The great outdoors is a playground for the adventurous and the curious. From the towering peaks of Yosemite National Park to the iconic Gateway Arch National Park, there is always something new to discover. But which of these two is the ultimate destination for your next outdoor excursion?
Get ready for a showdown! On one corner, we have Yosemite, the granddaddy of national parks with its majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and half dome. On the other, we have Gateway Arch, the sleek and modern park that serves as the gateway to the west and symbol of American expansion.
So, which one will come out on top? Will it be Yosemite’s rugged and natural beauty or Gateway Arch’s man-made wonders and rich history? Join us as we embark on a journey to compare and contrast these two iconic destinations and determine which is the ultimate park for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, has a relatively limited range of hiking options compared to Yosemite National Park, located in California. At Gateway Arch, the park offers a few walking trails around the Arch and the museum. One of the easier hikes is the Riverfront Trail, a paved walkway that runs along the Mississippi River. It offers great views of the Arch and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park has a vast network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes is the Lower Yosemite Fall trail, a 1.5-mile round trip that takes you to the base of the iconic waterfall. For a more strenuous hike, Half Dome is a popular 16-mile round trip that takes you to the summit of one of Yosemite’s most recognizable landmarks. This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a strenuous climb up steep, rocky terrain.
When it comes to hiking, Yosemite National Park offers a much wider range of options, making it a better destination for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. While Gateway Arch National Park is a great place to visit for a quick stroll, it does not offer the same level of hiking options as Yosemite.
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 Yosemite National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are renowned for their stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species, including the American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, and Mississippi Kite. The park is also home to a number of mammals, including the Eastern Gray Squirrel, Raccoon, and Muskrat. In addition, the park is home to a number of reptiles, including the Common Gartersnake, Eastern Box Turtle, and Six-lined Racerunner.
At Yosemite National Park, visitors will have the opportunity to see a much wider variety of wildlife. The park is home to over 250 species of birds, including the Peregrine Falcon, California Condor, and Mountain Bluebird. Visitors can also expect to see a number of mammals, including the Black Bear, Gray Fox, and Mountain Lion. In addition, the park is home to a number of reptiles and amphibians, including the Western Skink, Pacific Treefrog, and Yellow-bellied Marmot.
When it comes to plants, both Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park offer a wealth of diverse species. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park will see a variety of trees, including the Eastern Cottonwood, Silver Maple, and Green Ash. At Yosemite, visitors will see a much wider variety of plants, including the Douglas Fir, Giant Sequoia, and Manzanita. Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Varying Hare | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Wolverine | Mule Deer |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Grizzly Bear | Wolf |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Moose | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Badger |
| Pygmy Shrew | Ermine |
| Northern Bog Lemming | California Myotis |
| River Otter | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Smallmouth Bass |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Northern Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most famous parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is centered around the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch. Visitors can explore the park grounds, take a riverboat cruise, and take a trip to the top of the Arch for a panoramic view of the city. In addition to the Arch, the park also features plenty of green spaces and picnic areas.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is located in California and is known for its towering mountains, crystal clear streams, and breathtaking waterfalls. Yosemite Valley is the most famous landscape in the park, with its iconic El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls all located within its boundaries. Visitors can hike, climb, and explore the park’s many trails, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences to visitors, showcasing the beauty and majesty of the American landscape. Whether you’re looking for a city escape or a rugged wilderness adventure, these parks are sure to deliver.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences, but they differ greatly in terms of what people love to do when visiting.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can explore the iconic Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the United States. They can also take a tram ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city, visit the Museum of Westward Expansion, and take a riverboat tour along the Mississippi River. Additionally, there are several parks and green spaces in the area for picnics and other outdoor activities.
In contrast, Yosemite National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, with iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding, and also visit the Ansel Adams Gallery to see his famous photographs of the park. The park also offers camping opportunities, including backpacking trips, car camping, and RV camping.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park have a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring urban landscapes or natural wonders, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park are two iconic national parks in the United States, both with their own unique features. However, their seasonal weather patterns are vastly different, which affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures averaging in the mid 80s, and cold winters with temperatures in the mid 20s. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park is located in California and has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and cool, wet winters. Temperatures during the summer months can reach into the high 90s, while winter temperatures average in the mid 40s. The park is also open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the waterfalls are at their peak flow.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park have their own unique weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit. Visitors should plan accordingly and consider the time of year and the weather conditions when planning their trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular family-friendly destinations in the United States. Both parks offer a range of activities and attractions that are perfect for families with children. However, there are differences between the two parks that make one more suitable for families than the other.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a great option for families looking for a unique and educational experience. The park’s main attraction is the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, which visitors can take a tram to the top of for breathtaking views of the city. Additionally, the park offers a museum that explores the history of the Westward Expansion and the role of St. Louis in the development of the country.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park, located in California, is better suited for families who love outdoor adventure and nature. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, rock climbing, and scenic drives, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Yosemite also offers a range of ranger-led programs and educational activities, making it a great destination for families who want to learn about the natural world.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Yosemite National Park are great options for families. Depending on what type of experience you’re looking for, either park can be the perfect choice. If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience, Gateway Arch National Park may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged and nature-based experience, Yosemite National Park is the way to go.