Looking for a unique and exciting getaway? Look no further than the great outdoors! Whether you’re a fan of towering metal structures or pristine white sand dunes, there’s a national park for you. In this article, we’ll be comparing Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park – two of the most distinct and fascinating parks in the country.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch – a 630-foot tall monument that symbolizes the expansion of the American West. This park offers breathtaking views, educational exhibits, and even a tram ride to the top of the Arch. But that’s not all – there’s also a museum, a riverboat tour, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in New Mexico and is famous for its dazzling white sand dunes. These dunes are made up of gypsum crystals, which give them their unique color and texture. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and even sledding down the dunes. Plus, the park’s stunning scenery is a must-see for any nature lover.
So, which park is right for you? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to a 630-foot monument and a museum that provides a glimpse into the city’s history as a major transportation hub. While there are no hiking trails in the park, visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch and enjoy views of the Mississippi River and the city.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, offers visitors a unique hiking experience in the middle of the desert. The park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, which covers over 275 square miles. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging dune climbs. Some of the easiest hikes include the Interdune Boardwalk, which is a half-mile trail that winds through the dunes, and the Alkali Flat Trail, a two-mile loop that takes visitors through the heart of the dune field. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Dune Life Nature Trail is a three-mile loop that climbs over the dunes and provides stunning views of the surrounding desert.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park offer different types of hiking experiences. While Gateway Arch provides a unique look at the city’s history and offers panoramic views from the top of the Arch, White Sands provides visitors with a chance to explore the unique terrain of the dune field and offers a variety of hiking options, from easy nature walks to challenging dune climbs.
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 White Sands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 6 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park are two unique and distinct parks that offer different wildlife experiences. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to a variety of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen in the area. Common animals that can be seen at Gateway Arch National Park include squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons. Birds such as pigeons, sparrows, and doves are also commonly seen in the park. In terms of plants, visitors can expect to see a variety of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers in the area.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico and offers a different kind of wildlife experience. Unlike Gateway Arch National Park, White Sands National Park is a desert environment with a unique ecosystem. Common animals that can be seen at White Sands National Park include rattlesnakes, lizards, and kangaroo rats. Birds such as roadrunners, ravens, and hawks are also commonly seen in the area. In terms of plants, visitors can expect to see a variety of cacti, shrubs, and wildflowers that are well adapted to the desert environment.
Overall, both Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park offer unique and exciting wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in seeing the diverse wildlife of a city park or the unique flora and fauna of a desert environment, both parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | House Mouse |
| American Marten | Mountain Lion |
| Grizzly Bear | Mink |
| Meadow Vole | Common Gray Fox |
| Moose | Plains Wolf |
| Least Weasel | American Badger |
| Pygmy Shrew | Ermine |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Snowshoe Hare |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Green Sunfish |
| Eelpout | Bluegill |
| King Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
| Slimy Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
| Chum Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Dolly Varden | Northern Pike |
| Arctic Grayling | Ellpout |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, which is the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere. The Arch stands as a symbol of American westward expansion and is a must-see for visitors to the park. In addition to the Arch, the park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis.
White Sands National Park in New Mexico is a unique landscape of pure white gypsum sand dunes that cover over 275 square miles. Visitors can hike, picnic, and even sled down the dunes, making it a popular destination for adventure-seekers. The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sunsets over the dunes, making it a popular place for photography.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience unique and beautiful landscapes that are not found anywhere else in the world. Whether you are interested in history, adventure, or just want to take in the beauty of nature, these parks have something to offer everyone. Whether you visit Gateway Arch National Park to see the iconic Arch, or White Sands National Park to explore the unique dunes, you are sure to leave with unforgettable memories.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park vs White Sands National Park, both offer unique experiences to visitors. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is famous for its iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument, the Gateway Arch. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the Arch for a panoramic view of the city. The park also offers riverboat tours, a museum, and bike rentals.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is famous for its stunning white sand dunes that cover over 275 square miles. Visitors can enjoy sand sledding, hiking, and stargazing amidst the dunes. The park also features a scenic drive, ranger-led walks, and picnic areas.
Both parks offer outdoor activities for nature lovers, but Gateway Arch National Park may also appeal to those interested in history and architecture. White Sands, on the other hand, is a great destination for adventure seekers and families with kids. Whether you want to take a scenic drive, hike, or simply relax in nature, both Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park have something unique to offer.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park are two of the United States’ most iconic natural attractions. Both parks are popular tourist destinations, offering unique experiences for visitors. However, the seasonal weather patterns at each park are very different, which affects when is the best time to visit.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, experiences hot and humid summers and cold winters. The park is typically busiest from June to August, when temperatures are warm and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Visitors should be prepared for heavy rain and thunderstorms during the summer months.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, experiences hot summers and cool winters. The park is located in a desert climate, which means that temperatures can be extremely hot during the day, but cool down significantly at night. The best time to visit White Sands is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is dry. Visitors should be prepared for extreme heat and limited shade during the summer months.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather patterns at Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park are different, which affects when is the best time to visit. Visitors should be prepared for hot and humid summers and cold winters at Gateway Arch, and hot summers and cool winters at White Sands. The best time to visit each park depends on the weather conditions and the type of experience you are looking for.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park are both popular destinations for families, but each offers a unique set of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is centered around the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which provides stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park offers a variety of educational programs and interactive exhibits that are perfect for families with children.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park in New Mexico is a unique desert environment, featuring rolling sand dunes that visitors can explore on foot or by sled. There are also ranger-led programs and guided hikes available, as well as opportunities for picnicking and stargazing. The park is a great choice for families looking for a different type of outdoor experience.
When it comes to family-friendliness, both Gateway Arch National Park and White Sands National Park offer something for families with children. However, Gateway Arch National Park may be a better choice for families looking for a more educational and interactive experience, while White Sands National Park is a better choice for families looking for a more immersive outdoor adventure. Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your individual interests and preferences, but both parks are definitely worth considering for a family-friendly vacation.