U.S. National Parks Small Group Tours & Trip Packages

U.S. National Parks Small Group Tours & Trips

26 U.S. National Parks trips. Tours from 14 tour companies. 24 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

11 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Small Group Tour
Best of Alaska
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Valdez

Highlights

  • Head out on an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.
  • Take a boat cruise on Resurrection Bay to Kenai Fjords and look out for orca whales, porpoises and puffins before enjoying some free time to hike or relax.
  • Discover Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, then take a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Homer, then from Seward to Denali National Park, while someone else does the driving.
  • On the way to charming Talkeetna, take a breath in Girdwood, where you’ll hop on the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska and see some incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below.
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Wild Western USA
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colorado, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Road trip along historic Route 66, also known as the 'Mother Road', stopping in quirky Seligman for a dose of old-fashioned Americana.
  • Hike through beautiful Joshua Tree National Park among desert cactus gardens and unusual rock formations.
  • The Grand Canyon National Park takes time to really discover – you'll spend two nights in the park, unlike on most trips, so there's a full day to explore properly and see the mighty canyon up close.
  • Lose yourself among the bright desert lights of Las Vegas and the Strip, and remember, what happens in Vegas...
  • Spending three nights in Yosemite National Park means two full days of exploration. With so many options on what to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Las Vegas to San Fran:  Parks, Canyons, Valleys
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

California, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, London, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, York, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Start your west coast adventure on the glitzy Strip of Las Vegas – hit the town for a dose of bright lights and the chance to win big!
  • Explore the undulating sand dunes and striking landscapes of the Nevada desert before crossing into California and heading up into the Sierras.
  • Hike through sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and cascading waterfalls in Yosemite National Park – one of the best places for hiking, walking and wildlife spotting.
  • Enjoy a full day exploring California’s coastal parks, kick back on the gorgeous white sands of secrets coves and end with an evening of wine tastings at dinner at a local winery.
  • End your trip in eccentric San Francisco, exploring the sights of the bay on a sunset catamaran cruise and sailing around the infamous Alcatraz Island and beneath the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Wonderland: Yellowstone in Winter 2021
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Yellowstone National Park

Highlights

  • The world’s first national park inspires awe any time of the year
  • as Yellowstone winter tours would attest. But as you’ll discover visiting the national park during the winter – when bison
  • elk
  • wolves and bighorn sheep wander across snow-covered valleys
  • and Yellowstone's amazing geologic features are even more spectacular in the frigid air – is a whole other... and perhaps other-worldly... experience.Exploring by snowcoach
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
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Parks & Canyons Spectacular
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arizona, Bryce Canyon National Park, Idaho, Jackson, Lake Powell, Las Vegas, Montana, Utah, Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park

Highlights

  • Rapid city: Orientation tour
  • Black hills: Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial; scenic drive through Black Hills National Forest
  • Deadwood: Sightseeing with a Local Guide
  • Little bighorn battlefield: Sightseeing; visit the museum
  • Cody: Visit Buffalo Bill Center of the West
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

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The Classic Lodges & Parks of the West
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Jackson, Utah, Yellowstone National Park

Highlights

  • Rapid city: Orientation tour
  • Badlands national park: Scenic drive
  • Custer state park: Buffalo safari & chuckwagon cookout
  • Hot springs: Mammoth site
  • :
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Northern California's Finest
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

California, Kings Canyon National Park, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • San francisco: Sightseeing
  • Sonoma: Guided tour of wine caves & tasting
  • Lake tahoe: Scenic cruise
  • Yosemite national park: Yosemite Valley floor tour by tram
  • Sequoia & kings canyon national park: Sightseeing, stargazing program
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Exploring America's Great Parks
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arches National Park, Arizona, Bryce Canyon National Park, Colorado, Denver, Jackson, Las Vegas, Moab, Monument Valley, Utah, Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park

Highlights

  • Las vegas: Farewell dinner
  • Grand canyon national park : Stay inside the park, sightseeing
  • Monument valley: Navajo cookout; 4-wheel-drive tour
  • Moab: Visit Arches National Park
  • Grand junction: Lunch & wine tasting
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Best of Alaska
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Valdez

Highlights

  • Head out on an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.
  • Take a boat cruise on Resurrection Bay to Kenai Fjords and look out for orca whales, porpoises and puffins before enjoying some free time to hike or relax.
  • Discover Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, then take a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Homer, then from Seward to Denali National Park, while someone else does the driving.
  • On the way to charming Talkeetna, take a breath in Girdwood, where you’ll hop on the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska and see some incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below.
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Wild Western USA
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colorado, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Road trip along historic Route 66, also known as the 'Mother Road', stopping in quirky Seligman for a dose of old-fashioned Americana.
  • Hike through beautiful Joshua Tree National Park among desert cactus gardens and unusual rock formations.
  • The Grand Canyon National Park takes time to really discover – you'll spend two nights in the park, unlike on most trips, so there's a full day to explore properly and see the mighty canyon up close.
  • Lose yourself among the bright desert lights of Las Vegas and the Strip, and remember, what happens in Vegas...
  • Spending three nights in Yosemite National Park means two full days of exploration. With so many options on what to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Las Vegas to San Fran:  Parks, Canyons, Valleys
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

California, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, London, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, York, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Start your west coast adventure on the glitzy Strip of Las Vegas – hit the town for a dose of bright lights and the chance to win big!
  • Explore the undulating sand dunes and striking landscapes of the Nevada desert before crossing into California and heading up into the Sierras.
  • Hike through sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and cascading waterfalls in Yosemite National Park – one of the best places for hiking, walking and wildlife spotting.
  • Enjoy a full day exploring California’s coastal parks, kick back on the gorgeous white sands of secrets coves and end with an evening of wine tastings at dinner at a local winery.
  • End your trip in eccentric San Francisco, exploring the sights of the bay on a sunset catamaran cruise and sailing around the infamous Alcatraz Island and beneath the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
11 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Group Tour

U.S. National Parks Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
24  Reviews
See all U.S. National Parks tour reviews
Excellent
55
Great
6
Average
1
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
J

Julie

Sep 2019

Written on

This is an amazing trip.

This is an amazing trip. There is a lot of traveling but it is very much worth it, to get the opportunity to see the very best of Alaska. The scenery is spectacular,...

T

Tina

Sep 2018

Written on

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen so far. It was made all the better by our fellow travellers and our guide. Travelli...

G

Gail

Jul 2023

Written on

Outdoor Alaska

Seeing the wonderful scenery of Alaska, particularly the Wrangell and St Elias National Park.

T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2023

Written on

Outdoor Alaska

Really liked our guide Ken, He was full of knowledge, friendly and helpful. The highlight of our trip was either seeing three types of whales or walking a glacier. B...

Write a Review

U.S. National Parks Tour Selection Trips

  • Embark on your national park adventure fully prepared with these essential tips: Plan ahead and research the park's rules and regulations before your visit.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear for hiking.
  • Stay hydrated and pack plenty of water and snacks for your outdoor activities.
  • Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance when observing animals.
  • Leave no trace and pack out all trash to help preserve the park's natural beauty.
  • Always follow designated trails and stay on marked paths to avoid getting lost or damaging sensitive ecosystems.
  • Be prepared for changes in weather conditions and carry necessary gear like rain jackets and sunscreen.
  • Take breaks and rest when needed, especially during strenuous hikes or long outdoor excursions.
  • Bring a map or GPS device to navigate unfamiliar terrain and ensure a safe return to your starting point.
  • Remember to enjoy the experience and appreciate the stunning scenery and unique wildlife encounters.

Additional details

How Many National Parks Are There in the U.S.?

  • There are 60 National Parks in the United States.

What US state has the most National Parks? 

  • California, with 9 total, has the most national parks in the United States
  • Hawaii comes in at a close second with 8 national parks.

waterfall-in-yosemite-valley

Californias National Parks:

1) Yosemite National Park

2) Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

3) Joshua Tree National Park

4) Lassen Volcanic National Park

5) Channel Islands National Park

6) Point Reyes National Seashore

7) Pinnacles National Park

8) Death Valley National Park

9) Redwood National Park

havasu-falls-in-grand-canyon

Best Time to Travel

U.S. National Parks are top travel destinations and as you can imagine, particularly for young children and adults. This means that summer travel to national parks can be downright crowded. Summer is also a time of abundance in wildlife and of course, good weather. 

The Great Smoky Mountains saw over 12 million visitors in 2019. You can also expect especially heavy summer crowds in the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Zion, Yellowstone, and Yosemite among others.

So when is the best time to visit national parks?

If you’re looking for a quieter experience and an easier hit to the wallet, October through February are the best times to visit U.S. national parks. The exception is in parks where fall foliage is at its prime in September and October.   

There are other considerations you might keep in mind as you plan your national park visit. If you enjoy winter wonderlands consider traveling to these areas in December through March although some parks, like Glacier National Park, will have limited to no accessibility.

Glacier’s iconic Going to the Sun Road doesn’t open until mid-June, sometimes later depending on snow. In Hawaii where there are 8 national parks, snow is usually not a problem unless trying to get to the top of Mauna Kea on the Big Island but the low season falls during the spring and fall.

Expect more rain and fog on some islands. And speaking of rain, July is a stunning time to be in the Rocky Mountain high country when blooms are at their peak after the spring rains. You’ll also have a better chance of getting away from crowds with back country hiking.

man-hiking-in-death-valley

Physical Level Requirements. Will There be Hiking? 

National parks call out for discovery beyond park roads. There’s more to see of course if you’re willing and able to hike but this doesn’t necessarily mean that all trips are geared toward hiking.

For sure, they tend to be given the nature of the destination. There are  over 100 U.S. National Parks tours with a few dozen of them falling in the physically “very easy” and “easy” category. And even the strenuous ones don’t always mean strenuous hiking but rather, a packed itinerary. Read the trip descriptions to learn the details.

Packing Suggestions 

One of the benefits of booking a guided tour is that the company will provide a packing list which will depend on what type of travel you’ll be doing.

If camping, while much of the gear is provided, you’ll likely be asked to bring some items like water bottles, good hiking shoes and head lamps. If you’ll be headed to Death Valley, sun gear is critical and if you’ll be on a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, water gear will be an important part of your comfort and safety. In some locations, you’ll need insect repellent. Of course, don’t forget any medications and your camera!

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 26 trips to U.S. National Parks and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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