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US National Park Tours

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Discover US National Parks

Protecting over 85 million acres of land and sea across the United States, the national parks have been called America's best idea. First introduced by President Ulysses S. Grant with Yellowstone in 1872 and popularized by Theodore Roosevelt, the conservationist president, The US's national parks protect the country's natural treasures and cultural heritage for today and tomorrow.

From iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon to little-known corners of the country, our small-group national parks tours allow you to truly immerse yourself in the national wonders of your own backyard. With tour packages designed for everyone from families to solo travelers, our guided tours average just a dozen travelers, which means we’re able to lead small group tours to remote destinations like the wilds of Alaska, as well as legendary cities.

Join us: The American great outdoors is waiting for you.

Our most popular US National Park tours

Discounted
14 Days From US$4750 without flights
USA Discovery Trip code AKH
Discounted
14 Days From US$5720 without flights

 
 

Top US National Parks

Discover the landscapes, history, culture and grandeur of the USA's national parks on our signature small-group national parks tours. By limiting the number of people on each trip, we are able to offer a more personalized, authentic and immersive experience, reduce the environmental impact on the national parks and be a more sustainable tour operator.

Arches National Park

Bordered by the Colorado River, Arches National Park, located on the eastern edge of Utah, is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, the biggest concentration anywhere on Earth. These stately yet delicate arches of multi-colored sandstone were formed by water erosion to become the structures we see today. The park’s nearest town is the outdoor recreation hub of Moab, with Salt Lake City three and a half hours north. Arches National Park is also a member of Utah's Big Five, a collection of five of the best national parks in the American Southwest including Zion National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. On our guided hikes and tours of Arches, you'll visit many of the great sights, including Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. We also make sure you'll see Utah's other natural treasures, like the towering sandstone buttes of Monument Valley.

Bryce Canyon National Park

When entering Bryce Canyon, you may ask yourself: am I in a national park or on Mars? This is because Bryce Canyon National Park is a red, glowing alien landscape of conical, sky-piercing hoodoos, or stone spires. Within the vast space and crimson canyon walls of the Bryce Amphitheater, a giant depression in the earth with multiple scenic overlooks, there is the biggest density of hoodoos in the world. On our tour of Bryce National Park, we'll visit these dramatic sandstone structures when they're at their most beautiful, bathed in the dazzling light in the morning, as well as descending to the canyon floor to hike amongst them. Bryce Canyon National Park's location on Utah's southern border puts it close to other protected places like Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonland National Park and Monument Valley.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park truly lives up to its name with its immense, pockmarked expanses of tiered canyons, giant mesas and red rock. Created by the Colorado River, the flow of water over millions of years has created canyons both big and small, from massive mesas like the Island in the Sky to slender slot canyons. Our tours of Canyonlands National Park include hikes and visits to the best scenic viewpoints in the park, like the Grand View Point with its panoramic vista and the Mesa Arch, a giant curving arch that frames the landscape beyond for the perfect photo op.

 

Capitol Reef National Park

Venture into a literal fold in the earth among the canyons, cliffs, domes and rock formations of Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah. The top attraction of this under-appreciated national park in Utah's Big Five is the Waterpocket Fold, a giant geological wrinkle that's over a hundred miles long. With valleys full of lush forests fed by creeks, creamy white and red cliffs and stately monoliths, the scenery you'll encounter on our drives and hikes through Capitol Reef embodies some of the classic images and ideals of the American West.

Grand Canyon National Park

Few national parks are more all-American than Grand Canyon National Park in the American Southwest. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon was carved out of the desert by the mighty Colorado River over the course of millions of years. Plunging 6,000 feet down and stretching 18 miles at its widest point, the Grand Canyon is famous for its layered walls of multi-colored rocks in hues of red, orange and yellow. At the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River still flows and is used for thrilling river rafting between the ancient canyon walls. The South Rim offers the most iconic views over the Grand Canyon and is the access point for most hikes and trails. The Grand Canyon is only about two and a half hours from Las Vegas, allowing you to bundle the great outdoors and the bright lights of Sin City into one trip. Explore the Grand Canyon on our Western USA National Parks Explorer tour.

