Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular destinations for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts. Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience, from exploring the towering Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the rugged wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska.
But which park is the better choice for your next outdoor adventure? Should you head to the Gateway Arch for a city escape or journey to the remote wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias? To help you decide, we’ve put these two parks to the test and compared them based on their best features and attractions.
Get ready to discover the pros and cons of each park, learn about their must-see sights, and find out which park is the ultimate destination for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a city slicker or a wild explorer, there’s something for everyone in this comparison of Gateway Arch National Park vs Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is a unique park that features a 630-foot monument, the Gateway Arch, as its main attraction. The park offers several short trails, including the Riverfront Trail, which offers great views of the Mississippi River, and the Gateway Arch grounds. The Gateway Arch is the park’s main attraction, which can be accessed by a tram ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city and beyond.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a vast wilderness area that covers over 13 million acres. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes include the Root Glacier Trail, which leads to a stunning glacier, and the McCarthy Road Trail, a scenic drive through the park. The hardest hikes in the park include the multi-day backpacking trips in the Wrangell Mountains, which can be challenging due to the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve provides a more challenging and diverse range of trails for experienced hikers. Gateway Arch National Park is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed, urban hiking experience.
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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its diverse wildlife, including moose, caribou, wolves, and grizzly bears. The park is a designated wilderness area and is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the world. This means visitors can expect to see large mammals roaming the landscape, as well as a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and gyrfalcons.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri and is primarily an urban park. The park is centered around the iconic Gateway Arch monument, which visitors can climb to the top of for a panoramic view of the city. Although there is limited wildlife in the park, visitors may see squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of bird species, such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings.
Overall, visitors looking for a true wildlife experience should head to Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, while those looking for a more urban experience should visit Gateway Arch National Park. Both parks offer unique experiences and are worth exploring, depending on one’s interests and preferences.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Red Fox | Porcupine |
| Mink | Red Fox |
| Wolf | Puma |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Mink |
| Varying Hare | Mule Deer |
| River Otter | Wolf |
| Common Shrew | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Squirrel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Montane Shrew | Land Otter |
| Lynx | Common Shrew |
| Wolverine | Water Shrew |
| American Marten | Red Squirrel |
| Grizzly Bear | Montane Shrew |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Moose | Lynx |
| Least Weasel | Wolverine |
| Pygmy Shrew | American Marten |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Steelhead |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Lake Trout |
| Eelpout | Northern Pike |
| King Salmon | Burbot |
| Slimy Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | King Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Slimy Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Threespine Stickleback |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
Gateway Arch National Park is home to the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that is an iconic symbol of the city of St. Louis. The park also features the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city. Visitors can also take a tram ride to the top of the arch for an even more spectacular view.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged beauty of Alaska. The park is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States, including Mount St. Elias, which stands at 18,008 feet. Visitors can also see glaciers, rivers, and valleys, as well as wildlife such as caribou, moose, and bears. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are truly unique and offer visitors the chance to experience some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes in the country.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two very different national parks, and each offers unique experiences for visitors. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the Gateway Arch, which is the centerpiece of the park. Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its massive glaciers, rugged wilderness, and abundant wildlife.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for sweeping views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also offers riverboat cruises, museum exhibits, and a film about the history of the Gateway Arch. In addition, visitors can enjoy walking and bike trails in the park, as well as outdoor concerts and other events.
At Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to several backcountry lodges, which offer comfortable accommodations for visitors looking to explore the wilderness. Visitors can also take flightseeing tours to get a bird’s eye view of the glaciers and mountains, or go on a guided mountaineering or ice climbing expedition.
Overall, both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, and each is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, wildlife, or adventure, you are sure to find something to love at Gateway Arch National Park or Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two distinct National Parks with varying seasonal weather patterns. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, experiences hot and humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and there is limited rainfall. On the other hand, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, experiences cool summers with occasional rain and snowy winters with sub-zero temperatures. The best time to visit the park is during the summer when the weather is mild and there is good visibility for exploring the park’s scenic beauty.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but the weather patterns should be considered when planning a visit. For those seeking outdoor recreation and scenic views, summer is the best time to visit Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, while spring and fall are the best seasons for Gateway Arch National Park. It is important to be prepared for the weather and bring the appropriate clothing and gear for the season.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both are great destinations for families. However, they differ in terms of their family-friendliness.
Gateway Arch National Park is an urban park located in St. Louis, Missouri. This park is a great choice for families who love history and architecture. The centerpiece of the park is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that provides stunning views of the city. There are also several museums, exhibits and interactive displays that will appeal to children and adults alike. In addition, there are plenty of green spaces and picnic areas, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness park located in Alaska. This park is a great choice for families who love adventure and the great outdoors. With its vast glaciers, towering peaks and pristine wilderness, there is plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. There are also several ranger-led activities and educational programs that are designed for families. However, due to its remote location and rugged terrain, this park is not as accessible as Gateway Arch National Park and may not be the best choice for families with young children.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve are great destinations for families, but they offer different experiences. If you’re traveling with young children, Gateway Arch National Park is the more accessible and family-friendly option, while Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is better suited for families who love adventure and the great outdoors.