Active Tours & Trips in Western USA
Ever dreamed of an active road trip through the American West's dramatic landscapes? You're hitting national parks—Yosemite's granite cliffs, Zion's slot canyons, Grand Canyon, maybe Arches or Bryce. Hiking, some climbing if you're skilled, rafting in spots, and possibly cycling. You could even fit in Las Vegas or LA. The West's vast, so memories are guaranteed.
10 best active Western USA tours
Compiled by
MelissaWestern USA travel expert at TourRadar
- Golden West Adventure
- Spring Trekking Adventure
- Telescope Peak Adventure
- Alaska Denali Expedition - 12 Days
- Western National Parks 7 Day Explorer Camping
- Enchanting Canyonlands (Classic)
- Exploring America's Great Parks
- Western National Parks 7 Day Explorer Lodging
- Thorofare Adventure Hike
- Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks
Golden West Adventure
119 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised tour. On the whole it was good.”
Jeannette, traveled in October
Western landscapes unfold from Yosemite's granite formations to Pfeiffer Big Sur's towering redwoods. Wildlife watching at Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf pairs with optional helicopter tours at Grand Canyon's South Rim.
Duration 14 days Destinations Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Williams, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, Sonora, San FranciscoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $4,999
4% Off- NZ$4,799You save $200
Spring Trekking Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“His selection of meals was excellent and varied; Wildland did not disappoint us as day hikers.”
Richard, traveled in July
The remote wilderness from Hellroaring Creek to Blacktail Deer Creek beckons adventurers. Dramatic suspension bridges and challenging elevation changes lead to camping along pristine riverbanks in Black Canyon's untamed terrain.
Duration 4 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
4% Off- NZ$3,076
17+ miles of diverse terrain lead from Trail Canyon to Telescope Peak's 11,049-foot summit. Historic Eureka Goldmine and ancient charcoal kilns dot the pristine Panamint Mountain wilderness camping experience.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
4% Off- NZ$2,749
Alaska Denali Expedition - 12 Days
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is a special experience and you will see wildlife, views and places in Alaska that most people won't see in a lifetime.”
Alexx, traveled in August
Alaska's wildest terrain unfolds through hiking, camping, and optional adventures. Denali's backcountry, Root Glacier ice climbing, and Columbia Glacier kayaking offer activities from gentle walks to challenging expeditions.
Duration 12 days Destinations Anchorage, Denali National Park, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Valdez Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Infinite Adventures From
4% Off- NZ$5,498+$1,034 local payments
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
Navajo-guided 4x4 tours in Monument Valley blend with optional helicopter rides over Grand Canyon and Yosemite hiking opportunities. Starlit camping and expert guidance enhance this Western experience.
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+ Operator Bindlestiff Tours From
4% Off- NZ$3,438
Enchanting Canyonlands (Classic)
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The beauty of the iconic American Canyonlands is breathtaking, and this dream journey visits The Grand Canyon, Monument National Park, Bryce Canyon and Zion.”
John, traveled in July
Soar over Grand Canyon in helicopters, venture through Monument Valley in 4x4s, and choose from hiking options in Zion National Park. Authentic Navajo cookouts and optional Colorado River rafting near Horseshoe Bend create unforgettable memories.
Duration 7 days Destinations Phoenix, Scottsdale, Monument Valley, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Painted Desert, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, SpringdaleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations From
4% Off- NZ$6,420
Exploring America's Great Parks
416 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful accommodations, well organized, spectacular sights!”
Leslie, traveled in August
4x4 tours wind through Monument Valley's red rocks, while wildlife tracking in Yellowstone's wilderness and Grand Canyon's dramatic rim trails await. Thrilling backcountry safaris and authentic Native American cultural encounters enrich the journey.
Duration 15 days Destinations Las Vegas, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Moab, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Denver, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Deadwood, Devils TowerSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $10,369
5% Off- NZ$9,869You save $500
Western National Parks 7 Day Explorer Lodging
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The sights were magnificent and beautiful. Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon were tops on our list for experience, beauty, and grandeur.”
Kathy, traveled in September
Navajo guides lead Monument Valley tours while Yosemite Valley offers scenic hikes and Grand Canyon provides optional helicopter adventures. Death Valley's Badwater Basin and Bryce Canyon's hoodoo-filled amphitheater showcase nature's artistry.
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+ Operator Bindlestiff Tours From
5% Off- NZ$4,645
This 48-mile trek ventures into Western USA's most remote wilderness. A boat ride across Yellowstone Lake leads to hiking through Thorofare region and summiting Eagle Pass. Seven days of guided adventure include camps near Beaverdam Creek and Mountain Creek.
Duration 7 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
5% Off- NZ$4,679
Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very knowledgeable & helpful.”
