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

Should you visit Durango or Zion National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Durango and Zion National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Durango

Durango is a quaint, scenic, and nature-filled small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a world-renowned, breathtaking, and stunning park. Zion National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Zion National Park travel costs.

Durango and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Zion National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Durango and Zion National Park are both popular with visitors, Zion National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zion National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durango is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Zion National Park is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also home to Angels Landing. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Durango different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durango or Zion National Park Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Zion National Park is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Zion National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Durango and Zion National Park both to be decent destinations.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Durango or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Durango or Zion National Park offer decent nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Zion National Park. Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Durango or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

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

Zion National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Durango or Zion National Park Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Zion National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical old town. 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."

Zion National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Zion National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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 Durango or Zion National Park?

Durango is a small town with a few options for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Durango is a good destination for 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 Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Durango or Zion National Park More Beautiful?

Zion 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.

Zion National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

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

Is Durango or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Both Durango and Zion National Park are great family-friendly destinations.

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.

Zion National Park is a very kid-friendly small town. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Is Durango or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

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

Zion National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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 Durango or Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion 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 Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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

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

Zion National Park is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Zion National Park has some public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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

Is Durango or Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Durango is a small town with a few options for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of 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.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable small town. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

Should I spend more time in Zion National Park or Durango?

How long in Durango or Zion National Park?

Both Durango and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than in Durango. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Durango, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zion National Park than Durango 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 Zion National Park.

One day in Durango or Zion National Park?

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This small town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Durango or Zion National Park?

Durango is a popular place to visit. Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Durango has to offer.

In Zion National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Durango or Zion National Park?

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zion National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Zion National Park?

Durango is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zion National Park. In Zion National Park, you'll find . One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durango and Zion National Park, we can see that Durango is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion 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 Zion National Park.

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