Grand Canyon vs Yellowstone: 13 Reasons to Help you Decide!

There are many amazing places to visit in the United States, but two of the most popular destinations are the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. They both offer stunning scenery and plenty of activities for visitors, but which one should you choose? In this blog post, we will compare these two iconic locations and help you decide which is best for you!

Which Is Better To Visit Grand Canyon or Yellowstone?

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, millions of people come to see its amazing views and hike its trails. Yellowstone, on the other hand, is less well-known but still attracts a large number of visitors. So, which should you choose?

There are some key differences between the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone that you should consider before making your decision.

1. Crowd

The Grand Canyon is much more crowded than Yellowstone. This is because it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. If you don’t like crowds, then Yellowstone may be a better choice for you.

2. Size

Yellowstone is much larger than the Grand Canyon. It covers nearly 2 to 3 times as much land! This means that there is more to see and do at Yellowstone.

However, the Grand Canyon is far deeper than Yellowstone. The depth of the Grand Canyon is almost twice that of Yellowstone.

So, if you want to see more in a shorter amount of time, the Grand Canyon is the place for you. If you want to explore a destination more thoroughly, then Yellowstone is a better choice.

3. Activities

Both the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone offer plenty of activities for visitors. However, there are some key differences between the two.

The Grand Canyon is known for its hiking trails. There are trails of all difficulty levels, so everyone from experienced hikers to first-timers can find a trail that’s right for them. Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features, wildlife, and hiking trails. So, if you’re interested in seeing geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, then Yellowstone is the better.

So, if you’re looking for a place to hike, the Grand Canyon is your best bet. If you want to see some amazing geothermal features, then Yellowstone is the place for you.

4. Wildlife

Both the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone are home to a wide variety of wildlife. However, you’re more likely to see wildlife at Yellowstone. This is because Yellowstone is a national park, while the Grand Canyon is a national monument. National parks are typically larger and have more diverse ecosystems than national monuments.

Booking.com

5. Cost

The cost of visiting the Grand Canyon is similar to the cost of visiting Yellowstone. Both locations charge an entrance fee, and there are many lodging and camping options available at both locations.

So, if you’re trying to decide between the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, consider your budget and what you want to see and do on your trip. Both locations are amazing and offer something unique.

6. Weather

The weather at the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone is also different. The Grand Canyon is located in a desert, so it can be very hot during the day and cold at night. Yellowstone, on the other hand, is located in a temperate climate. This means that the weather is milder and there are more options for activities year-round.

So, if you’re looking for a place to visit when it’s hot outside, the Grand Canyon is your best bet. If you want to visit when it’s cooler or have more options for activities, then Yellowstone is the place for you.

7. Accessibility

The Grand Canyon is more accessible than Yellowstone. This is because it is located near major cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Flagstaff. Yellowstone, on the other hand, is located in a remote area of Wyoming. So, if you’re looking for a place that’s easy to get to, the Grand Canyon is your best choice.

8. Scenery

The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone both offer amazing scenery. However, the scenery at the Grand Canyon is more diverse. This is because the Grand Canyon is so large and has different types of terrain, from deserts to forests. Yellowstone, on the other hand, is mostly forest. So, if you’re looking for a place with a variety of landscapes, the Grand Canyon is your best bet.

9. Adventure

Yellowstone: There are plenty of things to do in Yellowstone, from hiking and biking trails to boating and fishing. You can also take a guided tour of the geyser basin or go on a wildlife safari.

Grand Canyon: The main activity at the Grand Canyon is hiking, but there are also mule tours, river rafting trips, and helicopter rides.

10. Scenery

Yellowstone: Yellowstone has mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. You’ll also see plenty of wildlife roaming around.

Grand Canyon: The views from the rim of the Grand Canyon are breathtaking. You can also hike down into the canyon for even better views.

11. Family-Friendly

Yellowstone: Yellowstone is a great place for families with kids of all ages. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions, such as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and the Old Faithful geyser.

Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but it’s especially great for families with older kids who can hike down into the canyon.

12. Accessibility

Yellowstone: Yellowstone is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It’s easiest to get to by car, but you can also take a bus or fly to from one of the nearby airports.

Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona. It’s easy to get to by car, and there are also plenty of tour companies that offer bus or air tours.

13. Popularity

Both the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone are very popular tourist destinations. However, the Grand Canyon is more popular, attracting about six million visitors per year. Yellowstone attracts about four million visitors per year.

So, Grand Canyon vs Yellowstone – which is best for you?

Both the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone are amazing places to visit. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a destination. If you want to see more in a shorter amount of time, the Grand Canyon is the place for you. If you want to explore a destination more thoroughly, then Yellowstone is a better choice. If you’re looking for a place to hike, the Grand Canyon is your best bet. If you want to see some amazing geothermal features, then Yellowstone is the place for you. So, consider your budget and what you want to see and do on your trip when deciding between the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Both locations are amazing and offer something unique.

Is Yellowstone bigger than the Grand Canyon?

Yellowstone Size: 2,219,791 acres

Grand Canyon Size: 1,217,403 acres

Yes, Yellowstone is bigger than the Grand Canyon. Yellowstone is nearly two million acres, while the Grand Canyon is just over one million acres. So, if you’re looking for a place to explore more thoroughly, then Yellowstone is a better choice.

Is Yellowstone the Same as Grand Canyon?

The short answer is no, Yellowstone is not the same as Grand Canyon. They are two different national parks with different topography, different geology, and different ecosystems.

However, they do have some similarities. Both parks are massive (Yellowstone is nearly two times the size of the Grand Canyon), both are home to iconic American animals (bison in Yellowstone and elk in Grand Canyon), and both offer breathtaking views.

Can You Do Yellowstone and Grand Canyon?

The short answer is yes, you can do both Ye and the Grand Canyon in one trip. However, we recommend that you pick one or the other depending on your travel style and interests. If you want to see everything and do a lot of activities, stick with Yellowstone. If you want to go at a slower pace and enjoy the scenery, go to the Grand Canyon. Here’s a breakdown of what each park has to offer:

Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features like geysers and hot springs, as well as its wildlife like bison and grizzly bears. The Grand Canyon is famous for, well, being a grand canyon! It’s also known for its hiking trails and views.

The Bottom Line

So, which is best for you? Grand Canyon vs Yellowstone? It really depends on your travel style and what you’re looking for in a destination. If you want to see more in a shorter amount of time, the Grand Canyon is the place for you. If you want to explore a destination more thoroughly, then Yellowstone is a better choice. If you’re looking for a place to hike, the Grand Canyon is your best bet. If you want to see some amazing geothermal features, then Yellowstone is the place for you. So, consider your budget and what you want to see and do on your trip when deciding between the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Both locations are amazing and offer something unique.