Debra, traveled in February
The winter wonderland of Western USA unfolds as you chase auroras in Fairbanks and try dog sledding at Happy Trails Kennels. Watch the thrilling Iditarod race, ride the scenic Alaska Railroad, and enjoy outdoor pursuits at Alyeska Resort.
Duration 11 days Destinations Fairbanks, Anchorage, Seward, Alyeska Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
5% Off- NZ$8,099
What people love about Active Tours in Western USA
- Golden West Adventure
The trip from start to finish was excellent. I enjoyed every minute and would highly recommended the trip.
What a fabulous trip! Absolutely a panorama of our great national parks of the west. Kristen was a fabulous guide! So many fun facts and lots of laughter kept us amused and alert. She interacted with each person on the tour! And knew it all by the end of our journey. it really is easier to see the Great West with someone else driving. We covered many miles between national parks every day, but the rides were not tedious. The national parks are unbelievable… Words cannot express their beauty. We took the optional one hour helicopter flight over Grand Canyon… Absolutely worth every penny! The breakfasts were all provided by the hotels; standard hotel breakfast fare. we always stopped for “potty breaks“ every hour and a half to two hours; great to get out and stretch your legs. And see the sights! Many lunches were “grab and go”, which worked well. We usually arrived at our Many lunches were “grab and go“, but that was fine. We usually arrived at our daily destination by middle afternoon, which gave us time to relax before dinner. The special events dinners were always fun! We especially enjoyed the “round up“ dinner in Monument Valley with the talk why are native American guide, Larry. Another highlight was Custer State Park and the Buffalo Roundup. Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Devils Tower, then on to Yellowstone National Park, followed by the Grand Tetons, followed by a night in Salt Lake City and then finishing our trip with Bryce National Park and Zion National Park. Every park is unique and individual and breathtaking! Pictures cannot describe and express their beauty. The memories of this trip will last forever!
Exploring America's Great Parks
- Enchanting Canyonlands (Classic)
Just wonderful! Level of care and detail great. Sights amazing . Accomodations outstanding . Timing excellent!
What our customers ask about Active Tours & Trips in Western USA
What is the best time to visit Western USA for an adventure tour?
Weather and accessibility shape the ideal timing for Western USA adventures. Yosemite National Park welcomes visitors from May through September with open trails and active waterfalls. The Grand Canyon provides pleasant hiking weather during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). Death Valley adventures work best from October to April avoiding summer heat that can reach dangerous levels. A TourRadar traveler shared their summer experience: "From start to finish I couldn't have asked for more. The trip was one of contrasts from huge cities to total wilderness as well as temperature changes from 48°C to 16°C in one day!"
What types of accommodation can I expect on Western USA adventure tours?
Accommodations range from basic to upscale depending on your chosen tour. The Rush Creek Lodge near Yosemite provides hotel comforts while Death Valley's Telescope Peak Adventure includes both established campgrounds and backcountry sites. Higher-end options like the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Hawaii feature ocean-view rooms and resort amenities. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The accommodations in Hawaii Maui and Kauai were fantastic offering stunning views and resort-style comfort after active days."
What are the most unique adventure activities available in Western USA?
The Western USA's terrain creates opportunities for distinctive outdoor experiences. Activities include 4x4 tours through Monument Valley helicopter rides above the Grand Canyon ($270-450) canyoneering adventures in Utah ($100-140) and river rafting near Jackson Hole. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley was a highlight - the backcountry adventure gave us incredible scenery and authentic cultural insights." Visitors can also kayak Humboldt Bay or walk among ancient redwoods in California's parks.
What unique geological features will I see on Western USA adventure tours?
The region's landscape showcases geological diversity at every turn. Travelers encounter narrow slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante volcanic formations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Yosemite's granite cliffs and the layered walls of Grand Canyon National Park. Death Valley's Telescope Peak reveals distinctive desert formations. As one TourRadar traveler described: "Every day brought new geological wonders from the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the towering red rocks of the Southwest."
What cultural experiences are included in Western USA Adventure tours?
Cultural elements weave throughout Western USA tours. Programs often feature Navajo-guided visits to Monument Valley explorations of frontier towns like Deadwood and time in modern Western cultural hubs like Jackson Hole. Stops include the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody and Mormon historical sites in Salt Lake City. A traveler shared: "The Navajo guide shared fascinating stories of legends and folklore that brought this remarkable region to life during our Monument Valley tour."
How remote are the locations visited on Western USA adventure tours?
Tours often venture into true wilderness areas from the hidden canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante to Death Valley's isolated peaks. The Telescope Peak Adventure takes visitors beyond cell service range while Grand Canyon excursions lead miles from developed areas. Most itineraries balance remote locations with access to basic services. A TourRadar participant noted: "The trip was well organized with a good balance of adventure in remote locations while still having access to comfortable amenities at the end of each day."