When is the best time of year for hiking in different USA national parks?

The best hiking times shift across America's diverse park system. Southwest destinations like Zion and Bryce Canyon welcome hikers during spring from March to May and fall between September and October with comfortable temperatures around 70°F. Northern parks including Yellowstone and Glacier open their full trail networks during the warmer months of June through August. New England's White Mountains draw hikers from June to September when paths are clear and weather is stable. Recent visitor data shows May emerging as a popular choice for Utah's parks with one TourRadar visitor noting "perfect hiking temperatures and smaller crowds at Zion's Narrows."

What type of accommodation can I expect on multi-day USA hiking tours?

Tour accommodations range from basic campsites to upscale lodges. The Bryce & Escalante tours set up roomy 4-person tents (shared by two people) at designated campgrounds with modern facilities. More refined options include stays at places like the Dancing Bear Lodge near Great Smoky Mountains. In Alaska wilderness areas tours typically blend nights at rustic lodges in places like McCarthy with tent camping under the stars. A TourRadar guest shared: "The camping gear was high quality and the mixture of camping and lodge stays was perfect for recharging between hikes."

What are the best hiking trails in USA for various skill levels?

American trails cater to every hiking ability. Beginners can enjoy Sequoia National Park's accessible half-mile General Sherman Tree Trail while experienced hikers tackle Yosemite's challenging Mist Trail with its 2000-foot climb. Mid-level options include the Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome offering valley panoramas. Advanced backpackers often choose multi-day routes like Wyoming's Boulder Lake to Green River Lakes path. One TourRadar hiker observed about Yosemite: "The scenery is breathtaking. As I walked along the hikes many times I did not know which direction to look since there was so much natural beauty."

How many miles of hiking can I expect per day on USA trekking tours?

Daily distances on most tours cover between 3 and 10 miles depending on terrain and difficulty. The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim route starts with a 7.5-mile descent dropping 4800 feet while Yellowstone tours average 6 miles per day on gentler paths. New Hampshire's Presidential Traverse features daily segments between 3.7 and 6.8 miles with considerable elevation changes. According to a TourRadar participant: "The varied distances each day allowed us to fully experience the landscapes without being completely exhausted."

What essential gear should I pack for a USA hiking tour?

Key equipment starts with broken-in hiking boots reliable layered clothing and waterproof outerwear. Alaska hikers particularly stress proper rain gear with one TourRadar participant noting "bringing good quality Gortex rain gear was crucial." While tours like the Yosemite Escape provide camping equipment you'll need a season-appropriate sleeping bag. Other necessities include sun protection 2+ liter water capacity and hiking poles especially for steep sections like Zion's Angels Landing. Hotels such as Death Valley's Stovepipe Wells Village offer storage for extra gear between treks.

What wildlife might I encounter on USA hiking trails and how should I prepare?

Each region offers distinct wildlife viewing opportunities. Yellowstone hosts grizzly bears while Olympic National Park houses mountain goat populations. An Alaska Seward Camping Adventure participant reported "seeing humpback whales otters and puffins along the coast." The high country near Yosemite's Rush Creek Lodge frequently sees black bears marmots and bighorn sheep. Safety protocols include maintaining distance carrying bear spray in bear territory and following guide instructions. A recent visitor noted "our guide in Yellowstone was excellent at spotting wildlife and teaching us proper safety protocols" during their stay at Canyon Lodge & Cabins.

Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in USA

10 best Hiking & Trekking USA tour packages

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Hiking & Trekking Camping
Yellowstone Walks & Wildlife
Destinations
Great Falls, Glacier National Park,Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Jackson+3 more
Age Range
16 to 80 year olds
Mountain
Rocky Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
7% Off
Duration
10 days
From $7,433
NZ$6,885
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Sep 2025
Pay today$1,733
0 easy payments$
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Sep 2025
Pay today$1,733
0 easy payments$
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Hiking & Trekking Family
San Francisco to Grand Canyon & LA - 6 days
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Destinations
San Francisco, Modesto, Yosemite National Park, Las Vegas,Grand Canyon National Park,Page,Antelope Canyon,Bryce Canyon National Park,Kanab,Zion National Park,Los Angeles+7 more
Age Range
1 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Western USASouthwest USASun Belt+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
7% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$2,855
$600 now + easy payments of $322
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Oct 2025
Pay today$600
7 easy payments$322
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Oct 2025
Pay today$600
7 easy payments$322
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Hiking & Trekking Camping
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"It was the best way to gain an understanding of the scale of Alaska and the nature of the territory, with many exceptional waypoints."
Avery, traveled in June
Destinations
Anchorage, Valdez, Glennallen
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Regions
Western USA AlaskaWrangell-St. Elias National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
Duration
7 days
From $3,199
NZ$2,399
$602 now + easy payments of $802
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Aug 2025
Pay today$602
3 easy payments$802
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Aug 2025
Pay today$602
3 easy payments$802
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Hiking & Trekking Camping Mountain Hikes +1
11 Day Grand Alaska Highlights Tour
5.0 (11 traveler reviews)
"Good tour, Good value for money. 3 days camping with no facilities in McCarthy was bit too extreme."
Boralugodage, traveled in June
Destinations
Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Valdez,Wrangell St. Elias National Park+1 more
Age Range
16 to 99 year olds
Regions
Western USA Alaska
Operated in
English
Operator
Bindlestiff Tours
25% Off
Duration
11 days
From
NZ$4,695
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Hiking & Trekking
Trek America: Canyons & National Parks
Destinations
San Francisco, Yosemite National Park,Death Valley National Park,Zion National Park,Bryce Canyon National Park,Monument Valley,Grand Canyon National Park,Las Vegas+6 more
Age Range
16 to 80 year olds
Country Region
Western USASouthwest USASun Belt+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
5% Off
Duration
11 days
From $10,337
NZ$9,790
$2,448 now + easy payments of $1,836
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Nov 2025
Pay today$2,448
4 easy payments$1,836
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Pay today$2,448
4 easy payments$1,836
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Hiking & Trekking Camping
Best of Yellowstone Tour
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The trip was well planned, giving us a very good experience in Yellowstone."
Linda, traveled in August
Destinations
Jackson, Yellowstone National Park, Mammoth
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Regions
Rocky MountainsWestern USAYellowstone National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wildland Trekking
5% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$6,539
$460 now + easy payments of $2,026
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 02 Sep 2025
Pay today$460
3 easy payments$2,026
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 02 Sep 2025
Pay today$460
3 easy payments$2,026
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Hiking & Trekking Family
California National Park Circle: Sand to Snow, Joshua Tree, Death Valley and Yosemite
Destinations
Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park,Death Valley National Park,Yosemite National Park,San Francisco+3 more
Age Range
12 to 65 year olds
Regions
Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USASun BeltCalifornia+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
WeVenture
5% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$8,036
$850 now + easy payments of $1,437
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Sep 2025
Pay today$850
5 easy payments$1,437
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Sep 2025
Pay today$850
5 easy payments$1,437
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Hiking & Trekking Family Camping
Rocky Mountain Immersion: Explore Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Parks
5.0 (26 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Rocky Mountain National Park,Denver+3 more
Age Range
6 to 80 year olds
Country Region
Western USA
Operated in
English
Operator
WeVenture
5% Off
Duration
9 days
From
NZ$5,067
$850 now + easy payments of $703
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Oct 2025
Pay today$850
6 easy payments$703
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Oct 2025
Pay today$850
6 easy payments$703
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Hiking & Trekking Family Mountain Hikes Wildlife Sightseeing +3
Grand Teton & Yellowstone Explorer - 5 days
