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 Explorer (Spring - Autumn)
- Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
- Journeys: Discover Alaska National Geographic Journeys
- 5 day California Coastlines and Vineyards, Waves and Wine small group tour
- Wild Western USA
- South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer
- Best of California's National Parks
- LA to Vegas Adventure
- Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak
- San Francisco to Seattle
Groups of 8-16 travelers, averaging age 45, share America's southwest adventures. The modest size enables access to hidden trails in Zion National Park and private Navajo-guided tours in Monument Valley, with comfortable lodging throughout.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Bakersfield, Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, MoabSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From
- NZ$9,240
Journeys: Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Sights, hikes, people, food, enhanced our journey.”
Lydia, 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 up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $5,339
35% Off- NZ$3,470You save $1,869
Journeys: Discover Alaska National Geographic Journeys
3 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 up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $8,099
22% Off- NZ$6,317You save $1,782
Duration 5 days Destinations San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore Age Range 21 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Bindlestiff Tours From
22% Off- NZ$6,638
Wild Western USA
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was amazing. Everything was just how it should be, this was only possible.”
Luis, traveled in August
Small groups of around 7 travelers (ages 20+) share adventures across USA's national parks. The intimate size opens access to hidden spots like Mono Lake and enriches camp cookouts, while fostering friendships during 6 nights of camping and 4 nights in hotels/hostels.
Duration 11 days Destinations Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,695
25% Off- NZ$3,521You save $1,174
South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The trip was amazing and I would recommend it.”
Tammy, traveled in August
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 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,600
20% Off- NZ$5,280You save $1,320
Duration 7 days Destinations Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,500
35% Off- NZ$2,925You save $1,575
Duration 5 days Destinations Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,275
35% Off- NZ$1,479You save $796
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 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 11 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,210
25% Off- NZ$5,408You save $1,802
Small groups of 10-12 travelers receive personal attention at Multnomah Falls and Hoh Rainforest. The intimate size allows visits to boutique wineries in Willamette Valley and adaptable hiking options in Redwood National Park with expert guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Francisco, Crescent City, Redwood National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Portland, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Olympic National Park, Seattle Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,410
20% Off- NZ$5,128You save $1,282
Reviews of Small Group tours to USA
- Alaska: Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure - 9 Days
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. He also shared wonderful photos of all the animals we saw. Bear Mountain Lodge was the highlight of the tour. I couldn't believe how many bears we saw and how close we got to them. It was awesome!
- Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days
I wanted to see Alaska from the inside and not a cruise. Trip was amazing. The guides, the adventures, the food and the people we met along the way. A very diverse group of people who all came to be friends at the end of the 9 days. We had fun, ate well, and saw so many parts of Alaska. The guides were wonderful, funny and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this group to all!
- National Parks Tour 3 Days Small Group Tour from Las Vegas
5 Stars guys! I had a fantastic time, thanks so much. Your knowledge of the parks was brilliant. Will def recomend! Hope to see you again soon! :)
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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