A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Death Valley National Park vs. Hope for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Hope?

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 Hope 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. Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a local, small, and friendly town. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Hope: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hope than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hope is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Hope and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Hope is well known for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo." Also, Hope is famous for Othello Tunnels.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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 Hope specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.

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

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

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.

Hope offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Hope is a moderate town for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

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 Hope Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hope Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Death Valley National Park and Hope.

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 Hope. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

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

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

Hope has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

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 Hope More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hope Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Hope.

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.

Hope is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hope Better for Couples?

Both Death Valley National Park and Hope are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Hope makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

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

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hope is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Hope is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

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

Neither Death Valley National Park or Hope 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 Hope. There is no public transit in town.

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

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

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

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 Hope Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Death Valley National Park or Hope?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Hope 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 Death Valley National Park.

One day in Death Valley National Park or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Death Valley National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hope, many people enjoy the that this small destination offers. 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 Hope?

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Hope, many people enjoy the that this destination offers. 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 Hope?

You'll find around the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Hope. 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 town offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Hope?

The dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the town of Hope. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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 Hope Expensive?.