A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Denver vs. Sun Valley for Skiing, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Denver or Sun Valley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Sun Valley, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Denver 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Denver and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Denver or Sun Valley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Denver. Although Denver and Sun Valley are popular destinations, Denver has more sights and attractions for tourists. Denver is very popular for its big city activities, while Sun Valley attracts visitors for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sun Valley is more touristy than Denver and is known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also well known for Red Rocks Park.

How is Denver different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Denver or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is renowned for snow skiing. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for skiing and snowboarding.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Sun Valley is among the best in the world. 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.

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Denver or Sun Valley?

Plenty of people visit the reasonable sights and museums in both Denver and Sun Valley.

Denver offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

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.

Is the Food Better in Denver or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Denver or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Both Denver and Sun Valley are nice when it comes to partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sun Valley. 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.

Is Denver or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

Sun Valley is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Denver or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

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 Denver or Sun Valley?

Both Denver and Sun Valley are nice shopping destinations.

Denver offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Sun Valley has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Denver or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Denver or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Denver is a family-friendly city. 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 Denver or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Sun Valley has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Denver is a good city 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 Denver or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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 Denver or Sun Valley Better for Students?

Denver is a good destination for students. However, Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Denver is popular with 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.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

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

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

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

Is Denver or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Denver is not a very walkable city. 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 Denver Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Denver?

How long in Denver or Sun Valley?

Both Denver 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 Denver. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Denver, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

Families should spend more time in Sun Valley than Denver. 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 Denver. 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 Denver 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 Denver or Sun Valley?

With shopping and skiing around the sprawling city of Denver, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Sun Valley. 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 Denver or Sun Valley?

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Denver, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Sun Valley is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Denver or Sun Valley?

Denver, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Denver or Sun Valley?

Denver is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Denver and Sun Valley, we can see that Denver is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Denver or Sun Valley?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Denver and Sun Valley, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.