A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sequoia National Park vs. Colorado Springs for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs 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.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a impressive, magical, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the General Sherman tree
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sequoia National Park. Although Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs are both popular with visitors, Sequoia National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sequoia National Park is more popular for its resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Colorado Springs is known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, and small town charm. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. It is also home to the General Sherman tree. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Sequoia National Park different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sequoia National Park is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Sequoia National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.

Is the Food Better in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Colorado Springs. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Colorado Springs. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.


Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Sequoia National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Sequoia National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Both Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs are destinations which offer amazing hiking.

Around Sequoia National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

Colorado Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Sequoia National Park is a national park with a few options for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sequoia National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are markets within the park.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Both Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs are superb to visit with kids.

Sequoia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Colorado Springs is a very kid-friendly national park. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Sequoia National Park is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Sequoia National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Sequoia National Park is terrific for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sequoia National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.


Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Sequoia National Park is a national park with a few options for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Sequoia National Park
Colorado Springs

Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs are decent when it comes to walkability.

Sequoia National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.


For even more information, also check out Is Sequoia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Sequoia National Park?

How long in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sequoia National Park than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Sequoia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sequoia National Park than Colorado Springs 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 Sequoia National Park.


  • How many days in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sequoia National Park 2-7 
    Colorado Springs 2-3

One day in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

You'll find around the magical destination of Sequoia 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 national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Colorado Springs, you'll find food and museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

You'll find around the breathtaking national park of Sequoia National Park. If you have a weekend, this national 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

Sequoia 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.

Colorado Springs is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

Sequoia National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and museums around the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or Sequoia National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sequoia National Park is $130, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $155. 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 Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sequoia National Park $64
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sequoia National Park $128
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in Sequoia National Park and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs? 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 Sequoia National Park


Hotels in Colorado Springs


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: Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sequoia National Park $56
    Colorado Springs $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Winter Park to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $131
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Centennial Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Airport DEN - Departure Private Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass Ski Resort to BJC Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to Snowmass -Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Private Transfer from Beaver Creek Ski Resort to Denver Airport: $218
  • Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Round Trip Transfer: $186

Is it cheaper to fly into Sequoia National Park or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Sequoia 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
    Sequoia National Park $31
    Colorado Springs $45

Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO: $86
  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sequoia National Park $31
    Colorado Springs $34

Tours and Activities in Sequoia National Park

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

  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Semi Private Sequoia National Park Tour with lunch.: $299
  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare: $299

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour Broadmoor History Segway Tour: $72
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $72
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area: $108
  • 3 Hours Private Ice Climbing Experience in Colorado: $240
  • Astronomy Tour: $45
  • Bike Tour in the Garden of The Gods: $245
  • Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour: $78
  • Cheyenne Cañon Art and Nature Segway Tour: $78
  • Cocktails & Tastes Tour in Colorado Springs: $94
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Luxury Jeep Tours: $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sequoia National Park $7.84
    Colorado Springs $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Colorado Springs

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:

  • 2.5-Hour Brewery & Bites Walking Tour: $93
  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour: $94


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

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