Introducing two iconic American national parks that offer stunning landscapes, rich history and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities – Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, which stands as a symbol of the American West and the country’s expansion. This park offers breathtaking views, riverboat rides and a museum that tells the story of the Westward expansion of the US.
Meanwhile, Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming, is a true outdoor adventurer’s paradise. With its geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife, including bears, bison, and wolves, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
So, if you’re looking for a unique getaway with a mix of history and adventure, these two national parks offer something for everyone. Whether it’s exploring the Gateway Arch or discovering the wonders of Yellowstone, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two national treasures to help you choose the best destination for your next vacation.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer breathtaking outdoor experiences but are vastly different in terms of hiking trails. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers several urban hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park and city skyline. The park’s Riverfront Trail offers a paved walkway along the Mississippi River and provides views of the Gateway Arch.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, boasts some of the most challenging and diverse hiking trails in the country. Hikers can explore geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls along the park’s many trails. One of the park’s most popular hikes is the Upper Geyser Basin, which takes visitors past some of the world’s largest geysers, including Old Faithful. The park also offers several backcountry hikes, including the demanding and strenuous Mist Trail and the challenging, multi-day Bechler River Trail.
For those looking for a challenging hike, Yellowstone National Park is the clear winner. But for those looking for a more relaxed and urban hiking experience, Gateway Arch National Park is a great option. Regardless of what type of hiker you are, both parks offer something for everyone and are well worth a visit.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both offer a wealth of wildlife for visitors to discover. While each park has its own unique features and attractions, there are some key differences in the types of wildlife you can expect to see at each location.
At Yellowstone National Park, visitors will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and moose. There are also many species of birds that can be seen, such as bald eagles, ospreys, and trumpeter swans. In addition, Yellowstone is home to a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees.
In contrast, Gateway Arch National Park is located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri and is primarily an urban park. While the park does not have the same diversity of wildlife as Yellowstone, it does offer a chance to see some unique species, such as the American White Pelican, which is a common sight along the Mississippi River. Additionally, visitors can explore the park’s lush green spaces and gardens, which are home to a variety of native plants and flowers.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique and exciting opportunities to observe wildlife and plant life. Whether you are interested in observing large mammals in their natural habitats, or exploring the diverse flora and fauna of an urban park, there is something for everyone at these two spectacular national parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Moose | Wolf |
| Least Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Badger |
| Short Tailed Weasel | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Longnose Sucker |
| King Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Slimy Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Speckled Dace |
| Arctic Grayling | Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the famous 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which serves as a symbol of America’s westward expansion. The Arch is made of stainless steel and offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis from its observation deck. In addition to the Arch, the park also features the Old Courthouse and the Museum of Westward Expansion, which highlight the history of the American West.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and is widely known for its geothermal features, such as geysers and hot springs. The most famous geyser in Yellowstone is Old Faithful, which erupts every 90 minutes. In addition to its geothermal features, Yellowstone is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk, and offers scenic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River.
Both parks offer unique and awe-inspiring natural features, making them popular destinations for visitors from around the world. Whether you are visiting Gateway Arch National Park to see the iconic Arch and learn about the history of the American West, or Yellowstone National Park to see its geothermal wonders and wildlife, both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, MO, and Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming, offer vastly different experiences for visitors. At Gateway Arch, popular activities include touring the 630-foot Gateway Arch monument, visiting the museum, and taking a riverboat cruise. Meanwhile, Yellowstone offers a range of outdoor adventures, including geyser gazing, wildlife watching, and fishing.
While Gateway Arch provides a more urban experience with its city skyline views and modern amenities, Yellowstone offers a rugged, natural experience with its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife. Visitors to Gateway Arch can experience a piece of American history and learn about westward expansion, while visitors to Yellowstone can immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of nature.
Both parks offer unique experiences and are beloved by visitors for different reasons. Whether it’s exploring the cityscape at Gateway Arch or experiencing the natural wonders at Yellowstone, both parks provide opportunities for visitors to connect with the beauty of the American landscape.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique experiences, but the weather can greatly affect the quality of your visit.
Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and experiences cold, snowy winters and mild to warm summers. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to September when temperatures are comfortable and many of the park’s roads and facilities are open. Winter is a popular time for skiing and snowmobiling, but accessing many parts of the park can be difficult due to snow and road closures.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in St. Louis, Missouri and has a more temperate climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and comfortable. During the summer, high humidity levels and heat can make outdoor activities uncomfortable, while winter weather can make it difficult to fully enjoy the park’s scenic views.
Both parks offer unique experiences and the best time to visit depends on personal preferences and interests. However, considering the weather is important to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and they are both great places to visit with your family. However, they are different in many ways, and the choice between them will depend on what you’re looking for in a family-friendly park.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is best known for its 630-foot stainless steel arch, which visitors can take a tram to the top of. There are also several museums and exhibits that explore the history of the Westward Expansion, as well as the Mississippi River. The park is also home to several picnic areas, bike trails, and an interactive fountain that kids love.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and is one of the largest and most diverse national parks in the United States. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears, as well as geysers and hot springs. There are also many hiking trails and scenic drives, as well as campgrounds and picnic areas.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great options for families, but they are quite different. If you’re looking for a more urban, city-based experience, Gateway Arch National Park is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more natural, wilderness experience, Yellowstone National Park is the better choice.