A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Death Valley National Park vs. Salt Lake City for Backpackers, Attractions, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City?

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 Salt Lake City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a notable, religious, and architectural city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City. Although Death Valley National Park and Salt Lake City are popular destinations, Salt Lake City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salt Lake City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Salt Lake City is famous for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also well known for Temple Square.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salt Lake City is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Salt Lake City area. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Salt Lake City is a moderate city for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Most people don't head to Salt Lake City specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

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 Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

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

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Death Valley National Park. 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.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City?

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

Many visitors go to Salt Lake City to go shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Salt Lake City More Beautiful?

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

Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Death Valley 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

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

Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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

Is Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Salt Lake City is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.

One day in Death Valley National Park or Salt Lake City?

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Salt Lake City, many people enjoy the museums and food that this architectural 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 Salt Lake City?

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Salt Lake City, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 shopping and museums when visiting the city of Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City Expensive?.