Best hikes and trails in Gateway Arch National Park

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Gateway Arch National Park

Best trails in Gateway Arch National Park

4.4(657 reviews)

United States
:
#54 of 60 national parks

Want to find the best trails in Gateway Arch National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 5 great trails for walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Gateway Arch National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 26 to 91 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Gateway Arch National Park.

Top trails

#1 - Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

A wonderful urban trail with views of the iconic arch. Deviate from this route to explore the grounds of this famous National Park. Accessibility: There are 4 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Memorial Drive at the west end of the trail. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is pavement (with partial railings), smooth, and typically at least 6 feet wide. The estimated grade is mostly gentle (5% or less) except for moderately...

#2 - Gateway Arch Loop

The Gateway Arch Loop in Gateway Arch National Park offers an exceptional experience in St. Louis, MO. Starting at the parking area just south of the Basilica of St. Louis on Memorial Dr., this paved, family-friendly trail features stunning views of the Mississippi River, the St. Louis skyline, and the iconic Gateway Arch. Immerse yourself in the area's rich history as you enjoy this scenic urban trail. Accessibility: Equipment This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs,...

#3 - Gateway Arch Inner Loop

The Inner Loop in Gateway Arch National Park offers an exceptional experience in St. Louis, MO. Starting at the commons area just south of the Basilica of St. Louis, this paved, family-friendly loop around the reflective pool features stunning views of the St. Louis skyline, the Mississippi River, and the iconic Gateway Arch. Immerse yourself in rich history as you enjoy this scenic urban trail. Accessibility: Equipment This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs,...

The North Pond Loop in Gateway Arch National Park offers an exceptional experience in St. Louis, MO. Starting at the commons area just south of the Basilica of St. Louis, this paved, family-friendly loop around North Pond features stunning views of the St. Louis skyline, the Mississippi River, and the iconic Gateway Arch. Immerse yourself in rich history as you enjoy this scenic urban trail. Accessibility: Equipment This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility...

The South Pond Loop in Gateway Arch National Park offers an exceptional experience in St. Louis, MO. Starting at the commons area just south of the Basilica of St. Louis., this paved, family-friendly loop around South Pond features stunning views of the St. Louis skyline, the Mississippi River, and the iconic Gateway Arch. Immerse yourself in rich history as you enjoy this scenic urban trail. Accessibility: Equipment This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility...

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Visitor info

Hours & contact

Passes & fees

Starting at $19

Accessibility

Visitor Center, Museum, and Ride to the Top

Every day • 9 am–6 pm

Gateway Arch Grounds

Every day • 5 am–11 pm

Old Courthouse

Every day • 9 am–5 pm

Exceptions

Visitor Center, Museum, and Ride to the Top • Summer Hours

May 23–Sep 1, 2025

Visitor Center, Museum, and Ride to the Top • Closed Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day

Nov 28, 2025 • Closed

Visitor Center, Museum, and Ride to the Top • Closed Dec. 25, Christmas Day

Dec 25, 2025 • Closed

Visitor Center, Museum, and Ride to the Top • Closed Jan. 1, New Years Day

Jan 1, 2026 • Closed

Phone

(314) 655-1600

If you wish to browse in the Museum and Visitor Center, there is no entrance fee. When park visitors 16 and up buy tram or movie tickets, $3.00 of their ticket price goes to the National Park Service (entrance fee). Therefore, if visitors have an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, they do not have to pay that $3.00 fee and they effectively get a $3.00 "discount" on the tram ride to the top and the documentary movie.

Timed entry reservation

Location (Jan 2–Dec 31)

Prices vary by date of visit.

Begin your tour with an interactive pre-boarding experience featuring 60s-inspired animation and Gateway Arch trivia. Then, be transported 630 feet to the top of Arch for exhilarating views. Please allow 45 - 60 minutes for your Tram Ride to the Top experience.

Adult (16 and up): Starting at $15

Child (3-15): Starting at $11

Infant (2 and under): FREE

Park Pass Holder: Starting at $12

Tickets available at www.gatewayarch.com

$19

Get details from the park

2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Annual pass

All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80

Purchase pass

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The visitor center and most of the first floor of the Old Courthouse are wheelchair accessible, but the top of the Gateway Arch and upper floors of the courthouse are only accessible by stairs.

Additional information about accessibility at Gateway Arch National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/accessibility2.htm

Facilities

The visitor center and most of the first floor of the Old Courthouse are wheelchair accessible, but the top of the Gateway Arch and upper floors of the courthouse can only be reached by stairs.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Guides

Top Picks in Gateway Arch National Park

1 trail

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Trail reviews for Gateway Arch National Park

1,207 trailgoers Busiest in April

Preston Caddell

Mar 11, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat views

Easy stroll around the Gateway arch. Short and well maintained trail.

Difficulty: Easy

Gateway Arch Inner Loop

William Stevens & the Cattle Pups

Oct 13, 2024•Walking

Beautiful morning walk around the St. Louis Gateway Arch!

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Gateway Arch National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Gateway Arch National Park is Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which has a 4.5 star rating from 320 reviews. This trail is 1.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 75 ft.

What is the longest trail in Gateway Arch National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Gateway Arch National Park is Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. This trail is estimated to be 1.8 mi long.

How many trails are in Gateway Arch National Park?

There are 5 trails in Gateway Arch National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 657 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Gateway Arch National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Gateway Arch National Park has you covered. Gateway Arch Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 91 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which will get you 75 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Gateway Arch National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 running trails in Gateway Arch National Park and the most popular is Gateway Arch Loop with an average 4.6 star rating from 163 community reviews.