A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Reno vs. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for Couples, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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

Should I visit Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Reno

Reno is a growing, vibrant, and energetic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Reno and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Reno than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Reno is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reno is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is popular for its casinos and nightlife scene. Also, Reno is famous for the National Automobile Museum. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Reno different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Reno is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its museums and history.

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

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 Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Reno 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.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

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 Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Reno is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

Reno offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in 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 Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.

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.

Reno is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

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

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

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 Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Reno is a family-friendly city. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. 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.

Is Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Reno 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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.


Is Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Reno is lacking in 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.

Reno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so you won't find any real hostels in town.

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

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Reno is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

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

Is Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

Reno
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

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

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable city. 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 Reno Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Reno?

How long in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Reno and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In our opinion, Reno has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Reno than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Reno, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Reno 1-3 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 2-3

One day in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

In Reno, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Reno. 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.

You'll find around the overlooked destination of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. This park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Reno 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.

The underrated park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Reno?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Reno is $144, while the average daily cost in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is $126. 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 Reno and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reno $55
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reno $110
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $124
Compare Hotels in Reno and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Reno


Hotels in Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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.


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reno $23
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno

Also for Reno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer : $66
  • Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $163
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer: $185
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain - Round-Trip Transfer: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Reno or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Reno 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
    Reno $54
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $30
Typical Food Prices in Reno

For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reno $88
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $21

Tours and Activities in Reno

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

  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • From Reno Arch to Truckee River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Reno by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure: $12
  • Lake Tahoe Audio Driving Tour: $14
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $14
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Carson City, NV: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $22
  • Zero Latency Extreme Virtual Reality Experience Ticket: $25
  • Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Reno Ghosts Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reno $13
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:

  • 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight: $25
  • Brewery Tour: $130


When comparing the travel costs between Reno and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, we can see that Reno 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 Reno Expensive? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive?.


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