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

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

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a immense, unique, and stunning national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Death Valley National Park and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yellowstone National Park. Although Death Valley National Park and Yellowstone National Park are popular destinations, Yellowstone National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yellowstone National Park is very popular for its resorts and hiking, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is known for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. It is also well known for Old Faithful. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Death Valley National Park and Yellowstone 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.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

Death Valley National Park is not so good for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Death Valley National Park. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

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 Yellowstone National Park?

Death Valley National Park is not so good for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Death Valley National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

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

Yellowstone National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

Is Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

Both Death Valley National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great 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.

Yellowstone National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

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

Both Death Valley National Park and Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

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

Neither Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

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

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

How long in Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Death Valley National Park and Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park than in Death Valley National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the vast 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 Yellowstone National Park, many people enjoy the that this popular 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 Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park, many people enjoy the that this world-famous 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 national park offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful national park offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this national 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 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 Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.