Gateway Arch Hikes and Walks for Every Experience Level

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Gateway Arch

Here's one useful clarification before anything else. Gateway Arch is the national park in St. Louis, Missouri. It's not Arches National Park, the Utah park known for its red sandstone arches. In St. Louis, you'll walk through an urban setting on paved paths along the Mississippi River, beneath a 630-foot monument. The experience has nothing to do with a mountain or desert park, and that's exactly what makes it unique.

Walk around one of the boldest stainless-steel structures of the 20th century, go down to the banks of one of North America's greatest rivers, then continue to the 19th-century courthouse where one of the landmark cases in the fight to end slavery was heard. That's what Gateway Arch offers on foot. No passes, no elevation gain. Just easy walking with a deep sense of history.

The must-do walk: the complete loop around the Arch grounds, about 1.2 miles and suitable for every fitness level. There are two ways to extend your outing: walk the Mississippi River banks north, or take a detour to the Old Courthouse.

Preparing for Your Gateway Arch Hike

Permits. You don't need a permit for outdoor walks. The park's paths are open to everyone every day of the year, with no reservation required. The only paid activity is the tram ride to the top, which costs $19 per adult and requires a timed entry reservation, especially in summer.

Dogs. Dogs are allowed on all outdoor paths as long as they're kept on a short leash. They aren't allowed inside the Visitor Center, the museum, or the tram. Bring water for your dog. Summers in St. Louis are stifling, with heavy humidity adding to the heat.

Weather and heat. In July, the average temperature reaches 80°F, with high humidity and strong glare from the paved paths. Winter temperatures drop below freezing, averaging 29°F in January, with steady winds coming off the river. Bring water from April through October, and pack a solid windbreaker from November through March.

Water. You'll find water fountains inside the Visitor Center. There are no outdoor water sources along the paths, so bring your own bottle.

Safety. This urban park has no dangerous wildlife. The Mississippi River banks can be slippery, though, and some riverside access points close during spring flooding, usually from March through April. Check NPS alerts before heading toward the river.

The Best Walks, Area by Area

Gateway Arch is organized around three pedestrian areas. You can reach all of them on foot and cover them in half a day.

The Loop Around the Arch Grounds

Distance: about 1.2 miles · Elevation gain: none · Time: 30 to 45 minutes · Difficulty: very easy · Type: loop

This is the heart of any visit on foot. Start at Luther Ely Smith Square, on the west side facing the downtown skyscrapers, and follow the lawns in a broad arc to the east side, which opens directly onto the Mississippi River. The Arch looks different from every angle. From the north, its legs spread less and the silhouette looks very slender. From the south, the base looks wider and the structure feels more monumental. On a clear day, the stainless steel reflects light differently as the day goes on, so each lap looks a little different from the last.

Along the way, you'll see the monument from every angle, the riverbanks, cruise boats moored to the north, and the St. Louis skyline in the background to the west.

Start: Luther Ely Smith Square on Market Street, west of the monument. Paid parking is available in the adjacent garage. The MetroLink Arch-Laclede's Landing station is a 5-minute walk to the north.

Tip: Arrive before 9 a.m. in summer for low-angle light and smaller crowds. In the late afternoon, the light on the west side of the steel is worth the trip.

The Mississippi River Walk

Distance: 0.6 to 3.1 miles, depending on how far you go · Elevation gain: none · Time: 20 minutes to 1.5 hours · Difficulty: very easy · Type: out-and-back

The east side of the park runs directly along the river. From the base of the Arch, you can head south toward the Poplar Street Bridge or north to the historic Laclede's Landing district. This is where you get a real sense of the Mississippi's scale: wide, brown, and powerful, with a visible current from the riverbank. The moored paddle-wheel boats add a setting that fits perfectly with the Museum at the Gateway Arch beneath the monument.

Heading north, the Riverfront Trail continues for several miles along the river. The crowds gradually thin out after about 0.3 miles. This section is pleasant by bike, but walking works just as well.

Start: the east side of the Arch, facing the Mississippi River.

Warning: The riverbanks can be slippery after rain. Some riverside access points close during flooding, generally from March through April. Check NPS alerts before you leave.

Old Courthouse

Distance: about 0.9 miles round-trip from the Arch · Elevation gain: none · Time: 20 to 30 minutes of walking, not including the visit · Difficulty: very easy · Type: out-and-back

Old Courthouse is part of the national park. A pedestrian path connects it to the Arch through Luther Ely Smith Square, with a marked crossing at Market Street. This 19th-century courthouse is where Dred Scott filed two suits seeking his freedom, in 1846 and 1850. It's a major chapter in the history of the movement to abolish slavery in America. Admission to the restored courtrooms is free.

