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

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon 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 Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a breathtaking, spectacular, and other-worldly park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon 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


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bryce Canyon National Park. Although Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are both popular with visitors, Bryce Canyon National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bryce Canyon National Park is more popular for its hiking and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is known for its museums. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is popular for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. It is also home to . Death Valley National Park is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.


How is Death Valley National Park different from Bryce Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.


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

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at decent restaurants in both Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Death Valley National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Neither Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Death Valley National Park for the nightlife. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Bryce Canyon National Park doesn't offer many options. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

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.

Bryce Canyon National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. 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 Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Bryce Canyon National Park specifically for its hiking. 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 Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a moderate park for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

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 Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.


Is Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Both Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Both Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

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.

Many backpackers frequent Bryce Canyon National Park. 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.

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

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a moderate park for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

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


Is Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Death Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a moderate park for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its 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.

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

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

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

How long in Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Death Valley National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Death Valley 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 Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Death Valley National Park 2-4 
    Bryce Canyon National Park 2-5

One day in Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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.

In Bryce Canyon National Park, many people enjoy the that this other-worldly destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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.

In Bryce Canyon 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 Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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.

In Bryce Canyon National Park, many people enjoy the that this spectacular destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This park offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Bryce Canyon 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. Lots of people come 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bryce Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Death Valley National Park is $87, while the average daily cost in Bryce Canyon National Park is $135. 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 Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Death Valley National Park $37
    Bryce Canyon National Park $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Death Valley National Park $74
    Bryce Canyon National Park $134
Compare Hotels in Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Death Valley National Park or Bryce Canyon 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 Death Valley National Park


Hotels in Bryce Canyon 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.
    Death Valley National Park $41
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56

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

Prices for flights to both Bryce Canyon National Park and Death Valley 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
    Death Valley National Park $20
    Bryce Canyon National Park $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Death Valley National Park $36
    Bryce Canyon National Park $30

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Death Valley National Park $8.57
    Bryce Canyon National Park $6.78


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Death Valley National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, we can see that Bryce Canyon National Park 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 Bryce Canyon National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bryce Canyon National Park 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 Death Valley National Park Expensive? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Expensive?.


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