U.S. National Parks Volunteering & Community Service...

U.S. National Parks Volunteering & Community Service Tours & Trips

105 U.S. National Parks trips. Tours from 59 tour companies. 25 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Volunteering & Community Service
Yosemite Volunteer Vacation
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

California, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Give back to one of America's most popular wildernesses, Yosemite National Park
  • Work with rangers to maintain trails and protect fragile resources
  • Learn about trail building and restoration, park conservation, and tool skills
  • Spend six nights camping out in beautiful Yosemite Valley

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"The entire trip was well researched, conceived and executed. The schedule, order of activities, pace, and diversity yielded a quality mix of physical activity, Alaska education and "bucket list" days. The guides are passionate, fun educators with the patience and intuition to pamper anyone. If you want the quintessential Alaska orientation, this is your trip. All 3 REI trips (Peru, Galapagos) have exceeded expectations. One caveat for the avid (strong, fast) hiker, you will be governed by the group pace and safe bear practices - the group is anchored by the slowest hiker. Why did you choose this trip? The itinerary worked for my wife and me. What would your advice be to potential travelers? Be prepared for rain, but it simply adds seasoning to the experience. Go in shape to hike everyday. Invest in quality engagements with your traveling companions. Stretch yourself - that is what quality travel should do. What was the highlight of your trip? Tough to pick one - the Harding Icefield, Talkeetna and the Denali Overlook Inn, the K2 flight around Denali, the Seward boat trip and Aliak Glacier, the Denali bus trip, the laughs with the group. # About Me Avid Adventurer ✔ Yes, I recommend this trip."

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Best of Alaska
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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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Best of Utah & Arizona National Parks
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Monument Valley, Zion National Park

Highlights

  • Spend a whole day hiking in zion national park
  • Explore the hoodoos of bryce canyon national park
  • Take in the view of the colorado river from above at horseshoe bend
  • Wander through antelope canyon
  • Enjoy a navajo guided jeep tour of monument valley
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Hiking Washington's Olympic National Park and Mt Rainier
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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
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Washington

Highlights

  • Spend each night at historic lodges filled with charm and history, where a comfortable bed awaits, as well as opportunities for shorter hikes just outside the back door.
  • Explore the shimmering alpine lakes, fields of wildflowers, and tumbling waterfalls of North America’s most famous volcano, Mount Rainier.
  • Walk through coastal forests to Shi Shi Beach where pounding waves, rugged cliffs, tidal pools, and towering sea stacks create a memorable nature experience.
  • Join your guide at the famous Makah Museum and learn more about the cultural history of the local Makah people.
  • Hike up the wild Hoh River and explore everything this rainforest has to offer while you watch for sightings of the local wildlife like elk, deer, bald eagles, and more.

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

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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Outdoor Alaska
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

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

Highlights

  • Exploration of Alaska's dramatic wilderness
  • Sea kayak to giant glaciers and explore alpine tundra
  • Wildlife spotting; from grizzly bears to whales

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"This tour was virtually perfect, due largely to the curating skill, personality, regional knowledge & appreciation, dining choices, guiding & FUN capability of our marvelous guide Rocio! And of course, the eye-popping scenery of the western Algarve, Portugal!"

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U.S. National Parks - The Rockies to San Francisco
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5/5 Excellent
47 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They discover the best local partners, providing trips that are both efficient and authentic.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Denver, Las Vegas, Moab, San Francisco

Themes

Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"Everything was pretty much perfect."

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Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Kings Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Stand in awe of giant trees in sequoia national park
  • Hike past granite cliffs and cascading rivers in kings canyon national park
  • Watch climbers ascend the sheer rockface of el capitan in yosemite national park
  • Hike up challenging switchbacks for stunning views

Themes

High Adventure, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Wild Western USA
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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.
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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
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Las Vegas to San Fran:  Parks, Canyons, Valleys
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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.
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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

Health Safety +

More
1 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Volunteering & Community Service

U.S. National Parks Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
25  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...

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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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