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

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Denver?

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 Death Valley National Park and Denver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Denver travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Denver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denver. Although Death Valley National Park and Denver are both popular with visitors, Denver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Denver is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Denver and is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also home to Red Rocks Park.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Skiing?

Denver is very good for snow skiing. However, Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Death Valley National Park or Denver?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Death Valley National Park or Denver.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at decent restaurants in both Death Valley National Park and Denver.

Death Valley National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Denver offers some easy restaurants to choose from. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Denver is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a moderate national park for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Death Valley National Park offers a few options. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Death Valley National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Denver?

Denver is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Denver to go shopping. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Death Valley National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Denver is a family-friendly national park. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Denver is a good national park for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Students?

Denver is very good for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Denver is a good city to visit for students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Denver is very good for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Denver a more walkable city?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Denver are walkable places.

Death Valley National Park is not a walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

Denver is not a very walkable national park. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Death Valley National Park and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park than in Denver. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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

One day in Death Valley National Park or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Death Valley National Park. 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.

In Denver, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this accessible destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Death Valley National Park or Denver?

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Denver, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Denver. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the striking destination of Death Valley National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the city of Denver. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Death Valley National Park and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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