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

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Bryce Canyon National Park 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a other-worldly, breathtaking, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Pocono Mountains and Bryce Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains than Bryce Canyon National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pocono Mountains is better known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Bryce Canyon National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Pocono Mountains and is popular for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Pocono Mountains is well known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Also, Pocono Mountains is famous for Bushkill Falls.

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for skiing. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Pocono Mountains is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pocono Mountains has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Bryce Canyon National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Pocono Mountains doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its resorts.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

You might not think of Bryce Canyon National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Is Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Bryce Canyon National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Pocono Mountains is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Is Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Both Pocono Mountains and Bryce Canyon National Park are superb to visit with kids.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park. 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 Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Both Pocono Mountains and Bryce Canyon National Park are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural 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.

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

Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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 and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

Both Pocono Mountains and Bryce Canyon National Park offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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.

Is Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains and Bryce Canyon National Park both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not a very walkable region. 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 Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Bryce Canyon National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Bryce Canyon National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the museums and skiing that this magnificent 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.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Bryce Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this 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. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the other-worldly park of Bryce Canyon National Park. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This region offers something for everyone.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Pocono Mountains or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this region offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pocono Mountains and Bryce Canyon National Park, we can see that Pocono Mountains is more expensive. And not only is Bryce Canyon National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bryce Canyon National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bryce Canyon 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 Pocono Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pocono Mountains than you might in Bryce Canyon National Park.

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