U.S. National Parks 50 plus Tours & Trip Packages

U.S. National Parks 50 plus Tours & Trips

102 U.S. National Parks trips. Tours from 59 tour companies. 24 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

43 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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50 plus
Exploring America's National Parks
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Extreme
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

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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America's Greatest Treasures with Rapid City Start
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colorado, Denver, Jackson, Utah, Yellowstone National Park

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Golden West Adventure
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arizona, California, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Yosemite National Park

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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America's Greatest Treasures with Denver Start
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colorado, Denver, Jackson, Utah, Yellowstone National Park

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
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3/5 Average
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park

Highlights

  • From vast canyons to alpine lakes, explore Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons with a naturalist on the lookout for grizzlies, bison, bighorn sheep, and elusive gray wolves.
  • Discover Yellowstone’s thermal landscape of bubbling mud pots, brilliantly colored hot springs, and erupting geysers—including legendary Old Faithful.
  • Hike among glacial valleys below towering peaks, and learn about the geology and history of Grand Teton National Park.
  • Float on the Snake River beneath the jagged peaks of the Teton Range.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Railroading the Rockies
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3/5 Average
2 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Gunnison National Park

Highlights

  • Garden of the Gods: Observe the breathtaking views of 300-foot-high sandstone rock formations against the backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak. Enjoy a trail walk and the newly renovated nature center and museum.
  • Georgetown Loop: Depart from Denver on a spectacular stretch of three-foot narrow gauge railroad that brings you deep into scenic Clear Creek Valley.
  • Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway: Ride this train for an unforgettable journey through the mountains to historic Durango.
  • Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad: Visit the village of Chama, New Mexico, and ride this historic train, which served the silver mines of the San Juans.
  • Royal Gorge Route Railway: Follow the winding, tumbling Arkansas River and view the granite cliffs of Colorado’s Royal Gorge.
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I were on the Smithsonian Journeys Splendors of Australia and New Zealand between April 13 and May 2, 2018. Smithsonian is rated by this site as Luxury travel. However, Smithsonian "farms out" the logistics for their trip to Odysseys Unlimited. Odysseys booked within country air travel with the lowest cost air carriers. Flights were cancelled from Ayers Rock to Sydney and from Queenstown New Zealand to Rotorua. Another flight was significantly delayed so that we did not arrive at our Christchurch destination until 2:00 am, making for a really tired next day. Odysseys Unlimited compensated us $400 per person for missing a day in Sydney and paid for an excursion in Auckland for missing Rotorua. This was wholly inadequate, given that these were highlights of the trip. In addition, our tour guide was rude to several people on the trip. If Smithsonian Journeys is truly a luxury travel outfit, as we had believed, then they would not be farming out travel logistics to such a chinch company as Odysseys Unlimited. We will think twice about traveling with Smithsonian again, and so should others."

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Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
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4.9/5 Excellent
12 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park

Highlights

  • Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is too impressive to describe, and includes a 308 foot waterfall.
  • Explore the Old Faithful area
  • Discover Grand Teton National Park
  • Experience unforgettable river trip on the Snake River

Themes

50 plus, Accessible & Limited Mobility, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Why Trek to Everest Base Camp in 2022 Don't you think it's time to put on your shoes and pack up the bags to trek the Everest base camp, which is the land of real-life time adventure? Well, tourism is back with the greater smack of bounce back in 2022! Bye-bye to the dull old days of covid! Trekking to Everest base camp in 2022 can be the best option to re-explore the world, abandoning the virtual world's life within a corner of a room towards the nature's open field encircled with the majestic Himalayas, sherpa people, boundless flora, and fauna with the challenging and enticing routes. Travel is more complicating as of now than before. Borders seem to reopen after a long time. A once-simple visa on entry to the airport is replaced with piles of paperwork (Covid reports). And the whole world is even not sure when a new variant will make headlines. So start your journey as early as possible! Everything we will serve the same as before. Still, there are some essential things you must consider before trekking to Everest base camp in 2022, is don't forget to follow the traveling guidelines and new laws imposed by the Nepal government."

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Parks & Canyons Spectacular
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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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43 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
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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

  • Since America’s National Parks are so spread out, it’s best to focus on tours that take in a few parks in one region or perhaps one park in conjunction with a broader regional tour.
  • Consider spending an entire week touring one major park, such as Yosemite or Yellowstone.
  • A two-week tour might include the Grand Canyon along with Utah’s Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks, as well as Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
  • Yosemite can easily be combined in a week’s tour with Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in north-central California, along with perhaps Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Monterey.
  • Look for tours that spend nights in some of the national parks’ classic lodges, such as Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn or Yosemite’s Ahwahnee.
  • Camping in many National Parks is also very popular for budget tourists.
  • Land tours to Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, are a frequent extension following Alaska small ship cruises.
  • Since U.S. national parks can get very crowded during high season, consider an off-season visit – Yellowstone in winter or Death Valley in summer aren’t for everyone, but spring or fall can be beautiful.

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!

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