Denali National Park

Encompassing six million acres of rugged Alaskan wilderness, Denali National Park is one of the crown jewels of the USA's national parks. This beautiful national park, which is home to glaciers, mountains, forests and tundras, gets its name from the Athabascan word for "the high one" in reference to the mighty Mount Denali. At 20,310 feet high, it's North America's highest peak. While this snowy, icy giant is the park's signature feature, the tundras and forests are home to a wealth of local wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. Between 300-350 grizzly bears live here, and with the aid of an expert tour director, the odds of sighting one are good. Discover adventure in Alaska with wildlife viewing tours, sightseeing drives and thrilling add-on experiences like scenic flights over Denali.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is home to the jagged peaks of the Teton Range, a subsection of the Rocky Mountains. With pristine lakes, deep forests and awe-inspiring mountains, the Grand Tetons are notable for their hiking, boating, local wildlife and skiing in nearby towns like Jackson Hole. Guided by your tour director on a Discovery tour, you'll enjoy the best trails and spots in Grand Teton like Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls. On our Snake River float excursion, you'll enjoy a leisurely sun-soaked float down the Snake River to try and spot wildlife like grizzly bears and bald eagles.

Kenai Fjords National Park

From tree-topped sea stacks to creeping glaciers, you and your fellow travelers will be treated to scenic vista after scenic vista in Kenai Fjords National Park. Located on the Kenai Peninsula two hours south of Anchorage, this giant coastal park is best explored by boat or kayak to truly appreciate its remarkable sights. Surrounded by sheer mountains crowned with glaciers and icefields, this is one of the best places to experience Alaska's glaciers. Extending outward from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords has over 30 glaciers to behold. While sea-kayaking or enjoying a cruise on one of our Alaska tours, you can also spot local marine life like orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, seals and much more.

Mesa Verde National Park

While Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado has wonderful desert scenery like tree-filled canyons, visitors come here primarily to immerse themselves in the deep history and culture of this region. This is because Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the best-preserved examples of Ancestral Puebloan architecture. Tucked away beneath cliffs, the awe-inspiring cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde offer a peek back in time to see how early native cultures lived thousands of years ago. With its multi-story houses and kivas, the Cliff Palace is a true human marvel that you have to see to believe. Get up close and personal with this astonishing place on a guided tour of the cliff dwellings, as well as learning more about Puebloan culture at the Mesa Verde visitor center.

 

Wrangell-St Elias National Park

Have you ever wondered which of the national parks is the largest in the USA? That honor belongs to the colossal and remote Wrangell-St Elias National Park in Alaska. Home to North America's biggest density of glaciers, endless peaks, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, forests and tundras, this national park covers a whopping 13 million acres. While it could take a lifetime to truly appreciate this place, we give you a pretty good start with hikes, scenic flights, professionally-led ice climbs and other excursions on our national park tours of Alaska.

Yellowstone National Park

Spanning over two million acres in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, Yellowstone National Park holds the honor for being the very first national park, not only in the USA but in the entire world. Forged by natural forces, Yellowstone National Park is an ancient place where the power of nature is on full display, from a smoldering supervolcano to rocks that are up to 3.6 billion years old. These forces have created an incredible diversity of landscapes, from massive rivers like the Snake River to gaping canyons, pristine forests and the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. But Yellowstone’s main attractions are its geothermal marvels like Technicolor thermal pools, hot springs and geysers, the most famous of which is called Old Faithful. Yellowstone also offers unbeatable wildlife viewing opportunities with the chance to spot grizzly bears, brown bears, bison and wolves. With your tour director, you'll experience Yellowstone's vast beauty and primal power on walks, hikes, and drives.

Yosemite National Park

California's Yosemite National Park is one of the best known of America's national parks thanks to its instantly-recognizable granite domes like Half Dome and El Capitan. While it's a worldwide destination for rock climbers, Yosemite's sculpted mountains, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, rivers and giant redwoods enchant everyone who makes the journey here. Discover her treasures on scenic drives, hikes and other outdoor activities and see why all who visit fall under the spell of Yosemite National Park.

