A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Joshua Tree National Park vs. Colorado Springs for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Colorado Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and museums. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Colorado Springs than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Colorado Springs is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and small town charm, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its shopping. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. Also, Colorado Springs is famous for Pikes Peak.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Colorado Springs. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Colorado Springs is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Colorado Springs. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Colorado Springs are destinations which offer amazing hiking.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Colorado Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

Joshua Tree National Park is not so good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Joshua Tree National Park and Colorado Springs.

With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Colorado Springs are superb to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable mountain town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable national park. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Joshua Tree National Park?

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Joshua Tree 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 Colorado Springs.

One day in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming mountain town of Colorado Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

You'll find around the adventurous national park of Joshua Tree National Park. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the hiking. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Colorado Springs 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. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Colorado Springs?

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Joshua Tree National Park and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.