Gateway Arch National Park vs Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

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Gateway Arch National Park vs Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

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.

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