When it comes to choosing a national park to visit, the options can be overwhelming. Do you want to admire towering monuments, or bask on pristine beaches? Do you prefer the buzz of city life or the peace of nature? Well, why not have the best of both worlds? In this article, we compare Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park, two parks that offer vastly different experiences.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a monument to America’s westward expansion and a symbol of the city’s past as a major hub for transportation and trade. The 630-foot stainless steel arch, which visitors can ride to the top of for breathtaking views of the city, is the centerpiece of the park. But the park also offers a museum, riverboat cruises and hiking trails, making it a unique blend of history, culture and recreation.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is a tropical paradise located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The park covers more than half of the island and boasts pristine beaches, lush rainforests and vibrant coral reefs, making it a hub for snorkeling, hiking and beach-combing. Whether you want to sunbathe on secluded coves or hike through lush jungles, this park has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different national parks, each offering unique hiking experiences to its visitors.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is best known for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch monument. The park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. The easiest hike is the Riverfront trail, which is a flat, paved trail that runs along the Mississippi River. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Arch grounds trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors to the top of the Gateway Arch. It is a strenuous climb, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its pristine beaches and lush, tropical rainforests. The park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. The easiest hike is the Cinnamon Bay trail, which is a flat, sandy trail that runs along the beach. For those up for a challenge, the Reef Bay trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through the rainforest to a secluded beach. The trail is steep and rocky, but the views of the ocean along the way are breathtaking.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking for an easy, leisurely walk or a strenuous hike, there’s something for everyone at these two national parks.
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 Virgin Islands 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, and squirrels. Visitors may also spot various bird species, such as the American bald eagle, great blue heron, and red-tailed hawk. The park’s abundant greenery, including trees like oak and maple, attracts a variety of insects and small mammals.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a unique array of wildlife, with a focus on marine life. Visitors can expect to see a variety of colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manatee. On land, the park is home to a number of bird species, including the brown pelican, frigate bird, and various species of parrots. The lush vegetation, including mangroves and coconut palms, provides habitat for a variety of insects and lizards.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer diverse wildlife experiences for visitors. While Gateway Arch National Park is known for its terrestrial wildlife, including deer and birds, Virgin Islands National Park offers a unique look at the tropical marine life of the Caribbean. Both parks provide opportunities for visitors to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullsnake | |
| Racer | |
| Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is most famous for its 630-foot iconic Gateway Arch. The Arch is the centerpiece of the park and provides visitors with breathtaking views of the city. The park also features a museum that showcases the history of the city and the Westward Expansion of the United States.
Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The park is famous for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. Visitors can explore the park on foot and enjoy scenic hikes to overlooks with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The park also offers snorkeling and diving opportunities, providing visitors with the chance to see vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life up close.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and beautiful natural landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re looking to admire towering architectural marvels, bask in stunning beach views, or explore diverse marine life, both parks provide a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri and Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands are two popular National Parks that offer unique experiences to visitors.
At Gateway Arch National Park, the highlight is obviously the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which visitors can ride to the top for panoramic views of the city. In addition to the Arch, the park offers boat tours of the Mississippi River, and ranger-led programs to learn about the history of St. Louis and the Arch. The park is also home to the Museum of Westward Expansion, which showcases the story of America’s westward expansion in the 19th century.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, offers a more tropical experience. Snorkeling and kayaking are popular activities in the crystal clear waters surrounding the park’s beaches. Hiking trails lead to stunning vistas and historic ruins, including the remains of sugar plantations. Visitors can also learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and the wildlife that call it home through ranger-led programs and guided tours.
Both parks offer unique and enjoyable experiences, but depending on personal interests, one may be a better fit than the other. Adventure seekers may prefer the tropical paradise of Virgin Islands National Park, while history buffs may enjoy the cultural and architectural significance of Gateway Arch National Park.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park located in Missouri experiences cold, harsh winters with temperatures ranging from 20-40°F and hot, humid summers with temperatures in the 90s°F. On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park located in the U.S. Virgin Islands has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F year-round. Winter temperatures at Virgin Islands National Park do not drop below 70°F, making it a great destination for those looking to escape cold weather.
The weather at Gateway Arch National Park affects the best time to visit the park. The park is busiest in the summer months, when tourists flock to the park to escape the heat and enjoy the cooler temperatures. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is a popular destination year-round, but the best time to visit is during the winter months, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.
In conclusion, while Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park have vastly different weather patterns, both can be enjoyed throughout the year. The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the spring and fall, while the best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park is during the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
The Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, but they have distinct differences, especially when it comes to family-friendliness.
The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis and offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and nature. The Arch itself is a 630-foot stainless steel monument that serves as a symbol of westward expansion in America. The park also has a museum, riverboat cruises, and various trails for exploring the surrounding parkland. The park is a great option for families with children who are interested in history and architecture.
The Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the Caribbean. This lush and tropical park is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and offers plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and beachcombing. The park is a great option for families who are looking for a tropical vacation with plenty of outdoor activities. Kids will love the chance to explore the park’s beaches, snorkel in its waters, and hike through its lush rainforest.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are great options for families, but depending on your interests, one may be a better fit than the other. If you’re interested in history and architecture, the Gateway Arch National Park is a great choice. If you’re looking for a tropical vacation with plenty of outdoor activities, the Virgin Islands National Park is a great option.