USA · NATIONAL PARK TOURS
Some parks want a hire car and some are far better with a guide and a permit. These 15 cover the ones worth handing over to somebody else, with prices, drive times and what the entry fee already covers.
At Gator Park, 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, John, Tom, and Anthony are known for mixing facts with humor. Plan on about two hours, plus park entry.
“Was nice, very interesting! Almost short 😉 👍 Thanks! See you In winter again”
Travel from Denver or Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park in a 14-passenger upscale vehicle with guides such as Jason, Aaron, Jerry, Jed, and Brennon. Expect Lily Lake, Estes Park, Stanley Hotel views, wildlife stops, alpine scenery, and light walking rather than a strenuous hike.
“Great experience of seeing the Rocky’s without having to drive! Jed our guide was informative and made the entire experience great! We saw Elk, two Eagles and the mountains were incredible!!!”
Spend 10 to 12 hours exploring Mt. Rainier National Park from Seattle with a guide such as Lucas, Cory, Joel, or James. Expect hotel pickup, scenic stops, short walks, waterfalls, old-growth forest, and time at Paradise. Weather may change the route, and winter can add snowshoeing.
“We had a lovely day with Cory who looked after us so well and even though the weather wasn't on our side it rained all day. We manged two walks in the National Park, enjoyed time in the lodge and then on the way home hot chocolate/ice cream in a very unique American store. If you can do this tour you will not be disappointed. Thank you Cory Alan and Julia 44 years .....”
Leave Las Vegas before dawn for the South Rim with a separate driver and guide, onboard restroom, water, and air-conditioning. Along the way, you pass Boulder City, Kingman, and Seligman on Route 66. At the canyon, you have about three hours for Mather Point, Hopi House, Bright Angel Lodge, and the Rim Trail.
“Our guide was extremely knowledgeable gave lots of info. We like the stop to Route 66 and documentaries he showed.”
Leave Treasure Island at 5:15 am for a full day in Utah. Visit Zion’s Visitor Center and Checkerboard Mesa, then spend about 90 minutes at Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos. Guides such as Paulie, Joel, Ita, and Aloe lead the trip, with lunch, water, WiFi, and park admission included for eligible U.S. residents.
“Long day but well worth it. The trip was an incredible experience. Eric the tour guide was very knowledgeable and the driver (from Brazil, forgot his name) was sweet and a great driver. He made great time and drove carefully around the canyon windy roads without me getting car sick. Highly recommend if you are in Vegas and need an escape from the Vegas lights and get in touch with nature.”
From Hilo Pier, visit Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea’s crater, steam vents, sulfur banks, Nahuku Lava Tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and a macadamia farm. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, Maggie, and Hannibal add local stories and volcano lore. Lunch is purchased separately.
“We booked this excursion because it was coordinated with our Norwegian Pride of America's schedule. Viator sent us detailed information about where and how to meet our driver, from C Big Island Tours, in advance, which was very helpful. On this excursion, we first drove to Richardson Park, a beautiful black sand beach park. From there, we went to see the beautiful Rainbow Falls (but no rainbow!). Next we stopped at the Mauna Loa macadamia nut farm, where we were able to shop and eat lunch (for purchase). (The sandwiches are "so-so".) Macadamia nut merchandise was priced below what we saw in other retail outlets on the islands, so buy…”
Spend about two hours touring Gettysburg Battlefield from a comfortable coach with a driver-guide. See Devil’s Den, Little Round Top, Pickett’s Charge, and other major sites while guides such as John, Christina, Paul, and Christine explain the battle in English. The tour begins and ends at 778 Baltimore Street.
“The tour was very educational. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and the entire staff was friendly.”
Ride from Las Vegas to the South Rim in a climate-controlled coach, with guide commentary, hotel pickup, bottled water, and about 3.5 hours at the canyon. Add an IMAX film, a two-hour Hummer tour, or a 25-minute helicopter flight. Guides such as Mike, Prince, Taka, and Rod may lead the day.
“Tour was cancelled the day before. I received a text cancelling the tour. When i called the tour bus company they tried to offer me a different tour. Since I opted not to take a different one I have to wait for a refund of my payment which would take at least 7 business days. I am still waiting to get a confirmation regarding my refund”
Ride with NAVTEC Expeditions from Moab into Arches National Park’s backcountry. Your local guide, such as Marcia, Ron, Ben, or Courtney, handles the rough 4x4 roads while you visit Tower Arch, Eye of the Whale, Marching Men, and fossilized dinosaur tracks.
“Good knowledge of area and history. Very enjoyable time. Kept us away from crowds, tour buses. Would recommend”
Travel from Las Vegas to the South Rim with round-trip bus service, lunch, bottled water, WiFi, and about three hours in the park. You’ll see Mather Point, Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, and Bright Angel Trail. Guides such as Brandon, Eric, and Olivia add commentary, while an optional guided walk may cost 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 central 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 and no driving to worry about.
“Great tour and great tour guide. Ken was quite entertaining! I would highly recommend this tour. All six of us enjoyed this very much.”
Leave San Francisco before sunrise for Yosemite with an English-speaking guide such as Sharon, Andy, or Glenda. See Tunnel View, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Yosemite Valley, then hike 1.6 miles among Giant Sequoias when conditions allow. Audio guides come in eight languages.
“it was great day, and all what we saw was more then amazing! Sharon was great guide!!!”
Set out from Seward for a six-hour, 100-mile cruise through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Your captain and naturalist explain the glaciers, geology, and wildlife while you watch for calving ice, whales, puffins, otters, and sea lions. Lunch, binoculars, and heated seating are included.
“Guide was extremely knowledgeable and explained in detail about wildlife seen, local geography and glaciers”
Leave Moab with a professional NAVTEC guide for a four-hour 4WD trip through Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district. Expect Shafer Trail switchbacks, Musselman Arch, Gooseneck Overlook, Pueblo rock art, Colorado River views, and a rough, sometimes thrilling ride.
“Great tour but be prepared for rough roads. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating.”
Join Evergreen Escapes for a 12-hour Olympic National Park day trip from Seattle, limited to 10 people. Guides such as Marty, Evan, Alex, and Matthew lead easy to moderate walks through forests, waterfalls, lakes, beaches, and mountain country. Lunch, snacks, ferry travel, park fees, and winter snowshoes are included.
“Every tour i had at National Parks/Historical Landmarks /Nature has always been thru small group guided tour for years and I can honestly say this is one of the most comfortable and memorable getting closer to beautiful nature. It was made better by the tour guide Evan , who maintained his professionalism and accommodating friendly attitude without being annoying. Evan made sure everyone is treated equally and fairly without being disrespectful or intrusive. He made sure we take our time and enjoy the opportunities we have yet have all the bases covered. His knowledge was very helpful and you can tell he respects every one of us and avoids anything…”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a coastline.
