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

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Durango?

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 Durango can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a charming, quaint, and scenic small town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Durango: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Durango than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Durango is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Durango and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Also, Durango is famous for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Durango 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 Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a moderate small town for snow skiing. However, Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

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

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

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.

Durango offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Death Valley National Park or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Durango offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Death Valley National Park for the nightlife. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Durango doesn't offer many options. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Death Valley National Park or Durango Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. 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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

Durango offers a nice historic old town area. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Death Valley National Park or Durango Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Death Valley National Park and Durango.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

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

Durango is a moderate small town for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Durango has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

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 Durango More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Is Death Valley National Park or Durango Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Durango.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Death Valley National Park or Durango Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

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

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Neither Death Valley National Park or Durango offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Public transit is quite limited in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

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

Durango is a moderate small town for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

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

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

How long in Death Valley National Park or Durango?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango than Death Valley 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 Durango.

One day in Death Valley National Park or Durango?

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Death Valley National Park or Durango?

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Death Valley National Park has to offer.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Durango?

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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. This small town offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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 Durango, we can see that Durango 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 Durango would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durango 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 Durango Expensive?.