Hi - We are trying to pick a park for a vacation in Feb, 2007 during president's day week. We love to hike, do touristy stuff, scenic drives, etc. For hikers - any suggestions on which park would be better for that time of year? Or are they both great?

We have a week. Would that be too much time for either of those parks? I know Big Bend is pretty isolated and not near other things. Should we combine Death Valley with something else? We are not Vegas people so that is out. Mainly interested in Nature.

Thanks!
sue

Sorry - that's 2008

You've picked 2 parks that have a lot of similarities. Both feature desert terrain with some mountains, both are quite large, both have some good backcountry roads that get you to some great destination, etc.

One big difference is the mountains (Panamint range) in Death Valley are much higher and covered in snow in winter, so you won't have access to them. The Chisos in Big Bend rarely get snow and it doesn't stick around long. From a hiking standpoint, Big Bend at that time of year would give you a bit more variety because you have access to the Rio Grande River, the Chisos Mountains and the desert.

Death Valley gets a lot more visitors and is much closer to a big city, so that area would give you more options for touristy stuff to do. However, with only a week, the Big Bend area would have enough to occupy your time (and the touristy stuff is probably more authentic and less touristy).

I prefer Big Bend myself. However, if you're not sure if you'll like the desert terrain, the Death Valley trip would give you more options if you decide you hate it and want to go somewhere else.