National Park Tours

WHY A NATIONAL PARK HIKING VACATION?

Some of the most famous destinations in North America are national parks. Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Great Smoky Mountains…the list goes on. The National Park Service has a unique mission when contrasted with other federal land management agencies like the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and others. The National Park Service is directed to preserve “unimpaired” the natural and cultural resources in the park boundaries “for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” What this means is these amazingly unique, beautiful, wild places are preserved with the highest possible integrity. Exploring our national parks is often like stepping back in history, looking at what America looked like in the 18th or 17th centuries. What an incredible opportunity!

SHOULD I GO ON A GUIDED TOUR?

Many people choose to hike national parks on their own, and many choose to go with national park hiking companies like Wildland Trekking. Some of the benefits of going on a guided tour are:

• See the very best of the national park(s) you’re visiting. With itineraries hand-picked by local experts, guided tours allow you to focus in on the must-see hiking trails, natural features, wildlife areas…etc. and maximize your vacation time.
• Guides help national parks come to life through natural and cultural history interpretation, stories, fascinating tidbits, and their passion for the local area. This level of enjoyment is difficult to emulate on your own.
• Enjoy an increased level of safety. Many of America’s national parks are quite dangerous, with hundreds of rescues annually, and even quite a few deaths. Grand Canyon’s mostly waterless desert environment, Yellowstone’s grizzly bears, Yosemite’s cliffs and deep backcountry…etc. Going with a local, professional guide and the company of a group dramatically increases the safety of your expedition.
• Plan stress free, travel light. Without having to worry about lodging, transportation, permits, meals, gear, daily plans…etc. for most of the trip (only the night before your trip begins), the planning is wonderfully simple! And the traveling? Equally so. We supply almost everything so you don’t have to travel with loads of gear and supplies.

WHAT TYPE OF TRIP SHOULD I JOIN?

We offer national park backpacking trips, inn-based tours, camping-based tours (“basecamp Tours”), llama treks (and other stock-supported treks), portered treks, and day hikes. If you’re looking for a backcountry experience where you leave the roads behind and venture far into the wilderness, then look to the backpacking trips, llama treks, and portered treks to be the best options. If you’d like an outdoor experience, but with showers, elaborate meals, more comfortable accommodations…etc. then a basecamp tour is a perfect option. If you want to get great hikes in, explore the best trails of your chosen park, and live it up at night with cozy lodge accommodations and restaurant meals, then our inn-based tours are the way to go. You can always contact us with any questions!