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
- 5 day California Coastlines and Vineyards, Waves and Wine small group tour
- South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer
- Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
- Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
- Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Explorer
- Western USA National Parks Loop
- Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Small Groups Overnight Tour
- Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak
- Journeys: Discover Alaska National Geographic Journeys
5 day California Coastlines and Vineyards, Waves and Wine small group tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This is a really well put together tour with super cute accommodation and a good range of included activities.”
Craig, traveled in May
Duration 5 days Destinations San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore Age Range Ages 21+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Bindlestiff Tours From $3,995
12% Off- US$3,516You save $479
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
12% Off- US$3,775
Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a really amazing 9-day tour on the Kenai Peninsula, could spot a lot of animals and learn about the fascinating biology, ecology and geology of Alaska.”
Dmitry, traveled in August
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 16 Group Type Group Operator Infinite Adventures From
12% Off- US$3,090+$600 local payments
Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was my first group trip, and it exceeded all expectations. Her thoughtful planning and engaging personality kept the group energized and connected throughout the journey.”
Karen, traveled in May
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 Journeys with G Adventures From
12% Off- US$3,599
Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
224 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Views, trails, landscapes are so stunning. We had enough t time for every place.”
Sonal, traveled in April
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“Wonderful tour. We had the opportunity to visit all major highlights in Yellowstone and Great Tetons.”
Ana, 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
Western USA National Parks Loop
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accomondations were usually a LaQuinta and every day we had something cool planned to see.”
Judy, traveled in September
Groups of 8-12 adventurers travel in a comfortable private van. The setting ensures individual attention at Antelope Canyon and authentic Navajo-guided experiences in Monument Valley, while allowing flexible hiking through Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Duration 6 days Destinations Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Page, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
12% Off- US$2,420
Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Small Groups Overnight Tour
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The entire trip was entertaining, educational and very enjoyable, all thanks to Branch and Charlie.”
Leixuri, traveled in May
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
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
12% Off- US$4,395
Journeys: Discover Alaska National Geographic Journeys
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good time with lots of riding in the van going to interesting places.”
Michael, traveled in July
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 Journeys with G Adventures From
12% Off- US$5,499
Reviews of Small Group tours to USA
- Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
WOW! what an adventure! I had never been to Alaska before and was a little nervous about going by myself, but Dave, Natalie, and Carolina made everyone feel so welcome. I settled right in. During the 9 days on the trip, we saw Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Seals, Dahl Sheep, Moose, Glaciers, Tons of Eagles, and I did the Bear Viewing trip to Lake Clark which was the Adventure of a Lifetime. we saw over 20 Brown Bears and 5 or 6 within 20 feet away. I had such a great time, I already booked the Denali trip for next Summer!
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
I already fed back direct to G Adventures
- Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
It was just incredible !! Kids just loved it. Our guide Joe & Craig were just amazing. Joe has so much knowledge & information which made this whole tour so much more interesting & fun. Views, trails, landscapes are so stunning. We had enough t time for every place, van was very comfortable so after 10 hrs day we didn’t feel tired. I would highly recommend this company & tour.
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."
More about USA
USA Travel Guide | All You Need to Know10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips 2026Best time to visit East Coast USA (Low & High Season)Best Time to Visit the West Coast, USA in 2026 (with California)Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & ToursBest 10 Day USA Itineraries 2026 (with Reviews)Best time to visit the USA in 2026Weather in the USA in 2026