A Travel Price Comparison for California Death Valley National Park vs. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a vast, overlooked, and underrated park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Death Valley National Park and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Death Valley National Park than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Death Valley National Park is better known for its resorts and impressive beauty, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is more popular for its shopping. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Also, Death Valley National Park is famous for Zabriskie Point. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visit the Loomis Museum to learn about the park history and see historic photos of the park. The building was constructed in 1972 and is worth a stopover.

Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Death Valley National Park and Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.

Is Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a moderate national park for its resorts. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a resort destination.

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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Death Valley National Park and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Death Valley National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a moderate park for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Death Valley National Park is 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a family-friendly national park. While many of the hikes in the park are challenging for kids, there are still some great options for those with little legs. Manzanita Lake Trail is less than two miles and makes a great introductory hike. Bumpass Hell Trail is three miles, and it's a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

Both Death Valley National Park and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are superb 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting makes a romantic backdrop for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures. You can go kayaking or river rafting during the day and then enjoy stargazing at night.

Is Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

Is Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are walkable places.

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable national park. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Death Valley National Park and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park than in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Death Valley National Park.

One day in Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, many people enjoy the that this underrated 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 Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Death Valley National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. In Death Valley National Park, many people enjoy the that this vast destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 park offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 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.

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