A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America El Paso vs. Zion National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit El Paso or Zion National Park?

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 El Paso and Zion National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

El Paso

El Paso is a laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See El Paso 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.

El Paso and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in El Paso or Zion National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zion National Park. Although El Paso 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 El Paso is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Zion National Park is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also home to Angels Landing. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso 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 El Paso. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

El Paso is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans 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 El Paso or Zion National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

El Paso is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

El Paso offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

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 El Paso or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

El Paso is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

El Paso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is El Paso or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is El Paso or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Zion National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Zion National Park?

El Paso is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

El Paso is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is El Paso or Zion National Park More Beautiful?

Zion National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, El Paso is not a destination known for its 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.

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is El Paso or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Zion National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is El Paso or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

Zion National Park is a very popular place for romance. However, El Paso 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 El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

Is El Paso or Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options 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.

El Paso is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's little in the area that appeals to backpackers.

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

Zion National Park is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso 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 generally limited in El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is El Paso or Zion National Park a more walkable city?

El Paso is a city with a few options for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Zion National Park or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Zion National Park?

Both El Paso 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 El Paso. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for El Paso, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zion National Park than El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back destination of El Paso. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 El Paso or Zion National Park?

El Paso is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the low-key city of El Paso. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that El Paso 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 El Paso or Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting El Paso. 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 El Paso or Zion National Park?

El Paso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between El Paso and Zion National Park, we can see that El Paso 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 El Paso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in El Paso 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 El Paso Expensive? and Is Zion National Park Expensive?.