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

Should you visit Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 scenic, nature-filled, and historic small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a overlooked, underrated, and vast park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Durango and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Durango. Although Durango and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular with visitors, Durango has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Durango is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. It is also home to The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is popular for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

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

Is Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Skiing?

Durango is a moderate small town for snow skiing. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Durango is a small town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its museums and history.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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 Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Durango and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park both to be decent 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. 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 Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a small town with good options for its historic old town. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical old town. 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."

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park does not have a historic old town.

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

Hiking trails can be found around both Durango and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, and they are very good.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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 Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Shoppers can find a variety of decent stores in both Durango and Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some nice offerings. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

Is Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Christmas?

Durango is a small town with good options for its Christmas activities. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango is a fun destination over Christmas. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Durango 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.

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a family-friendly small town. 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 Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

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

Neither Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.

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

Durango is a moderate small town for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its high level of walkability.

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable small town. 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 Durango Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Durango and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In our opinion, Durango has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Durango than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Durango than Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Durango than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Durango that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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. 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, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Durango, a popular small town, is full of activities for travelers. Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. 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, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has to offer.

Five days in Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Durango 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durango and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, we can see that Durango is more expensive. And not only is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Durango would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durango than you might in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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