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
- South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
- Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
- Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
- Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Explorer
- Alaska Discovery
- Western USA National Parks Loop
- Western National Parks 7 Day Explorer Camping
- Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Small Groups Overnight Tour
- Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak
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
- US$3,775
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 Journeys with G Adventures From
- US$3,599
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 16 Group Type Group Operator Infinite Adventures From $3,090
3% Off- US$2,990+$600 local paymentsYou save $100
Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
224 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Verywonderful experience. What a wonderful tour with excellent places to go to.”
Rossanna, traveled in October
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 National Parks were all beautiful, well maintained and a credit to the Parks Service.”
Suzanne, traveled in June
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
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
12% Off- US$4,290
Western USA National Parks Loop
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Zion national park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon are absolutely amazing places to visit.”
Samantha, traveled in November
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
Western National Parks 7 Day Explorer Camping
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Unique experience, super attentive staff and full of ideas to make the fun the best possible.”
William, traveled in August
Groups of 14-16 travelers receive individual attention at spots like Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. Secluded camping spots and sunrise photography at iconic locations become more accessible.
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 $1,995
12% Off- US$1,756You save $239
Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Small Groups Overnight Tour
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was amazing. He shared a lot of historical facts about Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and other places we visited in this two day tour.”
Anis, 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
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
Reviews of Small Group tours to USA
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
I already fed back direct to G Adventures
- Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
What a wonderful way to discover Alaska! A memorable trip thanks to the efforts of Natalie, Dave, and Carolina. Infinite Adventures provides a really unique travel experience. Their bus is creatively outfitted to be a traveling home for 16 tour participants. By the end of our journey, we felt like a traveling family because the trip provided opportunities to connect and bond with fellow travelers. The Kenai trip was well-planned. It offered the right mix of adventure and convenience. The company makes all the arrangements. Yet, there are opportunities for travelers to participate in setting up camp, preparing food, and cleaning up. Natalie, Dave, and Carolina were warm, friendly, and responsive to travelers' needs. Natalie and Dave's 3 year old son was an adorable addition to our trip. The whole experience felt much more personalized than traveling with a bigger company. Alaska is so much bigger and more exquisite than I had imagined. The highlight was the glacier visit - other-worldly! Throughout the trip, I appreciated the organization and planning that made our journey from one location to another smooth and interesting. Highly recommend this adventure with this company. ~ Mridula (California)
- Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
We had an amazing tour with Adrian to Death Valley! The tour was informative, fun and relaxed, and we had an amazing time. Pickup from our Vegas hotel was the easiest we’ve experienced, and from that moment we knew we were in for a great day. Adrian knew his stuff and was great fun to get to know over the course of the day. Would 100% recommend.
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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