Why guided tours are the smartest way to see U.S. national parks

With knowledgeable guides at your side, you’ll get more than just breathtaking views—you’ll hear the stories, history, and natural wonders behind them. “I can’t say enough good things about this tour!” said traveler Kelci after returning from our U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone tour. “It was, hands down, one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we set off, everything felt thoughtfully planned and taken care of. All I had to do was show up and soak in the beauty. Every single park was unforgettable in its own way: the vast, almost spiritual feeling of the Grand Canyon, the dreamlike rock formations of Bryce and Zion, the quiet magic of Mesa Verde, the drama of the Tetons, and, of course, the wonderland that is Yellowstone. Each day felt like discovering a new world. What made it even more special was our Tour Director and local guides. They were knowledgeable, passionate, and so good at sharing the stories and history behind each place. I walked away not just with photos and memories, but with a much deeper appreciation for the land and its people. If you’re thinking about doing this tour, go!”

Group travel often opens doors you might miss when going solo, like visiting lesser-known landmarks or hidden-gem lookout points. “The tour took us to places we would have never seen traveling on our own,” said traveler Michael, who joined our U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone tour. “[The] Loretto [Chapel] staircase, the Navajo Code Talkers [museum exhibit], Monument Valley, and others simply were not on my radar when planning a trip such as this. The scenery was great, and the tour guide’s comments along the way made the tour more personal, more educational, and more memorable. I would recommend this tour wholeheartedly. The connections to and from were all taken care of by the tour company—no snags anywhere along the trip. And we were able to meet some interesting people as well.”

With everything organized for you and a group of fellow traveling-loving companions by your side, it’s easier to relax and connect. From safety and support to spontaneous conversations over dinner, group tours can help ease your travel anxiety and create the kind of shared moments that turn strangers into friends.

Home to geothermal wonders and wild roaming bison, Yellowstone is massive and easy to get lost in, both literally and figuratively. Joining a guided tour of Yellowstone will take the stress out of navigating this expansive place. Your expert Tour Director will lead you to the otherworldly landscape of Mammoth Hot Springs and make sure you witness the powerful eruption of Old Faithful. They also know the best times to take in the view and the best places to spot wildlife, giving you a front-row seat to the untamed beauty of the world’s oldest national park. “Yellowstone was a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, animals, and ever-changing landscapes that I would imagine no other spot on the planet quite rivals,” said traveler Angela after taking our National Parks: Canadian Rockies, Glacier & Yellowstone tour. “The smoke billowing from a half dozen spots over the lush green landscape just as you enter the park in the early light… [there’s] nothing else like it in the world.”

Instead of spending your time searching for parking, focus your gaze on the views when you visit the Grand Canyon on a guided tour with us. With your expert Tour Director leading the way, you’ll learn how this awe-inspiring natural wonder was formed over millions of years and admire sweeping panoramas of the canyon’s iconic red and orange rock layers from the South Rim (the best spot to stop for a photo op, according to our tips for exploring the Grand Canyon). Want a different perspective on all the beauty? Opt into our Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride excursion and see the canyon from above, with the Colorado River winding through the rugged cliffs far below. “Walking along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was absolutely incredible,” said traveler Katie after taking our U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone tour. “The views of the orange-hued rock formations were unbeatable. Or so I thought, until the next day. The Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride was the most thrilling half hour of my tour. We could see the Colorado River running through the steep walls of the canyon.” It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience made even better when all the planning is taken care of so you can simply sit back and soak up the wonder.

Zion’s towering cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls are the kind of sights that beckon you in for a closer look, but navigating its vast expanse on your own can be overwhelming. Going guided makes it simple. When you join us on a guided tour of Zion, you’ll explore by open-air tram with an expert local guide who brings the park’s soaring monoliths, ancient geology, and centuries of natural history to life. Want to keep the adventure going? Take advantage of Zion’s free shuttle system and hike the scenic Riverside Walk to the Virgin River Narrows, one of our favorite spots in Zion National Park. Whether you’re gazing up at the soaring spire of Watchman Peak or admiring the area’s diverse flora and fauna, a guided tour helps you get the most out of every moment.

With its maze of rose-colored spires and towering hoodoos (the park’s thin, jagged rock formations), Bryce Canyon is unlike anywhere else on the planet. But its rugged terrain and remote setting can make it tough to tackle on your own. Joining a guided tour can simplify the journey, and once you arrive, you’ll have expert insight into how this alien landscape was formed. Plus, you’ll gain easy access to the park’s most jaw-dropping viewpoints. It’s a stress-free way to experience one of the most beautiful places to visit in the U.S. “The beauty of Bryce, Arches, Zion, and Rocky Mountain National Parks is beyond description,” said traveler Deborah after visiting the park on our America’s National Parks by Train: Rocky Mountains, Arches & Zion tour. “The Tour Director, Nancy, was great in every way. She made sure everyone was comfortable; she was very knowledgeable about the places we visited, and her sense of humor was delightful. Everyone on the tour got along well and enjoyed each other’s company.”