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U.S. National Parks Education / Learning Tours & Trips

102 U.S. National Parks trips. Tours from 59 tour companies. 24 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Education / Learning
Celebrate Christmas in Yellowstone's Winter Wonderland
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Celebrate Christmas in Yellowstone's Winter Wonderland

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Yellowstone National Park

Highlights

  • On naturalist-led field trips, discover Yellowstone’s volcano, winter adaptions of local fauna, the travertine terraces of Mammoth and the Upper Geyser Basin’s spouting, steaming glory
  • Make holiday memories you’ll treasure forever, reveling in the joy of the season amid the quiet majesty and natural ambiance of a Yellowstone winter
  • Journey to Yellowstone’s Northern Range by snow coach to observe a vital habitat and the bison, elk, eagles, bighorn sheep and other wildlife that live in it

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
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7 days From$2,699
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Choose Your Pace: Hiking in Grand Teton and Yellowstone
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Choose Your Pace: Hiking in Grand Teton and Yellowstone

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park

Highlights

  • Experience the Old Faithful Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park and its many geysers and other thermal features
  • Discover the diversity of animals in this ecosystem that contains one of the highest concentrations of large mammals in the country
  • Evening programs will highlight wildlife biology, issues and controversies taking place in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
7 days From$1,499
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Family Adventure: Exploring and Rafting in Western Grand Canyon
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Family Adventure: Exploring and Rafting in Western Grand Canyon

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arizona, Grand Canyon

Highlights

  • Drive the only road to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and picnic and play on a Colorado River beach, deep in the Canyon on the Hualapai Reservation
  • Experience the unique desert environment of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon and learn about some of its human history and exploration
  • Meet local cowboys and learn about Arizona cowboy life and lore, including roping and riding
  • Enjoy a campfire and s'mores

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
6 days From$1,429
Price updated 1 year+ ago
More
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The Beauty of Yosemite and the Joy of Watercolor
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The Beauty of Yosemite and the Joy of Watercolor

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Embark on a bus excursion to some of the Yosemite Valley’s most beautiful sites, including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall and Sentinel Bridge
  • Delight in an opportunity to paint “en plein air” in the heart of Yosemite
  • Paint daily and improve your watercolor technique with the help of an art instructor who offers tips on composition, color and more

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
6 days From$1,029
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Northern Arizona’s Cultures and Canyons and Western Grand Canyon Rafting
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Northern Arizona’s Cultures and Canyons and Western Grand Canyon Rafting

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arizona, Grand Canyon

Highlights

  • Spend a day at the Grand Canyon exploring the Desert View Watchtower, rim trails and Grand Canyon Village
  • Explore the Museum of Northern Arizona and visit 800-year-old cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon
  • Navigate the Grand Canyon by raft on smooth water or whitewater, depending on your chosen date

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
7 days From$1,249
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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A Grand Christmas: Sedona’s Red Rocks & the Grand Canyon
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A Grand Christmas: Sedona’s Red Rocks & the Grand Canyon

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arizona, Grand Canyon

Highlights

  • En route to the Grand Canyon, travel through scenic Oak Creek Canyon and up its famed switchbacks to Arizona’s high country
  • On Christmas Eve, experience sunset over the Grand Canyon, then revel in a special holiday dinner before attending an optional candlelight service at the Canyon’s “Shrine of the Ages
  • ” In Sedona, walk through the Mexican-inspired art village of Tlaquepaque; at Jerome State Historic Park, see its impressive mountain-side setting and displays of its unique mining history

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
6 days From$1,299
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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A National Park Family Adventure: Zion, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell
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A National Park Family Adventure: Zion, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Zion National Park

Highlights

  • Zion Ponderosa Ranch includes adventures in horseback riding, climbing wall, rappelling, zip line and much more! Hike to the Zion Canyon narrows, virgin river, weeping rock and emerald pools
  • You are likely to get wet! Take a flat water float trip down the mighty Colorado River then explore the wonders and beauty of Antelope Canyon

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
7 days From$1,599
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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On the Road: The Oregon Coast, California Redwoods and Crater Lake
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On the Road: The Oregon Coast, California Redwoods and Crater Lake

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

California, Jerediah Redwood State Park, Portland, Star Wars

Highlights

  • At Crater Lake, marvel at a massive volcanic caldera holding the deepest lake in the U.S., then descend into Oregon Caves National Monument.
  • Race the wind over a sea of sand in a dune buggy and meet the marine life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
  • Touch trees rooted when Caesar ruled Rome in the world’s largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
10 days From$2,299
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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U.S. National Parks Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
24  Reviews
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Excellent
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Average
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J

Julie

Sep 2019

Written on

This is an amazing trip.

