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

Should you visit Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Durango and Bryce Canyon National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Durango

Durango is a charming, quaint, and scenic small town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a spectacular, other-worldly, and breathtaking park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Durango and Bryce Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Durango. Although Durango and Bryce Canyon National Park are popular destinations, Durango has more sights and attractions for tourists. Durango is very popular for its skiing, museums, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Bryce Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Durango and is known for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Durango is famous for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. It is also well known for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

How is Durango 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 Durango. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is very good for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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 Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Durango and Bryce Canyon National Park both to be reasonable destinations.

Durango offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Bryce Canyon National Park. 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 Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park offer decent nightlife.

Durango doesn't offer many options. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Bryce Canyon National Park. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for its Old Town?

Durango is very good for its old town. However, Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Durango. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Bryce Canyon National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Shoppers can find a variety of reasonable stores in both Durango and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Durango is a good destination for shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

If you're looking to go shopping, Bryce Canyon National Park has some nice offerings. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Is Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Christmas?

Durango is very good for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Bryce Canyon National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting Durango. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Bryce Canyon National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Both Durango and Bryce Canyon National Park are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very kid-friendly small town. 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 Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

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

Bryce Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Bryce Canyon National Park is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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 limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Durango and Bryce Canyon National Park are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Durango is generally not a very walkable small town. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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.

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

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

How long in Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Durango 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 Durango because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Durango, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Durango. 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 Durango 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.

One day in Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bryce Canyon National Park has to offer.

Five days in Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 small town offers something for everyone.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bryce Canyon National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bryce Canyon National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Durango and Bryce Canyon National Park, we can see that Durango is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Durango Expensive? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Expensive?.