USA Small Group Tours
Imagine walking across San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge with fog rolling under your feet. Or kayaking under the stars in Tomales Bay, where bioluminescence lights up the water. At Hog Island Oyster Co., eat fresh oysters straight from the bay, and at Capo Creek Winery, you can drink great wine in beautiful wine country. Relax at Sonoma's historic plaza, where California's wine heritage began.
10 best USA small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaUSA travel expert at TourRadar
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
- Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
- Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Explorer
- South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer
- Alaska Discovery
- Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Small Groups Overnight Tour
- Western National Parks 7 Day Explorer Lodging
- Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
- Journeys: Discover Alaska National Geographic Journeys
- Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak
Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We got to see some incredible parks and views that we will cherish forever.”
John, traveled in September
Groups limited to 13 travelers receive focused attention at Lowell Observatory and Antelope Canyon. Designed for travelers aged 5+, the intimate setting allows flexible hiking at Zion's Narrows and relaxed viewing of Bryce Canyon's famous hoodoos.
Duration 8 days Destinations Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Page, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff, Seligman Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From
- US$3,599
Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
224 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had an incredible day. She showed me all of the sights and places in Death Valley.”
Viktoria, traveled in June
The 14-person limit allows flexible exploration time at Death Valley's key sites. One-on-one interactions with expert guides enhance visits to Dante's View, Badwater Basin, and Artist's Palette, while modern SUV or mini-bus travel remains comfortable.
Duration 1 day Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Bindlestiff Tours From $279
12% Off- US$246You save $33
Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Explorer
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The campsites had great views and overall, the trip was spectacular! Highly recommend Bindlestiff Tours!!”
Emily, traveled in July
The 14-person group size opens doors to exclusive activities like ranger-led walks in Bryce Canyon and wildlife spotting in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. Friendly atmosphere flourishes around evening campfires and during shared meals.
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon National Park, Salt Lake City, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Bindlestiff Tours From $1,895
12% Off- US$1,668You save $227
South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our trip was fantastic. Everything was perfect.”
David, traveled in June
Groups of 12-15 travelers enhance wildlife viewing at Badlands National Park and Yellowstone. Intimate jeep safaris through Custer State Park maximize buffalo sightings, while quick pivots enable bear and wolf spotting in Yellowstone's Northern Loop.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rapid City, Custer State Park, Sheridan, Cody, Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,975
15% Off- US$3,379+$100 local paymentsYou save $596
Alaska Discovery
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very knowledgeable of area and history. Had super suggestions for meals and site seeing.”
Carol, traveled in August
A 15-passenger van carries intimate groups through Alaska's wilderness, focusing on sites like Denali National Park and Exit Glacier. Spontaneous stops along Turnagain Arm yield wildlife sightings and meaningful visits to the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Duration 8 days Destinations Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Seward Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,290
20% Off- US$3,432You save $858
Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Small Groups Overnight Tour
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was excellently organized by Bindlestiff. Best tour guide ever.”
IreneFischer, traveled in July
Groups of 14 travelers receive personalized attention from expert guides like Chase and Charlie. Antelope Canyon's narrow passages and Horseshoe Bend overlooks become more accessible with fewer people.
Duration 2 days Destinations Las Vegas, Grand Canyon National Park, Page, Antelope Canyon Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Bindlestiff Tours From $425
12% Off- US$374You save $51
Western National Parks 7 Day Explorer Lodging
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The sights were magnificent and beautiful. Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon were tops on our list for experience, beauty, and grandeur.”
Kathy, traveled in September
The maximum 14-person group size ensures personal attention at spots like Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. Meaningful connections form while navigating Yosemite's trails and sharing picnic lunches in Death Valley's dramatic landscape.
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Bindlestiff Tours From $2,695
12% Off- US$2,372You save $323
Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Infinite Adventures provided us with some of our best memories together. The Bear Viewing trip was absolutely amazing!”
Chris, traveled in July
Small groups of 4-16 travelers share adventures in a converted school bus through Alaska's wilderness. The cozy atmosphere allows impromptu wildlife viewing stops and individual attention during Exit Glacier hikes and sea kayaking in Kasitsna Bay.
Duration 9 days Destinations Anchorage, Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kenai, Homer, Seldovia Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Infinite Adventures From $3,090
3% Off- US$2,990+$600 local paymentsYou save $100
Journeys: Discover Alaska National Geographic Journeys
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The lodging arrangements were great and the restaurant recommendations excellent.”
