, whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these parks are a great place to explore and experience the beauty of nature.
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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a urban national park that offers visitors the chance to see a variety of bird species like the American White Pelican, Belted Kingfisher, and Double-crested Cormorant. The park also supports a healthy population of small mammals like squirrels, raccoons, and opossums.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is a great place to see a wider range of large mammals like bison, pronghorns, and elk. Visitors to the park may also see coyotes, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Bird watching is also popular in the park, with species like the Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, and Great Horned Owl commonly seen. In addition, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to a diverse range of plant life, including cacti, wildflowers, and prairie grasses.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a better choice for those interested in seeing a wider range of large mammals and diverse plant life. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is a great choice for bird watchers and those interested in seeing urban wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | American Kestrel |
| Northern Pintail | Bald Eagle |
| American Wigeon | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Green-Winged Teal |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Mink |
| Grizzly Bear | Mule Deer |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Wolf |
| Moose | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Badger |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Snowshoe Hare |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Eelpout | Flathead Minnow |
| King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | Carp/European Carp |
| Chum Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Dolly Varden | Burbot |
| Arctic Grayling | Longnose Dace |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullsnake | |
| Racer | |
| Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere and serves as a symbol of American westward expansion. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline, as well as the Old Courthouse, which is a historic building that played a significant role in the Dred Scott case. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is known for its unique and diverse landscapes, including the Badlands formations, prairies, and the rugged Little Missouri River. This park is named after the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who was an avid conservationist and helped establish many national parks during his presidency. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorns. The park’s most popular feature is the Painted Canyon Overlook, which offers breathtaking views of the colorful Badlands formations.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two popular national parks that offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can take a guided tour of the 630-foot arch, take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River, or explore the park’s museum and visitor center. The park also offers bike rentals and trails for cyclists, as well as picnic areas for those who want to relax and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors.
In contrast, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is known for its scenic drives and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park to see bison, pronghorns, and elk, or hike one of the park’s many trails to see the Badlands formations. The park also offers horseback rides, camping, and ranger-led programs, making it a popular destination for families and those looking for a more immersive nature experience.
Both parks offer unique and memorable experiences, but those looking for a more urban and historic experience may prefer Gateway Arch National Park, while those seeking a more rugged and wild experience may prefer Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences to visitors and are popular for different reasons. The seasonal weather plays a big role in determining the best time to visit each park.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s. Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping into the 20s, and snow is common. Spring and fall are mild, with comfortable temperatures and less humidity.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, experiences much more extreme weather, with hot and dry summers, and cold and snowy winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below zero. Spring and fall are mild, but can be windy, making it a better time to visit the park if you don’t mind cooler temperatures.
Both parks offer unique experiences to visitors, and the best time to visit each park depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. If you enjoy warm weather and don’t mind humidity, then Gateway Arch National Park is the best choice during the summer months. If you prefer cooler weather and don’t mind the wind, then Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the best choice during the spring and fall months. No matter the time of year, both parks offer stunning landscapes and a chance to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park both offer unique opportunities for families looking to experience the beauty of nature and the great outdoors. However, there are some key differences that may make one park more appealing to families with children.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its iconic 630-foot tall stainless steel arch that symbolizes the western expansion of the United States. The park offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a great choice for families with children. Additionally, there are several parks and playgrounds within the park grounds, providing plenty of opportunities for kids to run and play.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is a more traditional national park, with its rolling hills, rugged badlands, and diverse wildlife. While it may not have the same range of educational and interactive activities as Gateway Arch National Park, it is a great place for families who enjoy outdoor recreation. There are several scenic drives and hiking trails, as well as opportunities for camping, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
Ultimately, both Gateway Arch National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are great choices for families, but the choice will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you’re interested in history, science, and interactive exhibits, Gateway Arch National Park is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more traditional outdoor adventure, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the way to go.