A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sun Valley vs. Hope for Families, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Sun Valley or Hope?

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 Sun Valley and Hope. 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.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a small, friendly, and local town. It's also known for hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Sun Valley and Hope: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sun Valley or Hope?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Sun Valley and Hope are both popular with visitors, Sun Valley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sun Valley is more touristy than Hope and is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Hope is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Sun Valley different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hope and Sun Valley. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Sun Valley or Hope Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for skiing. However, Hope is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is among the world's best ski destinations. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Hope is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sun Valley or Hope?

Both Sun Valley and Hope have decent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Sun Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

While most people don't head to Hope specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.

Is the Food Better in Sun Valley or Hope? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Sun Valley or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Sun Valley is very good for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Sun Valley or Hope Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Hope is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sun Valley. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Hope is not a resort destination.

Is Sun Valley or Hope Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Sun Valley and Hope, and they are high quality.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Many visitors go to Hope for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Is the Shopping Better in Sun Valley or Hope?

Sun Valley is very good for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Sun Valley or Hope More Beautiful?

Sun Valley is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sun Valley or Hope Better for Families?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hope is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is one of the most popular family destinations. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Hope is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Is Sun Valley or Hope Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Hope is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Sun Valley has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Hope is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

Is Sun Valley or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley and Hope are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Many backpackers visit Hope. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

Is Sun Valley or Hope Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope is not known for its public transit.

Visitors to Sun Valley can move around easily with public transportation. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Sun Valley or Hope a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Hope is not known for its high level of walkability.

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

For even more information, also check out Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting? and Is Hope Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hope or Sun Valley?

How long in Sun Valley or Hope?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley than Hope 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Sun Valley or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sun Valley. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With around the friendly town of Hope, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sun Valley or Hope?

Sun Valley is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the skiing. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With around the destination of Hope, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Sun Valley or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the active destination of Sun Valley. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hope, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sun Valley or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy town of Sun Valley. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hope is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sun Valley Expensive? and Is Hope Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sun Valley or Hope?

Hope has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Sun Valley and Hope, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.