A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. It is also well known for Lake Lure Beach Park. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.


Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park can be difficult as they are each reasonable in their own way.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a moderate recreation area for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park are destinations which offer superb hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a moderate recreation area for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park are superb to visit with kids.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Death Valley National Park is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Death Valley National Park

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park are walkable places.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable recreation area. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Death Valley National Park.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, many people enjoy the that this peaceful destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Death Valley National Park, many people enjoy the that this dramatic 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, many people enjoy the that this 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.

In Death Valley 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 recreation area offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley 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 national park offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Death Valley 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $87. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Death Valley 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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
    Death Valley National Park $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

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

  • Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Death Valley on Mojave Desert VIP Small Group Tour from Las Vegas: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Death Valley National Park Expensive?.