A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Colorado Springs vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Colorado Springs or Redwood 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 Colorado Springs and Redwood National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Colorado Springs and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • 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
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Colorado Springs than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Colorado Springs is better known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, and small town charm, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. Also, Colorado Springs is famous for Pikes Peak.

How is Colorado Springs different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Redwood National Park is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Redwood National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Colorado Springs is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Colorado Springs. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Colorado Springs is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Colorado Springs area. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Colorado Springs is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Colorado Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.


Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is very good for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Redwood National Park to enjoy the beach. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Colorado Springs and Redwood National Park.

Many people visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Known for its hiking, Redwood National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is not so good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Redwood National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Redwood National Park is very family-friendly. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is terrific for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.


Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Colorado Springs is a good destination for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is popular with students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Neither Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Colorado Springs
Redwood National Park

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable mountain town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Colorado Springs?

How long in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

In either Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Colorado Springs because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Colorado Springs, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Colorado Springs 2-3 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

In Colorado Springs, you'll find food and museums. 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.

You'll find around the grand destination of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. 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 mountain town. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the grand park of Redwood National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

Colorado Springs is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and museums around the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. 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.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Colorado Springs?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Colorado Springs is $155, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $111. 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 Colorado Springs and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colorado Springs $81
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colorado Springs $162
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Colorado Springs and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Colorado Springs or Redwood 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 Colorado Springs


Hotels in Redwood 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: Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colorado Springs $38
    Redwood National Park $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Round Trip Transfer: $186
  • Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Transfer from Beaver Creek Ski Resort to Denver Airport: $218
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to Snowmass -Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass Ski Resort to BJC Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Airport DEN - Departure Private Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Centennial Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Winter Park to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Colorado Springs 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
    Colorado Springs $45
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO: $86
  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colorado Springs $34
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Colorado Springs by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Garden of the Gods: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Loveland, CO: $15
  • Colorado: A Scenic Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $24
  • Self Guided Driving and Walking Tour in Garden of the Gods : $25
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Puzzling Adventures Loveland: $35
  • Fort Collins Military Years Tour: $40
  • Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour: $40
  • Astronomy Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colorado Springs $24
    Redwood National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Colorado Springs

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:

  • 2.5-Hour Brewery & Bites Walking Tour: $93
  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour: $94


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

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



When is the best time to visit Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Colorado Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Colorado Springs is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 71°F (22°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In July, Colorado Springs usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Colorado Springs gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

Both Redwood National Park and Colorado Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Colorado Springs is cooler than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colorado Springs averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Colorado Springs usually gets less rain in October than Redwood National Park. Colorado Springs gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Colorado Springs and Redwood National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

The weather in Colorado Springs can be very cold. In the winter, Colorado Springs is much colder than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colorado Springs in January average around 26°F (-3°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Colorado Springs usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Colorado Springs gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Colorado Springs as well as Redwood National Park. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Colorado Springs is generally cooler than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 45°F (7°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Colorado Springs usually gets less rain in April than Redwood National Park. Colorado Springs gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 71°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 60°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 36°F (2°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)