Monica, traveled in June
Small groups of 12-15 travelers form lasting bonds while exploring Alaska's wilderness. A private vehicle traverses Denali National Park, where grizzlies and caribou roam freely. Time on Kenai Fjords' glacial waters includes insights from a dedicated naturalist guide about wildlife behaviors and ecosystems.
Duration 10 days Destinations Anchorage, Homer, Seward, Denali National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From
3% Off- US$5,499
Groups max out at 12 travelers, averaging age 33, ensuring prime access to Alaska's wilderness. Personal attention highlights Matanuska Glacier treks and Resurrection Bay kayaking, with meaningful connections forming during 6 nights of hotel stays.
Duration 7 days Destinations Anchorage, Denali National Park, Seward Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 11 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,395
5% Off- US$4,175You save $220
Reviews of Small Group tours to USA
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
This was a good trip to get a "tasting" of the major sights visited. Tour Guide was excellent and made the trip even more enjoyable. All areas were beautiful, but Antelope Canyon was amazing.
- Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
100% recommend! Best tour guy Adrain. Amazing trip as a family of three. At first I thought it’s gonna be challenging for my daughter who is 7 years old but it turns out a unique experience and very knowledgeable trip for her! Highly recommended!
- Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Explorer
A wonderful trip, full of variety and interest. The National Parks were all beautiful, well maintained and a credit to the Parks Service. The Grand Tetons Park was a happy surprise. I hadn’t heard of this park before this trip and it was just spectacular. Our guide, Chris, was so good humoured, accommodating and went out of his way to make sure everyone was having a good time. Will definitely recommend this trip to everyone I know
What our customers ask about USA Small Group Tours
What is the typical size for small group tours in USA?
Small group tours in the USA keep numbers limited to 8-14 travelers allowing for a close-knit travel experience. Popular operators like Bindlestiff use modern 14-passenger touring vehicles that give guests ample space. One TourRadar traveler noted "there was 9 of us in the van that could sit 13 so we had plenty of room. Our group got along perfectly and we became a little tour family for 3 days." The smaller size means better access to viewing spots at places like Antelope Canyon and more individual attention from guides.
How does accommodation work on small group tours in USA national parks?
These tours mix camping and hotel stays to give travelers varied experiences in prime locations. Guests at Monument Valley often camp at The View Campground which sits right on the canyon rim perfect for morning sunrises. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The camping experience was great: good equipment nice campsites for most stops. The Bryce Canyon campground even had hot tubs for stargazing." Many itineraries balance outdoor stays with nights at established lodges like Maclaren River Lodge in Alaska.
What is included in small group tour meals in USA national parks?
Tour operators typically provide a combination of included meals and free time for independent dining. G Adventures' California National Park Discovery tour uses a food kitty system (approximately $265) covering 9 camp breakfasts 7 camp dinners and daily picnic lunches. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The food was excellent - our guide prepared amazing camp meals and we had memorable experiences like pizza at Grand Canyon's rim at sunset."
What is the best season for small group tours in USA national parks?
The peak season runs May through September though ideal timing depends on the region. According to a TourRadar traveler: "For Southwest parks like Zion and Bryce spring and fall offer ideal temperatures for hiking. We did our tour in September and had perfect weather." Alaska tours make use of extended summer daylight while Death Valley visits work best in spring's milder temperatures.
How far in advance should I book a small group USA tour?
Booking windows typically range from 3-6 months due to limited spots and high demand. The 9-day Alaska Kenai Adventure shows average advance bookings of 634 days while National Parks tours average 258 days. Tour companies like G Adventures and Bindlestiff Tours report that summer departures (June-September) often fill up more than 6 months ahead.
What is the guide-to-guest ratio on small group USA tours?
Guide ratios generally stay at 1 guide per 4-8 guests ensuring personal attention. The Nevada Trails biking tour provides 2 guides for groups of 8 while Alaska expeditions often have 2 guides for up to 14 travelers. A TourRadar reviewer shared "with only 6 in our group our guide Chloe was able to give everyone personal attention and customize the experience to our interests."
What is the ideal duration for a USA small group tour?
Most successful trips last between 6-14 days based on booking data and guest feedback. Common options include 8-day Yellowstone and Grand Tetons trips 9-day California coast explorations and 14-day multi-park adventures. One TourRadar traveler commented "Our 12-day small group tour was perfect - enough time to really experience each destination without feeling rushed."
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