From Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon: the Best US National Park Adventures

Mandi Keighran

If you’re craving a physical challenge for your next trip, look no further than the National Parks of the US. These TRIPS by Culture Trip and other small-group adventures make wildlife watching and wilderness wanders a cinch.

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The United States has 63 National Parks and they are home to some of the most surprising and spectacular landscapes in the country, making a visit a must. From the iconic gushing geysers at Yellowstone to the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree and the sheer size of Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, their beauty is only matched by their diversity. If you’re planning a National Park visit, these adventures – bookable with Culture Trip and Intrepid – will lead you to the best of them.

Three hikers with walking poles explore a river canyon in Zion.

Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree National Parks – by Intrepid Travel

The great American road trip is an iconic adventure – and what better route to take than a trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles through some of the most famous National Parks in the US? If this sounds like the kind of National Park trip you want to sign up for, book a spot on Intrepid’s ten-day group tour, which has a maximum size of just 12 people. The group trip starts at the National Parks close to Las Vegas, including the red cliffs of Zion and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. It also includes a tour of the Grand Canyon, a jeep ride through Monument Valley and a drive down Route 66 to Joshua Tree National Park.

From US$

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Las Vegas, Nevada

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ENDS AT

Los Angeles, California

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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Aerial view of the bright-blue Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks – by Intrepid Travel

With 98,000sqmi (253,820sqkm) of wide open space, sparsely populated by working and guest ranches, it’s no surprise that Wyoming is known as “the Cowboy State.” Explore this storied history on a six-day tour with Intrepid, which takes in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks – it’s the best Yellowstone National Park tour you’ll find. You’ll get up close to the iconic Old Faithful geyser, and spot moose, bears and beavers in the Grand Teton mountains. The trip also includes a night at the frontier town of Jackson, Wyoming, where you’ll discover real-life rodeos and wild-west bars.

From US$

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Jackson, Mississippi

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ENDS AT

Jackson, Mississippi

DURATION

6

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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A hiker looks out over a nearby glacier in Alaska, with blue and grey crevasses.

Kenai Fjords National Park – by Intrepid Travel

Alaska is one of the wildest states in America, with an abundance of animals including bears, caribou, whales and puffins, plus glaciers, fjords, towering mountain ranges and more than three million lakes. The Kenai Peninsula juts out from the coast of Alaska, near Anchorage, and is one of the most remote and beautiful regions in the state. It’s also home to the spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park, where you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the Ice Age as you marvel at the nearly 40 glaciers that flow from the Harding Icefield. Explore this magical wonderland on Intrepid’s six-day Kenai Discovery tour, which begins in historic downtown Anchorage. With the guidance of a local leader, you’ll go searching for orcas and humpback whales, hike alongside glaciers and explore coastal towns.

From US$

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Anchorage, Alaska

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Anchorage, Alaska

DURATION

6

GROUP SIZE

10

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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A group of hikers wade through river water in the Narrows, Zion National Park.

Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks – by Intrepid Travel

With Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, plus iconic Monument Valley, Utah can lay claim to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country and two of the most impressive US National Parks. It’s also home to some of the most exhilarating National Park tours. Join a small group of like-minded travelers on Intrepid’s four-day Zion Ranch Stay tour to explore the real wild west. You’ll find yourself hiking through otherworldly landscapes, riding a 4×4 jeep through Monument Valley, and learning about Navajo traditions and culture as you enjoy a home-cooked family meal.

From US$

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Las Vegas, Nevada

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Las Vegas, Nevada

DURATION

4

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Keen to explore the world?

Our passionately curated premium small-group trips are an invitation to connect with like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.