This is an amazing trip. There is a lot of traveling but it is very much worth it, to get the opportunity to see the very best of Alaska. The scenery is spectacular,...

Tour:  Best of Alaska

T

Tina

Sep 2018

Written on

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen so far. It was made all the better by our fellow travellers and our guide. Travelli...

Tour:  Best of Alaska

G

Gail

Jul 2023

Written on

Outdoor Alaska

Seeing the wonderful scenery of Alaska, particularly the Wrangell and St Elias National Park.

Tour:  Outdoor Alaska

T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2023

Written on

Outdoor Alaska

Really liked our guide Ken, He was full of knowledge, friendly and helpful. The highlight of our trip was either seeing three types of whales or walking a glacier. B...

Tour:  Outdoor Alaska

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U.S. National Parks Tour Selection Trips

  • Embark on your national park adventure fully prepared with these essential tips: Plan ahead and research the park's rules and regulations before your visit.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear for hiking.
  • Stay hydrated and pack plenty of water and snacks for your outdoor activities.
  • Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance when observing animals.
  • Leave no trace and pack out all trash to help preserve the park's natural beauty.
  • Always follow designated trails and stay on marked paths to avoid getting lost or damaging sensitive ecosystems.
  • Be prepared for changes in weather conditions and carry necessary gear like rain jackets and sunscreen.
  • Take breaks and rest when needed, especially during strenuous hikes or long outdoor excursions.
  • Bring a map or GPS device to navigate unfamiliar terrain and ensure a safe return to your starting point.
    • Remember to enjoy the experience and appreciate the stunning scenery and unique wildlife encounters.

Additional details

How Many National Parks Are There in the U.S.?

  • There are 60 National Parks in the United States.

What US state has the most National Parks? 

  • California, with 9 total, has the most national parks in the United States
  • Hawaii comes in at a close second with 8 national parks.

waterfall-in-yosemite-valley

Californias National Parks:

1) Yosemite National Park

2) Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

3) Joshua Tree National Park

4) Lassen Volcanic National Park

5) Channel Islands National Park

6) Point Reyes National Seashore

7) Pinnacles National Park

8) Death Valley National Park

9) Redwood National Park

havasu-falls-in-grand-canyon

Best Time to Travel

U.S. National Parks are top travel destinations and as you can imagine, particularly for young children and adults. This means that summer travel to national parks can be downright crowded. Summer is also a time of abundance in wildlife and of course, good weather. 

The Great Smoky Mountains saw over 12 million visitors in 2019. You can also expect especially heavy summer crowds in the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Zion, Yellowstone, and Yosemite among others.

So when is the best time to visit national parks?

If you’re looking for a quieter experience and an easier hit to the wallet, October through February are the best times to visit U.S. national parks. The exception is in parks where fall foliage is at its prime in September and October.   

There are other considerations you might keep in mind as you plan your national park visit. If you enjoy winter wonderlands consider traveling to these areas in December through March although some parks, like Glacier National Park, will have limited to no accessibility.

Glacier’s iconic Going to the Sun Road doesn’t open until mid-June, sometimes later depending on snow. In Hawaii where there are 8 national parks, snow is usually not a problem unless trying to get to the top of Mauna Kea on the Big Island but the low season falls during the spring and fall.

Expect more rain and fog on some islands. And speaking of rain, July is a stunning time to be in the Rocky Mountain high country when blooms are at their peak after the spring rains. You’ll also have a better chance of getting away from crowds with back country hiking.

man-hiking-in-death-valley

Physical Level Requirements. Will There be Hiking? 

National parks call out for discovery beyond park roads. There’s more to see of course if you’re willing and able to hike but this doesn’t necessarily mean that all trips are geared toward hiking.

For sure, they tend to be given the nature of the destination. There are  over 100 U.S. National Parks tours with a few dozen of them falling in the physically “very easy” and “easy” category. And even the strenuous ones don’t always mean strenuous hiking but rather, a packed itinerary. Read the trip descriptions to learn the details.

Packing Suggestions 

One of the benefits of booking a guided tour is that the company will provide a packing list which will depend on what type of travel you’ll be doing.

If camping, while much of the gear is provided, you’ll likely be asked to bring some items like water bottles, good hiking shoes and head lamps. If you’ll be headed to Death Valley, sun gear is critical and if you’ll be on a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, water gear will be an important part of your comfort and safety. In some locations, you’ll need insect repellent. Of course, don’t forget any medications and your camera!

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