A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Zion National Park vs. Beaver Creek for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zion National Park or Beaver Creek, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a world-renowned, breathtaking, and stunning park. Many visitors also come to Zion National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Zion National Park travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a charming, active, and adventurous town. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Zion National Park and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Angels Landing
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Zion National Park and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, Zion National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zion National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Beaver Creek is known for its skiing, theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Zion National Park is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also home to Angels Landing. Beaver Creek is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere

How is Zion National Park different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for winter skiing. However, Zion National Park is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Beaver Creek is among the best in the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Zion National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Zion National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not so good for theatre. However, Zion National Park is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Zion National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Beaver Creek makes for a great culinary experience. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.


Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a town with a few options for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Beaver Creek is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

Beaver Creek has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Zion National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Zion National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.


Is the Shopping Better in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Beaver Creek is a great destination for shopping. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Zion National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Zion National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zion National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zion National Park is very family-friendly. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.


Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Zion National Park and Beaver Creek are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Zion National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

Beaver Creek is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Zion National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Zion National Park and Beaver Creek.

You'll find some public transit in Zion National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

While Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.


Is Zion National Park or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Zion National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Zion National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Zion National Park?

How long in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

Both Zion National Park and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Beaver Creek has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Beaver Creek than Zion National Park. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zion National Park than Beaver Creek 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 Zion National Park.


  • How many days in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Zion National Park 3-7 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

In Zion National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Beaver Creek. This town offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

Zion National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Beaver Creek is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the charming town of Beaver Creek. Most people visit for the skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

In Zion National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the destination of Beaver Creek. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the skiing. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer.

A week in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

Zion National Park is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaver Creek is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Zion National Park?

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

  • Zion National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Beaver Creek Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zion National Park $146
    Beaver Creek $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Zion National Park is $146, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $378. 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 Zion National Park and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zion National Park $60
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zion National Park $120
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Zion National Park and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Zion National Park or Beaver Creek? 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 Zion National Park


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: Zion National Park Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zion National Park $30
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Zion National Park or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Zion 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
    Zion National Park $64
    Beaver Creek $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zion National Park $26
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Zion National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Zion National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Sunset Guided Tour to Great Chamber by Four-Wheel Drive: $125
  • Slot Canyon Tour & Sandboarding UTV Adventure: $129
  • 2-Hour Private Light Painting Experience on the Sand Dunes: $299
  • 3 Hour Guided E Bike Tour in Zion National Park : $125
  • Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour: $105
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes Ride Climb and Rappel Adventure: $139
  • East Zion 2.5 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour: $119
  • East Zion 4 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour: $174
  • East Zion Brushy Cove Jeep Tour: $117
  • East Zion Canyoneering: Elkheart Canyon & UTV Tour: $201
  • East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure: $130
  • East Zion Dark Sky Stargazing Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zion National Park $8.28
    Beaver Creek $35


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

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