Destinations
Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner, Mammoth,West Yellowstone,Grand Teton National Park,Jackson+3 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Regions
Rocky MountainsWestern USAYellowstone National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
5% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$6,285
+$135 local payments
$600 now + easy payments of $2,843
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Aug 2025
Pay today$600
2 easy payments$2,843
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Aug 2025
Pay today$600
2 easy payments$2,843
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Hiking & Trekking Camping Mountain Hikes +1
American Classics | USA Southwest Hiking & Camping Tour- 12 Days
Destinations
Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park, Zion National Park,Bryce Canyon National Park,Antelope Canyon,Grand Canyon National Park,Barstow,Bishop,Mammoth Lakes,Yosemite National Park,San Francisco+8 more
Age Range
15 to 75 year olds
Country Region
Western USASouthwest USASun Belt+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Fresh Adventures
5% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$6,904
+$303 upfront costs
$250 now + easy payments of $1,739
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Sep 2025
Pay today$250
4 easy payments$1,739
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Sep 2025
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4 easy payments$1,739
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Hiking & Trekking Mountain Hikes
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
4.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. As I walked along the hikes, there was so much natural beauty."
Linda, traveled in June
Destinations
San Francisco, Yosemite National Park
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Regions
Sierra Nevada MountainsWest Coast USA Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USACentral CaliforniaNorthern CaliforniaSun BeltCaliforniaYosemite National ParkLake Tahoe+10 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
30% Off
Duration
6 days
From $4,705
NZ$3,293
$400 now + easy payments of $678
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 11 Oct 2025
Pay today$400
6 easy payments$678
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 11 Oct 2025
Pay today$400
6 easy payments$678
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Hiking & Trekking Camping
Hiking and Camping in Yellowstone
Destinations
Jackson, Yellowstone National Park
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Regions
Rocky MountainsWestern USAYellowstone National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
30% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$3,875
$400 now + easy payments of $1,158
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Aug 2025
Pay today$400
3 easy payments$1,158
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Aug 2025
Pay today$400
3 easy payments$1,158
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$Hiking Utah\'s Mighty 5 Tour$
$Hiking Utah\'s Mighty 5 - 8 destinations$
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Hiking & Trekking Camping
Hiking Utah's Mighty 5
4.8 (25 traveler reviews)
"the best way to explore the vastness and glory of the Utah desert is by camping and hiking in small groups."
Michelle, traveled in October
Destinations
Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon National Park, Moab,Arches National Park,Canyonlands National Park,Capitol Reef National Park,Zion National Park+4 more
Age Range
12 to 90 year olds
Regions
Rocky MountainsWestern USASouthwest USAFour CornersMighty 5Utah+5 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
35% Off
Duration
9 days
From $3,199
NZ$2,079
$623 now + easy payments of $415
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Sep 2025
Pay today$623
6 easy payments$415
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Sep 2025
Pay today$623
6 easy payments$415
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Hiking & Trekking Family
USA – 5 Days Chasing Slot Canyons in Utah
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The trip was well organized full of adventurous activities like hiking in water, mud and very narrow Spooky canyons."
Karin, traveled in October
Destinations
Las Vegas, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument,Kanab,Zion National Park+2 more
Age Range
8 to 90 year olds
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersUtah+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
35% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$5,566
$1,670 now + easy payments of $557
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 29 Oct 2025
Pay today$1,670
7 easy payments$557
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 29 Oct 2025
Pay today$1,670
7 easy payments$557
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Hiking & Trekking Camping Mountain Hikes +1
Yellowstone Base Camp Tour
4.5 (1 traveler review)
"We covered a wide variety of Yellowstone sites from the popular attractions to beautiful but less frequented locations."
David, traveled in July
Destinations
Jackson, Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Regions
Rocky MountainsWestern USAYellowstone National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wildland Trekking
35% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$4,077
$460 now + easy payments of $1,809
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Aug 2025
Pay today$460
2 easy payments$1,809
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Aug 2025
Pay today$460
2 easy payments$1,809
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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