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

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Zion 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 Zion 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a stunning, world-renowned, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

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

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zion National Park than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zion National Park is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Also, Zion National Park is famous for Angels Landing. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Death Valley National Park or Zion 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 Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Zion 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 Zion 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.

Zion National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

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

Neither Death Valley National Park or Zion 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.

Zion National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

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

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

Zion National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion 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 Zion National Park specifically for its hiking. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

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 Zion National Park?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Zion National Park offer decent shopping options.

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.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

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

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

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly destination. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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

Both Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park are excellent 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.

Zion National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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

Both Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park are terrific 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 Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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

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

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of 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 Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Zion 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.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable national park. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

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

Both Death Valley National Park and Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park.

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

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

One day in Death Valley National Park or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zion National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking 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 Zion National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a popular place to visit. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Death Valley National Park has to offer.

In Zion 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. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

In Zion National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking 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 Zion 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. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Zion 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 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.

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