USA · NATIONAL PARKS
Sixty-three of them, several bigger than small countries, and most rewarding to reach without your own car. These 15 cover Yosemite, Zion, the Rockies, the Everglades and the rest, priced and clear about how much is driving.
At Gator Park, you’ll take a 35 to 40 minute narrated airboat ride through Everglades National Park, then watch a 30 minute alligator and wildlife show. Guides such as Cody, Jay, Anthony, John, and Tom are known for mixing facts with humor. Park entry and transportation cost extra.
“Really nice for everyone who has never seen an alligator. Great guide also”
Leave San Francisco before sunrise for Yosemite with a group of no more than 15 people. Walk beneath giant sequoias, photograph Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan, then enjoy free time in Yosemite Valley. Guides such as Derek, Trevor, Kurt, and Steven are praised for strong commentary, helpful photos, and smooth pacing.
“A long day but well worth the time. Derek was punctual, knowledgeable and very professional. He took us to all of the highlights of Yosemite with a lot of interesting background information. A lot of fun.”
Leave San Francisco before dawn for a full-day Yosemite trip with hotel pickup, a local English-speaking guide, Yosemite Valley free time, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and a Tuolumne Grove hike when conditions allow. Guides such as Glenda, Gino, Rob, and Andy are known for lively park and California history commentary.
“Andy Howse was an amazing tour guide. Full of knowledge on Yosemite and the California history. Definitely got your monies worth on this full day tour”
Travel from Denver or Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park in an upscale 14-passenger vehicle with a local guide. Stop at Lyons, Lily Lake, Estes Park, and several park viewpoints, with chances to see elk, moose, deer, eagles, and other wildlife. Expect light walking, changing weather, and about eight hours on the road.
“Good way to see the park when you are short on time. Knowledgeable guide and comfortable van. We were on a very strict timeline which didn't leave a lot of room for exploring.”
Travel from Seattle to Mt. Rainier National Park with guides such as Lucas, Cory, Joel, or James. Expect a 10 to 12-hour day with hotel pickup, scenic stops, short walks, waterfalls, Longmire, and time at Paradise when roads allow. Winter trips may include snowshoes, while summer routes can include Reflection Lakes, Sunrise, or Tipsoo Lake.
“It is something that you have to do. It’s a beautiful place. I love the view love the mountains, and the guide was perfect.”
Spend a very long day traveling from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim with a separate driver and guide. You will cross Boulder City, Kingman, and Seligman, then get about three hours near Mather Point, Hopi House, and Bright Angel Lodge. Guides such as Jim, Robert, Russ, and Curty are praised for clear Southwest history.
“First, the Grand Canyon never disappoints, but beyond the canyon, Robert, our tour guide, made the whole trip enjoyable! We were provided with several very good choices when preordering our breakfast and lunch the day prior to the trip (yummy). Robert provided narrative along the way of many interesting facts…but he did not talk the whole way either…excellent balance! I recommend the walking tour with Robert for an extra $25. Lots of fun stops along the way there. Fewer stops on the way back…remember to use the bathroom facilities before you board the bus to return to Vegas. Very fun trip! Highly recommend this tour company!”
From Anchorage, follow Turnagain Arm to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Chugach viewpoints, Beluga Point, and seasonal glacier trails. Guides such as Holly, Hunter, Patrick, and Aaron add local history and phone photography tips. In summer, you can upgrade to the Ptarmigan Glacier Cruise for a closer look at Portage Glacier.
“An amazing time spent with family while in Anchorage. We loved our travel guide Patrick. While admiring nature and the animals around Anchorage we learned so much. Learning about the history was fascinating, as this was our first time in Alaska. We are cherishing this trip and the fantastic memories. Thank you Patrick for making it so memorable.”
Leave Treasure Island at 5:15 am for Zion and Bryce Canyon. See the Virgin River Gorge, Zion Visitor Center, Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, Checkerboard Mesa, and Bryce viewpoints. The tour includes lunch, water, WiFi, park admission for eligible US residents, and guides such as Paulie, Joel, Ita, and Aloe.
“An amazing experience highly recommend it our guide, driver, historian, photographer was awesome this was a girls trip and we had an incredible experience”
From Hilo Pier, ride in a 12 to 14 passenger van or larger minibus to Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea viewpoints, a lava tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and a macadamia nut stop. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, Maggie, Geo, and Hannibal are known for lively island stories. Park access and port transport are included.
“The guide was informative and the transportation was adequate. Loved the sites especially the lava tube. Definitely recommend it.”
Spend two hours touring Gettysburg’s battlefield from an air-conditioned coach with a licensed guide. Hear the three-day battle explained in order, see Devil’s Den, Little Round Top, Pickett’s Charge, and other key sites, and step off the bus at selected stops. Guides such as John, Christina, and Paul are praised for clear, lively storytelling.
“Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the area and was fun to listen to. He educated us on things we didn't know about the battle of Gettysburg.”
Spend about 14 hours traveling from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim in an air-conditioned coach. You’ll get canyon commentary, a boxed lunch or meal voucher, and time at Mather Point, Bright Angel Point, and Grandview Point. Optional upgrades add a 34-minute IMAX film, a two-hour Hummer tour, or a 25-minute helicopter flight.
“We were in great hands with our guide/driver Rod. It was a great experience seeing the beautiful Grand Canyon!”
Ride with NAVTEC Expeditions from Moab into Arches National Park’s backcountry, where guides such as Marcia, Ron, Ben, and Courtney may lead you to Tower Arch, Eye of the Whale, Marching Men, and dinosaur tracks. Expect a bumpy 4WD ride, short optional hikes, water and lemonade, and a maximum group size of 16.
“Very unique experience! Was able to see all the major arches plus additional arches that were only visible by 4x4. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this tour!”
Spend about 13 hours traveling from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim viewpoints including Mather Point, Bright Angel, Hopi House, and Bright Angel Trail. Round-trip transport, lunch, water, WiFi, and park entry are included for most guests. Guides such as Brandon, Eric, Olivia, and Joel may add helpful commentary, though the optional walking tour costs extra.
“This is a fantastic tour! Eric was our guide. He was super knowledgeable, funny, and made it a great trip! Carlos was a great driver! I wouldn’t hesitate to book this tour. For an extra $20, Eric will take you on a 2 hour guided tour, or you can go it alone. The tour is well worth the $20. I highly recommmend it. Don’t forget to tip the guide and driver at the end. It’s a long day but well worth it!”
Ride from downtown Bar Harbor into Acadia National Park with an English-speaking guide such as Rick, Ronny, or Ken. You will stop at Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Sieur de Monts Spring, with about 45 to 60 minutes off the bus. The small group, capped at 25, makes this a handy first look at Acadia.
“The bus arrived on time. Our driver was very friendly and informative. We do wish there were longer stops along the way, but we enjoyed the stops we got to make.”
Travel from San Francisco to Yosemite with an English-speaking park guide, photo stops at Tunnel View, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Valley View, two hours in Yosemite Valley, and a 1.6-mile Giant Sequoia hike when conditions allow. Guides such as Sharon, Andy, Glenda, and Brian are known for safe driving, good stories, and careful timekeeping.
“it was great day, and all what we saw was more then amazing! Sharon was great guide!!!”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a stretch of water.
