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

Should you visit Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley 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 Grand Canyon National Park and Death Valley 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.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a gorgeous, striking, and breathtaking national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Grand Canyon National Park and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grand Canyon National Park than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grand Canyon National Park is better known for its resorts, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is famous for the sunset views. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Grand Canyon National Park different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Grand Canyon National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Grand Canyon National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Death Valley National Park. 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.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Death Valley National Park is not a good area for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Grand Canyon National Park is very good for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

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 Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Grand Canyon National Park and Death Valley National Park, and they are high quality.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park is not a good area for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for couples. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Grand Canyon National Park has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Grand Canyon National Park and Death Valley National Park are both first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Grand Canyon National Park is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

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

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

How long in Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. In general, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Grand Canyon National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park than Death Valley National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park?

In Grand Canyon National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Death Valley National Park, many people enjoy the that this dramatic destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park?

In Grand Canyon 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. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Death Valley 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. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. 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 national park offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. 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 national park offers something for everyone.

A week in Grand Canyon National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Grand Canyon National Park. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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