USA Small Group Tours
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10 best USA small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaUSA travel expert at TourRadar
- Western USA National Parks Loop
- Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
- Alaska: Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure - 9 Days
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
- Amazing Alaska- 12 Day Alaska Guided Adventure Tour
- USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali
- California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
- Best of California
- USA Road Trip — Joshua Tree & the Southwest Parks
- USA Road Trip — Grand Canyon, Vegas & Death Valley
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 5 days Destinations Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Page, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$2,095
Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A couple of previous experiences have taught me that if you encounter an opportunity like traveling around Alaska in a converted school bus, do not hesitate to take it!”
Arden, 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 up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Infinite Adventures From
- US$2,890+$600 local payments
Alaska: Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure - 9 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Above and beyond our expectations with up close wildlife viewing, an array of activities.”
Lydia, traveled in August
A select group of 8-12 travelers bonds while discovering Alaska's wilderness. The limited size permits exclusive access to Bear Mountain Lodge and intimate brown bear viewing in Lake Clark National Park. Perfect for wildlife spotting in Denali and personal attention during Kenai Fjords cruise experiences.
Duration 9 days Destinations Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Homer Age Range 12 to 75 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator BrushBuck Wildlife Tours From
- US$7,599
Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All areas were beautiful, but Antelope Canyon was amazing.”
James, 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 up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $3,599
10% Off- US$3,239You save $359
Intimate groups of 12-15 travelers explore Alaska's wilderness with Fresh Adventures, ensuring personalized attention during glacier hikes and wildlife viewing. Small size enables accessing remote camps via jetboat and flexibility for impromptu photo stops at Worthington Glacier and Exit Glacier.
Duration 12 days Destinations Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Valdez, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park Age Range 15 to 75 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Fresh Adventures From
10% Off- US$4,293+$214 upfront costs
USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip to California has, once again, provided an amazing experience to visit new, beautiful places.”
Marta, traveled in June
A group of 12-15 adventurers, mostly aged 18-39, shares memorable moments together. The intimate size allows stops at hidden gems like Half Moon Bay and Tuolumne Grove, plus special camping locations in Yosemite National Park.
Duration 9 days Destinations Los Angeles, Santa Margarita, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Hermosa Beach Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,549
15% Off- US$2,167You save $382
California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Such an amazing tour! The itinerary was perfect. I would recommend this to everyone I come across.”
Molly, traveled in July
Small groups of maximum 12 travelers, ages 25-40, share memorable experiences. The limited size reveals hidden gems like Ragged Point's secluded beaches and allows personal guidance through Tuolumne Grove's giant sequoias. Ideal for bonding while camping under the stars.
Duration 7 days Destinations Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Simeon, Yosemite National Park, Bishop, Tuolumne, Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From
15% Off- US$1,099
Best of California
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A tour that starts fast-paced, filled with breathtaking views of nature, and ends with a chilled out west coast cali vibe!”
Siobhan, traveled in October
Groups of 12 or fewer travelers (ages 5+) enjoy close-up views of Death Valley's Zabriskie Point and guidance on Yosemite's Mist Trail. The setting allows for unhurried hiking in Sequoia's Giant Forest and prime positioning at San Francisco's photo spots.
Duration 9 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Bakersfield, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Maria, Los Angeles Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,999
15% Off- US$2,549You save $449
Adventurous travelers aged 18-39 share hiking trails in Joshua Tree and Grand Canyon with like-minded explorers. Nights feature camping under starlit skies and group pizza dinners at scenic overlooks.
Duration 8 days Destinations Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Page, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,199
15% Off- US$1,869You save $329
USA Road Trip — Grand Canyon, Vegas & Death Valley
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Amazing landscapes, walks and sunrises that I'll never forget. I'll definitely be coming back to explore the US again.”
William, traveled in January
Small groups of 8-12 travelers, averaging age 30, easily access hidden spots like Horseshoe Bend and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The CEO guide provides personal attention during flexible hiking options in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Duration 10 days Destinations Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Page, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,949
15% Off- US$2,507You save $442
Reviews of Small Group tours to USA
- Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
Traveling to Alaska was a dream. By Natalie and Aaron we came to a beautiful place, which we would not have found alone. Everything was organized perfectly. Hiking, paddling, whale watching or simply enjoying the incredible nature through the large windows of the school bus: everything in the program. But it is also on individual requests received, as far as the security permits (bear area!). The campgrounds are partly on the water, in the middle of the forest or at a pub with live music. There is something for everyone. The trip was so perfect for us that we went on tour a year later.
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
Matthew (CEO) was great. As issues/challenges arose (which they inevitably do) Matthew addressed them, and provided options/alternatives, which he presented to the group and the group came to a consensus. A suggestion for Management/Tour Operator, The "meeting" with a Native American who was to talk about his/her Native American culture, should be given "guardrails" and stay within their "Lane". There are those who do not share the presenter's same political viewpoint as the presenter and the presenter should respect that his/her audience may have differing political viewpoint(s) and stay away from brining politics into their presentation. Again Matthew (CEO) was a great ambassador for the Tour Operator and we would definitely take another tour/trip with Matthew!
- National Parks Tour 3 Days Small Group Tour from Las Vegas
I went on the three day tour of Zion, Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. So much fun, great value for money. Too many awesome things to list but highlights definitely the Grand Canyon jeep tour and hiking Angels landing! Thanks guys!
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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