The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. From towering mountains to expansive deserts and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. But what if you’re torn between two of the country’s most awe-inspiring destinations: Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park?
Both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression, but which one is right for you? To help you decide, we’re going to take an in-depth look at each park, comparing and contrasting what they have to offer. From the towering Gateway Arch to the soaring cliffs of Zion, we’ll leave no stone unturned in our quest to find out which park reigns supreme. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and get ready to embark on an adventure unlike any other!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its 630-foot stainless steel arch that stands as a symbol of the city’s role in America’s westward expansion. While the arch is certainly a highlight, the park also offers several hiking trails for visitors to explore. The Riverfront Trail is one of the most popular, offering a 1.5-mile paved path along the Mississippi River. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Trail is another popular option, a 5-mile hike that takes visitors across an old bridge and through scenic woodland areas.
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is a hikers paradise, with a variety of trails that range from easy to strenuous. The Riverside Walk is one of the park’s easiest hikes, a 2.2-mile trail that follows the Virgin River. On the other hand, the Angels Landing trail is one of the park’s most challenging hikes, a 5.4-mile trail that takes visitors up to a 1,488-foot perch with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons. Another popular trail is the Narrows, a strenuous 16-mile hike that takes visitors through a narrow slot canyon with towering walls on either side.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors, from easy, leisurely walks to more strenuous, challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, these two parks have something for everyone.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park are two highly popular parks in the US, and they each offer a unique experience. Both parks are home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife that visitors can observe while exploring the parks.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species, including geese, ducks, and pigeons. There are also a number of squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals that are commonly seen in the park. Additionally, the park is home to a number of tree species, including oak, maple, and pine.
In contrast, Zion National Park offers visitors the chance to see a wider range of wildlife, including a number of large mammals such as mule deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. There are also a number of bird species that can be seen in the park, including eagles, hawks, and vultures. Additionally, the park is home to a number of unique plant species, including cacti, yucca, and other desert vegetation.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park are home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife that visitors can observe while exploring the parks. Whether you are interested in observing birds, mammals, or plants, both parks offer a wealth of opportunities to experience the beauty of nature in its many forms.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Fox |
| Moose | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | American Badger |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Ermine |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Speckled Dace |
| King Salmon | Channel Catfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Goldfish |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park are two unique national parks in the United States that offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and the breathtaking landscapes.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is most famous for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. This iconic landmark is a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States and is visible from miles away. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch to get a stunning view of the city and the Mississippi River.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Utah and is well known for its stunning rock formations and natural wonders. The most famous landscape in the park is the Zion Canyon, which is a narrow and deep canyon that has been carved by the Virgin River over millions of years. Visitors can hike to the bottom of the canyon to see the river and the towering cliffs that surround it. Other popular sights in the park include the Angels Landing hike and the Emerald Pools trail, both of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, MO, and Zion National Park in Springdale, UT, offer unique experiences for visitors. At Gateway Arch, the 630-foot tall monument is the main attraction and visitors can take a tram to the top for panoramic views of the city. In addition, the park offers riverboat cruises, museum exhibits, and a movie about the history of the Arch.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is a nature lover’s paradise with its stunning red rock formations and diverse wildlife. Popular activities include scenic drives, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs. Hiking is a must-do activity, with trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Rock climbing and canyoneering are also popular among adventurous visitors. The park also offers shuttle services to help visitors get around and reduce traffic congestion.
Overall, each park offers a different type of experience, with Gateway Arch appealing to history and city lovers, while Zion National Park appeals to nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Regardless of your interests, both parks are worth a visit and offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with the beauty of nature.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis and Zion National Park in Utah are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. However, the weather in these two parks is quite different and affects the best time to visit.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in the Midwest and experiences hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of severe weather. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it difficult to enjoy the park’s outdoor activities.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in the southwestern United States and has a more arid climate. The park experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often reaching into the 100s and cooler, mild winters. The best time to visit Zion is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of flash flooding, which can be a concern during the summer monsoon season.
Overall, both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the best time to visit will depend on your personal preferences and the type of weather you enjoy. If you prefer mild temperatures and minimal chance of severe weather, spring and fall are the best times to visit both Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are great places to visit, but they have different features that make them better suited for different types of travelers. When it comes to visiting these parks with children, there are a few things to consider.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the famous Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that offers breathtaking views of the city. The park also has a museum, tram rides to the top of the Arch, and a riverboat tour. These attractions make Gateway Arch National Park a great choice for families with kids who enjoy history, architecture, and sightseeing.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Utah and is famous for its stunning red rock formations and scenic hiking trails. The park is also home to several wildlife species, including deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. While the park is not as busy as Gateway Arch National Park, it can be a little more challenging for families with young children. Some of the trails in the park are steep and rocky, and the hot and dry climate can be tough on kids, especially during the summer months.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Zion National Park are great places to visit with children, but each park offers different experiences. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and educational experience, Gateway Arch National Park is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more adventurous and scenic experience, Zion National Park is the way to go.