If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Gateway Arch National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Gateway Arch National Park.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Gateway Arch National Park Overview
- 2 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Gateway Arch National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
- 6 Wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park
- 7 Wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Gateway Arch National Park Overview
The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. At 13.2 million acres, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! Within this wild landscape, people continue to live off the land as they have done for centuries. This rugged, beautiful land is filled with opportunities for adventure.
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Gateway Arch National Park Hiking Trails
Gateway Arch National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. The easiest trail is the Riverfront Trail, which runs along the Mississippi River and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. For something more challenging, try the Crissy Field West Bluff Trail, which offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay. Finally, the most difficult hike in the park is the Muir Woods Trail, which winds its way through dense forest and includes a steep climb to the top of Mount Tamalpais. Whichever trail you choose, you’re sure to have an enjoyable experience at Gateway Arch National Park.
Best Hikes At Gateway Arch National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 109.728 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 20.7264 | 1 | loop | 4 |
Hiking Overview at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is a haven for hikers of all levels of experience. Novice hikers can start with the easy Crosswind Lake trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains without too much elevation gain. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Crescent Lake trail is a great option. It is longer than the Crosswind Lake trail and has a steeper elevation gain, but it is still considered to be relatively easy. More experienced hikers can tackle one of the park’s difficult trails, such as the Donoho Peak trail, which summits one of the park’s tallest peaks. Wrangell – St Elias National Park is truly a paradise for hikers of all levels of ability.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 598.932 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 697.992 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 80.772 | 3 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 1079.9064 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 47.8536 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Trail | 143.8656 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Pinion Flats Campground Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| High Dune Trail | 191.7192 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| High and Star Dune Loop | 403.86 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including both plants and animals. The park is home to over 100 species of trees, as well as numerous shrubs, vines, and wildflowers. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the more popular animals include deer, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums. The park also has a wide variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and sunfish. With so much wildlife to explore, Gateway Arch National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover.
Wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to an incredible array of animals, including bears, moose, wolves, and caribou. In addition, the park is also home to a variety of plant life, including tundra plants and towering spruce trees. With so much to see and explore, Wrangell – St Elias National Park is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most amazing wildlife.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Gateway Arch National Park Weather Considerations
Gateway Arch National Park is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year. The best time to visit if you’re looking for mild temperatures and low humidity is spring or fall. However, if you don’t mind a little heat, summer can also be a great time to enjoy all the park has to offer. The worst time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the winter, when temperatures can dip below freezing and the wind chill can make it feel even colder. If you do decide to visit during the winter, be sure to dress warmly and pack plenty of food and water. No matter when you visit Gateway Arch National Park, though, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is one of the largest national parks in the United States, and it is known for its varied and extreme weather conditions. The park experiences very cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the summers are relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is more conducive to outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. However, visitors should be aware that the early summer months can be rainy, so it is best to plan accordingly. The worst time to visit the park is during the winter, when temperatures are at their lowest and conditions are often treacherous. If you do choose to visit during this time, be sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear to ensure your safety.