A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bryce Canyon National Park vs. Glacier National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a spectacular, other-worldly, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road


Is there more to do in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park are popular destinations, Glacier National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glacier National Park is very popular for its resorts, while Bryce Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Glacier National Park is famous for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also well known for Going-to-the-Sun Road.

How is Bryce Canyon National Park different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Neither Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park offer quality museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Bryce Canyon National Park. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.

Glacier National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


Is the Food Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park offer reasonable local cuisine and restaurants.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Bryce Canyon National Park. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Glacier National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Neither Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Bryce Canyon National Park There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

People don't go to Glacier National Park for the nightlife. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its resorts.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

You might not think of Bryce Canyon National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.


Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Bryce Canyon National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

If you're looking to go shopping, Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park both offer plenty of reasonable spots.

If you're looking to go shopping, Bryce Canyon National Park has some nice offerings. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Glacier National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.


Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

Glacier National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

For backpackers, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park are world-class places to visit.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bryce Canyon National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

Glacier National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.

Public transit is generally limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.


Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a moderate park for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not very walkable. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park?

How long in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than in Glacier National Park. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bryce Canyon National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Glacier 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 Bryce Canyon National Park.


  • How many days in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bryce Canyon National Park 2-5 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

In Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

In Glacier National Park, many people enjoy the that this gorgeous destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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.

A weekend in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bryce Canyon National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park. It offers something for everyone.

In Glacier National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Glacier National Park. 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. This park offers something for everyone.

A week in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Bryce Canyon National Park. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Glacier National Park. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bryce Canyon National Park is $135, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $127. 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 Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bryce Canyon National Park $67
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bryce Canyon National Park $134
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park? 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 Bryce Canyon National Park


Hotels in Glacier National Park


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: Bryce Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56
    Glacier National Park $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Bryce Canyon National Park or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park and Bryce Canyon 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
    Bryce Canyon National Park $33
    Glacier National Park $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glacier National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Glacier National Park.

  • Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bryce Canyon National Park $30
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • Full-Day Private Scenic Byway 12 Audio Driving Tour : $8.99
  • The Beauty of Full-Day Audio Driving Private Tour: $8.99
  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour : $25
  • Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon: $69
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah 1.5 Hour Ride: $80
  • Bryce Canyon E-bike Tour : $95
  • Horseback Riding Experience through Red Canyon with a Guide: $105
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Half Day Ride: $110
  • Hiking Experience in Bryce Canyon National Park: $120
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Thunder Mt. 4 Hour Ride: $120
  • Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour: $139

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • 5 Hours Glacier National Park Driving Tour : $220
  • Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure - With Lunch!: $152
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $157
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Half Day Bike and Hike Tour in around Whitefish: $175
  • Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure: $87
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $12
  • Shared Glacier Adventure: Drive and Snowshoe with Lunch: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bryce Canyon National Park $6.78
    Glacier National Park $8.41


When comparing the travel costs between Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park, we can see that Bryce Canyon National Park 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 Bryce Canyon National Park Expensive? and Is Glacier National Park Expensive?.


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