A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bryce Canyon National Park vs. Sun Valley for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bryce Canyon National Park and Sun Valley can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a spectacular, other-worldly, and breathtaking park. The famous beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Bryce Canyon National Park travel costs.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a outdoorsy, active, and adventurous town. The beauty of Sun Valley is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Bryce Canyon National Park and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Bryce Canyon National Park and Sun Valley are popular destinations, Sun Valley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sun Valley is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Bryce Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Sun Valley and is popular for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Sun Valley is famous for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also well known for Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

How is Bryce Canyon National Park different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sun Valley and Bryce Canyon National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is very popular for skiing. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is among the world's best ski destinations. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

Sun Valley is adequate for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.

Is the Food Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sun Valley has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Bryce Canyon National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Sun Valley is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sun Valley. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

You might not think of Bryce Canyon National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Bryce Canyon National Park is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Bryce Canyon National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Is the Shopping Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

Sun Valley is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

Bryce Canyon National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the main draws. This park is one of the most uniquely beautiful, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the colors glow and the hoodoos have a magical quality.

The beauty of Sun Valley is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bryce Canyon National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is one of the most popular family destinations. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Bryce Canyon National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Bryce Canyon National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Sun Valley has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bryce Canyon National Park is terrific for backpackers. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

Many backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its public transit.

Sun Valley has some very good public transit options. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Public transit is generally limited in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is very popular for its high level of walkability. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not very walkable. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Bryce Canyon National Park?

How long in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Bryce Canyon National Park. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bryce Canyon National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

Families should spend more time in Sun Valley than Bryce Canyon National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sun Valley, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sun Valley than Bryce Canyon National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sun Valley that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley than Bryce Canyon National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sun Valley.

One day in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

With around the breathtaking park of Bryce Canyon National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this adventurous destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

With around the destination of Bryce Canyon National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

Bryce Canyon National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in Bryce Canyon National Park or Sun Valley?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the skiing. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bryce Canyon National Park and Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley is more expensive. And not only is Bryce Canyon National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bryce Canyon National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bryce Canyon National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sun Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sun Valley than you might in Bryce Canyon National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bryce Canyon National Park Expensive? and Is Sun Valley Expensive?.