Zion National Park

Arguably the best known of Utah's Big Five, Zion National Park features some of the most spectacular desert scapes to be found in a national park. It blows you away with its sky-scraping red sandstone cliffs, lush forests, valley floors and winding slot canyons. Our national park tours traverse the heart-pounding heights of the Angel's Landing hike, which ascends upwards to a spectacular viewpoint, take you to the colorful Emerald Pools and show you the local wildlife.

 

National Park Tours FAQs

Do you have any questions about our national park tours? Check out our frequently asked questions below to learn more about our itineraries.

Do national parks have guided tours?


One of the best parts of the USA’s national parks is that they are open and accessible to everyone. So, a guide is not necessary to enter and enjoy the parks on your own. However, going on a guided tour with an expert local guide offers a more immersive, educational experience. Your guide or tour director can provide insight into the park’s history, geography, culture, flora and fauna and ecology. Guides may also have access to special sections of the park that are not open to the general public and can introduce you to lesser-known trails, hidden gems or areas away from the crowds. At every point during your national parks visit, our knowledgeable tour director and guides will be on-hand to ensure a safe, fun and transformative experience for all.

Which national parks should I visit first?


The beauty of America's national parks system is that each highlights the natural wonders and beautiful scenery of its own state and region. But if you are seeking to visit some of the best national parks that provide a quintessential American experience, there are some that rise above the rest like Grand Canyon National Park. Who can think of famous landmarks from the United States without thinking of this internationally-renowned natural wonder?

The national parks of the American West in particular are home to some of the most incredible sights in the country. The first U.S. national parks were also established in the Old West, starting with Yellowstone National Park in 1872. So, by visiting western national parks like the Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park or Glacier National Park, you’ll also be visiting the origins of this great American legacy.

What is the nicest national park?


It’s impossible to say what are the best national parks or the nicest. Every national park is unique, beautiful and special in its own way. From amazing scenery and cultural heritage to historic lodges and modern visitor centers, every park is ready to welcome and wow visitors.

How many days should I spend at a national park?


The answer to this question varies depending on factors like which park you’re visiting or what kind of activities are most popular there. On our national parks tours, we try to spend two to three days in each park. This gives us enough time to take you on our guided tours to the park's highlights and must-visit sites while usually allowing for some free time to explore on your own.

What do I need to bring/pack for my national parks tour?


What to bring will vary depending on the park, season and activity, but in general, we recommend sturdy walking or hiking boots, clothing for layering, a waterproof jacket and travel essentials like a valid passport if you're coming from abroad. We'll provide you with packing list recommendations prior to your trip. There's also a section with packing tips to help you be prepared and pack the right gear before your departure date on each tour page.

What is included in my national parks tour?


What is included on your national parks trip varies depending on the tour in question. Visit each tour page for more in-depth information or ask one of our travel agents for help.

On some itineraries, there will also be time for optional excursions and add-ons at an additional cost. But we'll ensure that you have all the details well before your departure date so that you're fully prepared to have a memorable trip and enjoyable tour experience.

What is the cost of the national parks tours?


The price of our national parks tours varies depending on the tour and what is included. But we offer a variety of trip options to fit everyone's budget, ranging from $1,950 to $4,700 (flights not included). Some prices are based on double occupancy, while others are per person. Some trips have included meals, while others only cover some included meals. 

If you decide to dine at a local restaurant that is not included in the itinerary, you'll be responsible for that cost. Optional excursions like the chance to take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon will also have additional costs.

What time zone are the national parks in?


Our national parks tours are in several different time zones. Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde and the national parks of Utah are all in Mountain Standard Time. Yosemite National Park is in the Pacific time zone. Alaska's national parks - Wrangell-St Elias, Denali and Kenai Fjords - are in Alaska Standard Time. All the above time zones observe daylight saving time.

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Small groups & private trips

Group tours average just 12 people & various private trip options are available too.

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