With 59 national parks to explore, the United States is an ideal destination to reconnect with nature and the great outdoors.
Whether it’s the wildlife encounters, the towering rock formations, gushing geysers, verdant forests or creeping glaciers, the attractions to be found in the US national parks are diverse and extraordinary.
It’s difficult to imagine that just a little more than a century ago, there were no officially designated, preserved wilderness areas in the US.
Naturalist John Muir, an author and passionate environmentalist, worked tirelessly for the preservation of conservation of native habitats and is widely credited as the grandfather of conservation. In 1890, Muir led the charge to declare one of the country’s first protected parks – Yosemite.
The first US National Park was established in 1872 at Yellowstone.
As Muir wrote: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
You can explore these abundant lands and some of the hundreds of nationally protected landmarks on one of these fascinating Collette tours.
America’s National Parks with Denver – 14 days
Covering six national parks, across five states, this 14-day tour starts in Phoenix, Arizona, ending in the mountain high city of Denver, Colorado. Travel through the famous Grand Canyon, staying in an historic log cabin on the edge of the North Rim.
Other highlights include a breakfast cruise on Lake Powell; marvel at the size and colours of Zion’s cliffs; walk through the tall forests of Yellowstone; drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and the great Sioux Nations Territory; visit Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument; and complete your national parks adventure with a stay in Denver, with a visit to Rocky Mountains National Park.
National Parks visited:
- Grand Canyon
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Starts: Scottsdale, Arizona
Ends: Denver, Colorado
Days: 14
Meals included: 20
Priced from: $5,929
The Colorado Mountains + Historic Trains – 9 days
Journey through the Old West as you visit four national parks, spread over two states. Travel through the magnificent Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and experience the world’s highest cog railway as you ascend to the top of Pike’s Peak.
Climb aboard a steam train from 1881 to journey through the San Juan Mountain range, before choosing between a drive through the ancient culture of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde National Park, or joining a National Park Ranger on a short hike down the canyon into one of the cliff dwellings. Soak up cowboy country as you travel through canyons, Old West towns and dynamic cities.
National Parks visited:
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Arches national park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Starts: Denver, Colorado
Ends: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Days: 9
Meals included: 12
Priced from: $3,499
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Canyon Country – 8 days
Called canyon country for a reason, this journey takes you through three of America’s most popular parks with their unique topography and vistas – Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.
Spend a night on the magnificent South Rim of the Grand Canyon; explore Lake Powell by boat; travel through Kaibab National Forest; choose from either a narrated ride through the stark beauty of Monument Valley, or a cruise through the canyons for a different perspective on the spectacular scenery. Your journey ends under the neon-lights of Las Vegas.
National Parks visited:
- Grand Canyon
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
Starts: Scottsdale, Arizona
Ends: Las Vegas, Nevada
Days: 8-9
Meals included: 10-11
Priced from: $3,319
Winter in Yellowstone – 7 days
Yellowstone may not be your first thought during winter, but this winter wonderland puts on the charm. Escape the crowds of the peak summer season on this small-group tour and get up close and personal with wildlife and incredible park scenery.
Embark on a delightful sleigh ride to the National Elk Refuge to view hundreds of elk in their natural habitat; board a snowcoach for stunning off-the-track viewing; take a walking tour to learn about Old Faithful geyser; travel through Lamar Valley; and marvel at the picturesque Caribou Targhee National Forest, with stunning views of the Grand Tetons.
National Parks visited:
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
Starts: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Ends: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Days: 7
Meals included: 11
Priced from: $4,549
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