Which U.S. National Parks Tour is Right For You?

What do towering mountain peaks, mighty canyons, thundering waterfalls, and ancient forests all have in common? You’ll find them in America’s world-renowned national parks.

Maybe it’s their natural beauty, their diverse ecosystems, or the stories and cultures intertwined with every legendary landscape. Whatever it is, there’s something about these awe-inspiring sanctuaries that invites you in and stays with you long after you leave. And when you explore them with Collette, expertly crafted itineraries balance the must-sees with local experiences and free time to explore, while expert guides uncover new layers of every destination.

The only question is: Which guided national parks guided tour is right for you? Read on to explore which journey is your perfect match.

National Parks of America

If you’re looking for a grand journey across the American West’s most iconic landscapes, this 12-day tour could be your ideal adventure.

Spanning four states — South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona — this journey takes you through the towering peaks, vast canyons, and historic landmarks that define the region. You’ll stand before Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorials, marvel at Old Faithful in Yellowstone, and take in the breathtaking scenery of Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Spend a night by the rim of the Grand Canyon, experience Lake Powell, and get a glimpse of Native American culture, too.

Learn more about our National Parks of America tour.

America’s Cowboy Country

National parks meet cowboys and the Wild West on America’s Cowboy Country.

Whereas National Parks of America heads into Utah and Arizona, this tour stays in South Dakota and Wyoming, offering a deeper exploration of each destination. This means that, in South Dakota, you’re seeing Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorials and searching for bison in Custer State Park. Meanwhile, in Wyoming, experience Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, along with Badlands.

Beyond beautiful landscapes, delve into the past when you learn about Lakota Native Americans at Crazy Horse, explore the Wild West in Deadwood, and tuck into a traditional chuck wagon dinner. (If you love a good western, you’re in the right place!)

Learn more about our America’s Cowboy Country tour.

Utah’s Mighty Five and The Rockies

featuring 2 days onboard Rocky Mountaineer

For this trek across the Southwest, think canyons and red rock formations paired with a luxurious train journey.

The adventure begins with a two-day train journey from Denver into Utah aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, where the train experience itself is just as memorable as the views. Rugged canyons, vast valleys, and stunning mountain scenes roll past your window as you glide through untamed wilderness aboard a train built for world-class sightseeing and comfort.

After experiencing the Rocky Mountaineer, set your sights on the expansive canyons and gravity-defying formations of Utah’s five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Then, spend one final night in Vegas — your convenient gateway home and a dazzling finale that swaps red rock serenity for neon sparkle.

Learn more about our Utah’s Mighty Five tour.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

featuring San Diego and California’s Central Coast

For a taste of the sunny California coast and natural marvels, try the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks tour.

A majority of your adventure is spent enjoying southern and central California’s seaside gems and cultural meccas. Cruise along San Diego’s harbor, taste your way through seaside Carlsbad on a walking tour, and savor the region’s wine legacy with a wine tasting and vineyard lunch in Paso Robles. Stay two nights in Pismo Beach, and glimpse the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles.

Beyond the cityscapes, spend one wonder-filled day taking in the soaring giants of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks — home to some of the largest trees in the world. It’s a little bit of untamed wilderness mixed with coastal charm and quintessential California cities.

Learn more about our Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks tour.

The Colorado Rockies

featuring National Parks and Historic Trains

“Colorado” is a name synonymous with towering peaks, dramatic landscapes, and the bold spirit that helped shape the American West. It’s a place worthy of exploration all on its own, and if it’s been on your bucket-list, you can fully embrace it with this nine-day tour.

Three national parks, two historic trains, and the backdrop of the Rockies showcase some of the very best Colorado has to offer. Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain, and Gunnison National Parks offer a diverse display of raw natural beauty. Trips along the Pike’s Peak Cog railway and aboard an 1881 coal-fired locomotive carry the whispers of the region’s gold rush era. And there are opportunities to glimpse the Colorado lifestyle, too — like during a farm-to-table dinner on a family-owned ranch and two nights in the cowboy town of Durango.

Learn more about The Colorado Rockies tour.

Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country

featuring Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks

If your ideal getaway involves rugged wilderness, open skies, mountain air, and a more active adventure, consider Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country, a small group tour.

Immerse yourself in Montana’s breathtaking landscapes, starting with Yellowstone National Park. Explore both the Northern and Southern Loops, where geysers like Old Faithful erupt and Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon showcases dramatic waterfalls and deep canyons.

Journey through the sweeping vistas of Paradise Valley, and cruise along the Missouri River through the legendary Gates of the Mountains, once navigated by Lewis and Clark. Glacier National Park marks your second national park of the tour, before you spend two nights in Whitefish, ranked high among America’s prettiest towns. Mixed in with all that mountain scenery is an authentic glimpse of Native American traditions at the Flathead Reservation, where you’ll meet a descendant of the last Kootenai chief.

Learn more about our Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country tour.

Bluegrass Country & The Smoky Mountains

featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville

Maybe you’re craving something a little different from the canyons and peaks of the American West, or maybe you’re drawn to rolling pastures, southern hospitality, and the misty allure of the Great Smoky Mountains. Either way, this 9-day, moderate-level tour offers a delightful option.

Get a taste of bourbon, baseball, and thoroughbreds in Kentucky, featuring stops at Churchill Downs — the mecca of horse racing — Buffalo Trace Bourbon distillery, and more. Meanwhile, time in Asheville North Carolina brings a chance to explore the decadent grandeur of George Biltmore’s “little mountain escape,” the Biltmore Estate.

Tucked into these experiences is a day spent exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country’s most visited national park. And that comes after seeing another protected landscape — Daniel Boone National Forest — when you drive through it on the way to Gatlinburg.

Learn more about our Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains tour.

Experience America’s Landscapes on a Guided National Parks Tour

Ready to embrace the untamed landscapes of America’s national parks? From cowboy country to the Smoky Mountains, each journey offers a new perspective on the country’s most breathtaking destinations. And as America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, there’s no better time to experience all that’s waiting across the country.

To reserve your trip, contact us or ask your travel advisor for Collette. Or, for more ways to experience the country, browse Collette’s 40+ expertly planned, expertly lead tours across the United States.

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