A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Death Valley National Park vs. Grand Teton National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Resorts

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular, impressive, and vast park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Death Valley National Park and Grand Teton National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • 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
  • Not as many resort options
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 Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grand Teton National Park than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Grand Teton National Park is well known for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife. Also, Grand Teton National Park is famous for Jenny Lake.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Grand Teton National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

While most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Visitor Centers have exhibits and other informational sessions.


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

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Death Valley National Park and Grand Teton 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.

Grand Teton National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the park where you can enjoy a meal, often with a view.

Is Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Nightlife?

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a moderate park for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge, but most visitors enjoy a relaxing night in.

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 Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Grand Teton National Park. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. 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.


Is Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton National Park specifically for its hiking. Grand Teton National Park has more than 250 miles of trails that make their way through the mountains and around the rugged landscapes. There are hikes that range from short strolls to backcountry, mult-day trails and it's not uncommon to see wildlife.

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 Grand Teton National Park?

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

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

Grand Teton National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton 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.

Grand Teton National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the hiking and wildlife spotting. There's also horseback riding and Ranger Programs that are designed for all ages.


Is Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is renowned for couples. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Grand Teton National Park has plenty to offer. With its stunning mountain views and scenic hikes, couples will be surrounded by romance. Many people visit the park for their honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, and the setting couldn't be more spectacular.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Both Death Valley National Park and Grand Teton National Park are world-class 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 Grand Teton National Park. There are hostels, campgrounds, and backcountry hiking and camping that backpackers really enjoy.

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

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Neither Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

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


Is Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park a more walkable city?

Death Valley National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton 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.

Grand Teton National Park is generally not very walkable. You'll need a car to reach most of the trail heads.

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 Grand Teton National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Teton National Park or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Both Death Valley National Park and Grand Teton National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Teton National Park than in Death Valley National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Grand Teton National Park.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Death Valley National Park 2-4 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

One day in Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Grand Teton National Park, many people enjoy the that this vast 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Death Valley National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Grand Teton National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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. It offers something for everyone.

In Grand Teton National Park, many people enjoy the that this vast 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Grand Teton National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful park offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this park makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton National Park is $162. 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 Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Death Valley National Park $37
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Death Valley National Park $74
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in Death Valley National Park and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton 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: Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Death Valley National Park $41
    Grand Teton National Park $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Teton National Park

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

  • Private SUV Transfers to/ from Jackson Hole Airport JAC: $105
  • Private Luxury 4wd SUV To/From Transfer Jackson Hole Airport: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Death Valley National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton 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
    Grand Teton National Park $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Teton National Park

For Grand Teton National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Jackson Hole Chuckwagon Dinner: $75
  • Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Death Valley National Park $36
    Grand Teton National Park $43

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 Grand Teton National Park

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

  • Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Death Valley National Park $8.57
    Grand Teton National Park $19


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