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

Should you visit Durango or Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 historic, charming, and quaint small town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking, vast, and world-famous national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Durango and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yellowstone National Park than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yellowstone National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. Also, Yellowstone National Park is famous for Old Faithful. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

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

Is Durango or Yellowstone National Park Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. 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.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Durango and Yellowstone National Park both to be respectable 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 Yellowstone National Park. 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 Durango or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

Durango 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 Durango. 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Durango or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

Yellowstone National Park is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Yellowstone National Park to choose from. 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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Durango or Yellowstone National Park Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have a historic old town.

Durango offers a nice historic old town area. 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."

Yellowstone National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

Yellowstone 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.

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

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 Yellowstone National Park?

Durango is a small town with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Durango has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Durango or Yellowstone National Park Better for Christmas?

Durango is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Yellowstone National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to Durango during the Christmas season. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Yellowstone National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durango or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

Both Durango and Yellowstone National Park are superb 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.

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

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

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.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yellowstone 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 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.

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

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

Is Durango or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

Durango is a small town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Yellowstone National Park or Durango?

How long in Durango or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Durango 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 Durango. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Durango, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

Families should spend more time in Durango than Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango 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 Durango.

One day in Durango or Yellowstone National Park?

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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, you'll find . Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. 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, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Durango or Yellowstone National Park?

Durango 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.

Yellowstone National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yellowstone National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Yellowstone National Park?

Durango 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yellowstone National Park. In Yellowstone National Park, you'll find . One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.