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

Should you visit Redwood National Park or Denali 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 Redwood National Park and Denali 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.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Redwood National Park and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options


Is there more to do in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Redwood National Park. Although Redwood National Park and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Redwood National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches and hiking, while Denali National Park is known for its museums, food, resorts, and shopping. Redwood National Park is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees. It is also home to Stout Grove. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Redwood National Park different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Neither Redwood National Park or Denali National Park offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Redwood National Park. The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Denali National Park Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Redwood National Park or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Redwood National Park or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Redwood National Park is very good for the beache. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Redwood National Park to enjoy the beach. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Redwood National Park is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Is the Shopping Better in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.


Is Redwood National Park or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Redwood National Park is a great park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Redwood National Park is very family-friendly. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Redwood National Park or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Redwood National Park and Denali National Park both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Denali National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Is Redwood National Park or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Redwood National Park and Denali National Park are first-rate places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Many backpackers frequent Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).


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

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Redwood National Park
Denali National Park

Neither Redwood National Park or Denali National Park are walkable places.

Redwood National Park is not a walkable park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

Denali National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Redwood National Park?

How long in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Redwood National Park or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Redwood National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denali National Park than Redwood 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 Denali National Park.


  • How many days in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Redwood National Park 3-5 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Redwood National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Denali National Park, you'll find . Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

Redwood National Park is a fun place to experience. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denali National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Redwood National Park for five days. Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Redwood National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

Denali National Park is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

The monumental destination of Redwood National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find around the rugged destination of Denali National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Redwood National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Redwood National Park is $111, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $218. 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 Redwood National Park and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Redwood National Park $44
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Redwood National Park $88
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Redwood National Park and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Redwood National Park or Denali National Park? 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 Redwood National Park


Hotels in Denali National Park


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Redwood National Park $53
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Redwood 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
    Redwood National Park $33
    Denali National Park $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Redwood National Park $33
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $79
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $140
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Half-Day Sled Dog Experience: $175
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Wilderness Wonders Hiking Tour in Denali: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Redwood National Park $11
    Denali National Park $12


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

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



When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park or Denali National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Redwood National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Redwood National Park is generally around the same temperature as Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 57°F (14°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Redwood National Park usually gets less rain in July than Denali National Park. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. Redwood National Park is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Redwood National Park usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Denali National Park. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Redwood National Park is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Redwood National Park in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and Redwood National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. In April, Redwood National Park is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 50°F (10°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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