If you've got extra time after your visit, Citygarden, an outdoor sculpture garden on Market Street, is a natural addition to the walking loop, just a few minutes away.

Start: Luther Ely Smith Square, at the marked crosswalk on Market Street.

Easy Hikes and Family-Friendly Walks

Gateway Arch is one of the most accessible national parks in the United States. Every path is paved, flat, and stair-free. Strollers, wheelchairs, young children, and older visitors can get around without difficulty.

For a successful family outing, combine these stops:

1. The loop around the Arch grounds, 1.2 miles and about 45 minutes.
2. The walk down to the riverbank to watch the boats go by, 30 minutes.
3. The tram ride to the top, $19 per adult, with a reservation strongly recommended well in advance in summer.

Here's one thing to know before you book the tram. The egg-shaped cabins are very cramped, with room for 5 standing passengers and a 4-minute ride up. Kids usually love it. Adults with claustrophobia, not so much.

For family planning tips, including managing lines, timed entry slots, and activities for kids ages 6 to 12, the Gateway Arch Family Guide goes into more detail.

Beyond the Park: For Walkers Who Want More

Hikers used to mountain or forest parks may feel a little shortchanged if Gateway Arch is their only stop in the area. Two options are worth knowing about if you want to round out the day.

Forest Park, 3.7 miles west: this 2.1-square-mile city park, larger than New York's Central Park, has an extensive network of paths with a few gentle climbs around the Grand Basin. The free St. Louis Zoo is here, too. You can reach it by MetroLink at Forest Park-DeBaliviere station.

The Riverfront Trail north: from the base of the Arch, follow the Mississippi River north on asphalt or compact gravel for 2.5 to 3.1 miles before turning around. Once you're about 0.6 miles from the Arch, the crowds from the central site disappear completely. The views across the river toward the Illinois riverbanks are unexpected if you're new to the area.

Both routes lie outside the national park boundary. For lodging near the starting points and trip logistics, see our Where to Stay guide.

Access, Trailheads, and Parking

Gateway Arch sits in the heart of St. Louis, where I-70 and I-44 meet. It's easy to reach by car, but free parking isn't available right nearby.

By car: the closest parking is the Gateway Arch Parking Garage, with an entrance on Washington Avenue to the west. Expect to pay around $20 to $25 for the day. Public garages in the downtown area are often cheaper if you're willing to walk an extra 10 minutes.

By MetroLink: the Arch-Laclede's Landing station, on the Red and Blue lines, is a 5-minute walk from the north side of the Arch. It's the easiest option from St. Louis Lambert International Airport or downtown hotels. The Gateway Arch Access Guide covers lines, fares, and frequency in detail.

By bike: bike-share stations, including Lime, are available a few hundred yards from the park. The Riverfront Trail is bike-friendly and connects the Arch to St. Louis's bike network.

Universal starting point: Luther Ely Smith Square on the west side, on Market Street. It's the natural starting point for the loop around the grounds and the walk to Old Courthouse. The east side of the Arch, facing the Mississippi, is the starting point for the river walk.

When to Hike at Gateway Arch

You can walk through the park 365 days a year. The real question is comfort, not access.

Spring, April through May: the best conditions. Temperatures range from 57 to 72°F, with 56% to 59% of days being sunny according to NOAA averages. The vegetation around the park is in bloom. This is the season we recommend first.

Summer, June through August: hot, humid, and especially busy on weekends. Temperatures regularly top 86°F in July. If you visit in summer, arrive when the park opens at 9 a.m. and finish your walk before noon to avoid the strongest glare.

Fall, September through October: close to ideal. Temperatures drop to between 57 and 79°F, crowds fall sharply after the school year begins, and late-day light on the Arch's steel is especially beautiful.

Winter, November through March: cold and windy, with an average January temperature of 29°F. The site takes on a distinctive atmosphere under snow, and lines for the tram almost disappear. Wear shoes with good traction and bring a solid windbreaker.

For a month-by-month look at precipitation, temperatures, and Mississippi River flood risks, see our Gateway Arch Seasons Guide.

Which Hike Is Right for You?

To plan your entire St. Louis trip, our complete Gateway Arch guide brings together all the activities and practical advice by topic.

Frequently Asked Questions