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

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Denali 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 Denali 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 peaceful, active, and beautiful recreation area. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast 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 Denali 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
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its nightlife and hiking, while Denali National Park is known for its resorts and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. It is also home to Lake Lure Beach Park. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali 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 Denali National Park?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Denali 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 Denali National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Denali National Park can be difficult as they are each decent 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.

Denali National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for hiking. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. 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.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Shopping is a popular activity in both Denali National Park and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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.

Denali National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very family-friendly. 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.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Denali 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.

Denali National Park is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

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

Denali National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with a few options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Denali National Park

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Denali 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.

Denali National Park is not a very walkable recreation area. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali 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 Denali National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denali 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 Denali National Park.


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

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

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has to offer.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this recreation area has to offer. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Denali National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. 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 Denali National Park?

Many people visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for five days. You'll find around the recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Denali National Park. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Denali National Park?

The beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Denali National Park. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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, Denali 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 Denali National Park is $218. 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 Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Denali 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 Denali 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
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

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

Prices for flights to both Denali 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
    Denali National Park $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

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

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $79
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $140
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Half-Day Sled Dog Experience: $175
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Denali National Park $12


When comparing the travel costs between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.