A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Grand Canyon National Park vs. Denver for Couples, Backpackers, Hiking, and Nightlife

Should you visit Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

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 Grand Canyon National Park and Denver. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a striking, breathtaking, and stunning national park. You'll find world class beauty in Grand Canyon National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Grand Canyon National Park travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a park-filled, suburban, and accessible city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Denver travel costs.

Grand Canyon National Park and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Denver. Although Grand Canyon National Park and Denver are popular destinations, Denver has more sights and attractions for tourists. Denver is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Grand Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. 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 Grand Canyon National Park different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Skiing?

Denver is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

Denver is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Grand Canyon National Park and Denver.

Grand Canyon National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Denver. 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Denver is a good destination for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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

Grand Canyon National Park is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Resorts?

Grand Canyon National Park is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Grand Canyon National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Hiking?

Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

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 Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

Denver is a good destination for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Denver. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Denver More Beautiful?

Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Grand Canyon National Park as well. The canyon is a breathtaking national landmark that has striking colors and spectacular views.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Families?

Both Grand Canyon National Park and Denver are nice family-friendly destinations.

Grand Canyon National Park is a family-friendly national park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Denver. 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Grand Canyon National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

Denver is a good national park 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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 Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Students?

Denver is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Denver. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Denver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Denver a more walkable city?

Grand Canyon National Park is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

Denver is not a very walkable national park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Grand Canyon National Park?

How long in Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Grand Canyon National Park and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park than in Denver. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Grand Canyon National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

One day in Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Denver, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this accessible 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

Grand Canyon National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Denver, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Denver. 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Grand Canyon National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the city of Denver. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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