A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park vs. Salt Lake City for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Salt Lake City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a vast, overlooked, and underrated park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and hiking.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salt Lake City is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Salt Lake City is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. Also, Salt Lake City is famous for Temple Square. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Salt Lake City. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Salt Lake City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a moderate city for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Salt Lake City specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for shopping. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its shopping opportunities.

Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Salt Lake City are notable to visit with kids.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Salt Lake City is a family-friendly park. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.


Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Public transit is quite limited in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.


Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its high level of walkability.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable park. 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

How long in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Salt Lake City. In our opinion, Salt Lake City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Salt Lake City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City than Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Salt Lake City.


  • How many days in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 2-3 
    Salt Lake City 2-3

One day in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Salt Lake City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Salt Lake City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. In Salt Lake City, many people enjoy the museums and food that this architectural destination offers. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the city of Salt Lake City. 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.

A week in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Salt Lake City is a popular choice for travelers. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Salt Lake City or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is $126, while the average daily cost in Salt Lake City is $246. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $62
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $124
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park


Hotels in Salt Lake City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $56
    Salt Lake City $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36
  • Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) : $107
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Arrival Transfer: $115
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City UT - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $182
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Transfer to Salt Lake City: $201
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Round-Trip Transfer: $230
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $261
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $261

Is it cheaper to fly into Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $30
    Salt Lake City $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $21
    Salt Lake City $28

Tours and Activities in Salt Lake City

For Salt Lake City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mormon History - Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mormon History Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio app Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Salt Lake City by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Salt Lake City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Salt Lake City & La Sal: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tour: $20
  • Salt Lake City Ghost Tour: Outer Reaches Tour: $23
  • Salt Lake City Haunted Old Town Tour: $23
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $37
  • History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour: $50
  • Salt Lake City Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $19
    Salt Lake City $17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.


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