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

Should you visit Sequoia National Park or Durango?

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 Durango 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 surreal, impressive, and magical national park. Sequoia National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Sequoia National Park travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a scenic, nature-filled, and historic small town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Sequoia National Park and Durango: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sequoia National Park. Although Sequoia National Park and Durango are both popular with visitors, Sequoia National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sequoia National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durango is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Durango and is known for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. It is also home to the General Sherman tree. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Sequoia National Park different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sequoia National Park or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is a small town with good options for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sequoia National Park and Durango can be difficult as they are each decent 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 Durango. 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.

Is Sequoia National Park or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Neither Sequoia National Park or Durango offer decent nightlife.

Sequoia National Park doesn't offer many options. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. 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.

Is Sequoia National Park or Durango Better for Resorts?

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

Sequoia National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Durango is not a resort destination.

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

Durango is a small town with good options for its historic old town. However, Sequoia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Durango is a good destination for visiting its 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."

Sequoia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Sequoia National Park or Durango Better for Hiking?

Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

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 Sequoia National Park or Durango?

Shoppers can find a variety of decent stores in both Sequoia National Park and Durango.

Sequoia National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are markets within the park.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. 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.

Is Sequoia National Park or Durango More Beautiful?

Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

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

Is Sequoia National Park or Durango Better for Families?

Both Sequoia National Park and Durango are very good to visit with kids.

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

Durango is a very kid-friendly national park. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Sequoia National Park or Durango Better for Couples?

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

Sequoia National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Sequoia 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 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.

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

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

Sequoia National Park is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

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 Sequoia National Park or Durango a more walkable city?

Sequoia National Park and Durango are decent when it comes to walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

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

How long in Sequoia National Park or Durango?

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

Families should spend more time in Durango than Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park than Durango. 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 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 Sequoia National Park.

One day in Sequoia National Park or Durango?

In Sequoia 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 national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Durango?

In Sequoia National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sequoia National Park has to offer.

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

Five days in Sequoia National Park or Durango?

Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sequoia National Park or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sequoia National Park. In Sequoia 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.

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sequoia National Park and Durango, we can see that Durango 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 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 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 Durango Expensive?.