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

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Durango?

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

Should I visit Yosemite National Park or Durango? 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a popular, world-famous, and stunning national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Yosemite National Park and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yosemite National Park or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yosemite National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Also, Yosemite National Park is famous for El Capitan. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a moderate small town for snow skiing. However, Yosemite National Park is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Yosemite National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yosemite National Park or Durango?

Durango is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Yosemite National Park or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Yosemite National Park and Durango both to be respectable destinations.

Yosemite 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 few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Durango offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Durango is not a good place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People don't go to Durango for the nightlife. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for Resorts?

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Yosemite National Park to choose from. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

Durango offers a nice historic old town area. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Yosemite National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Yosemite National Park or Durango?

Durango is a moderate small town for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Durango has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Yosemite National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to Durango during the Christmas season. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Yosemite National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yosemite National Park or Durango.

Yosemite National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for Couples?

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Yosemite National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Yosemite National Park. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Yosemite National Park is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Yosemite National Park has some public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Yosemite National Park or Durango a more walkable city?

Yosemite National Park and Durango both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Yosemite National Park is generally not very walkable. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

Durango is generally not a very walkable national park. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Yosemite National Park?

How long in Yosemite National Park or Durango?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Durango 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 Yosemite National Park.

One day in Yosemite National Park or Durango?

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find . Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Durango?

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This small town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Durango?

Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yosemite National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durango. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Yosemite National Park or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yosemite National Park. In Yosemite National Park, you'll find . One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Durango is a fun place to experience. Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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