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

Should you visit Sequoia National Park or Denver?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sequoia National Park and Denver 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.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a breathtaking, surreal, and impressive national park. You'll find world class beauty in Sequoia National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the General Sherman tree
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Sequoia National Park or Denver?

Both Denver and Sequoia National Park have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Sequoia National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Denver attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Sequoia National Park different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sequoia National Park or Denver Better for Skiing?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a skiing destination.


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

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Spend time exploring the reasonable sights and museums in either Sequoia National Park or Denver.

While most people don't head to Sequoia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.

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.

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

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sequoia National Park and Denver can be difficult as they are each reasonable in their own way.

Sequoia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

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 Sequoia National Park or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Sequoia 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.


Is Sequoia National Park or Denver Better for Resorts?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Sequoia National Park is a moderate national park for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Sequoia National Park offers a few options. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Sequoia National Park or Denver Better for Hiking?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Sequoia National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Sequoia National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

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 Sequoia National Park or Denver?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.


Is Sequoia National Park or Denver More Beautiful?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park as well. The spectacular trees tower over you and the setting is simply magical. There are world class hikes and settings that will leave you in awe.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sequoia National Park or Denver Better for Families?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Sequoia National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sequoia National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Denver is a family-friendly national park. 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 Sequoia National Park or Denver Better for Couples?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Sequoia National Park is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Sequoia National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

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 Sequoia National Park or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

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 Sequoia National Park or Denver Better for Students?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.


Is Sequoia National Park or Denver a more walkable city?

Sequoia National Park
Denver

Sequoia National Park is a moderate national park for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

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 Sequoia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Sequoia National Park?

How long in Sequoia National Park or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sequoia National Park and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sequoia National Park than in Denver. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Sequoia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park.


  • How many days in Sequoia National Park or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sequoia National Park 2-7 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Sequoia National Park or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Sequoia National Park. 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.

In Denver, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Sequoia National Park or Denver?

Sequoia National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denver. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.


Five days in Sequoia National Park or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sequoia National Park. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Denver is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sequoia National Park or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the impressive destination of Sequoia National Park. This national park 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the park-filled destination of Denver. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Sequoia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Sequoia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Denver Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sequoia National Park $152
    Denver $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Sequoia National Park is $152, while the average daily cost in Denver is $248. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sequoia National Park and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sequoia National Park $64
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sequoia National Park $128
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Sequoia National Park and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Sequoia National Park or Denver? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sequoia National Park


Hotels in Denver


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sequoia National Park $56
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $119
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport to Downtown Denver: $200
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $149
  • Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Hot Ski Resorts: $65
  • Private One-way Transfer from Denver Airport to Denver: $190
  • Private City Tour in Denver with Transfer: $140
  • Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $144
  • Departure Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN by Business Car: $113
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $122
  • Denver International Airport Private Transfer Pick up: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Sequoia National Park or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Sequoia National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sequoia National Park $53
    Denver $73

Typical Food Prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.

  • Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
  • 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $62
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
  • Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
  • RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
  • Denver Food Tour: Wild West Flavors & Downtown Classics: $111
  • Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sequoia National Park $31
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Sequoia National Park

For Sequoia National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kings Canyon National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Sequoia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Audio Tour Self Guide National Park Tour: $20
  • Sequoia National Park Small-Group Tour from Wuksachi Lodge: $283
  • Sequoia National Park Small Group Tour from Three Rivers.: $289
  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare: $299

Tours and Activities in Denver

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:

  • $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
  • 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $30
  • All-Inclusive Twilight Ghost Tour with a Boozy Twist: $55
  • Best of Denver Bus Tour: Highlights, Views & Local Favorites: $39
  • Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
  • Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
  • Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver: $139
  • Capitol Hill Haunts: A Ghostly Walking Tour: $343
  • Dark Side of Denver – RiNo’s True Crime and Murals Tour: $25
  • Deep Dive into Small-Group Walking Tour: $39
  • Denver After Dark Adults Only Walking Ghost Tour: $35
  • Denver Art Museum General Admission Ticket: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sequoia National Park $7.84
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $50
  • Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $50
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
  • Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
  • E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


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

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