Top USA Nature Walks - page 5

Avoid the crowds and explore Sequoia National Park with ease on this small-group tour, which checks off many of the park’s key attractions as well as some hidden gems. Save your feet as you travel between sites in a private vehicle and marvel at the world’s largest trees while somebody else does the driving. This jam-packed sightseeing tour is ideal for first-time visitors.

Marvel at the geothermal landscapes of Yellowstone National Park on this guided 6-mile (9.7-km) hike. While most visitors just stop at Old Faithful, this hike reveals even more of the park's natural wonders, passing hissing geysers and steam vents, and steamy hot springs. Hike for about six hours from the Daisy Geyser Trailhead along the Firehole River, look out for wildlife such as bison and bear, and refuel with a hearty picnic lunch along the way.

Escape the city for an afternoon exploring some of greater Portland's most scenic falls. Travel along the Columbia River Gorge, home to the largest concentration of waterfalls in the country, stopping at the epic Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls. Enjoy panoramic views from the Crown Point Vista House and hear about the local legends and natural history of the area from your guide.

Discover Tongass, the biggest National Forest in the U.S., with the help of a local guide who’s got a wealth of experience hiking in the area and knows the best routes for your group’s skill level. Your guide helps you forage for berries and mushrooms and tells you about what life is like in Sitka. Keep a lookout for bald eagles and, during the right time of year, salmon spawning.

The Valley of Fire sits an hour out of Las Vegas, too far to reach without a car, and easy to rush if you do. Enjoy a full day at the park on this small-group tour, with an easy hike past formations such as Elephant Rock and Fire Canyon, plus time at the ancient petroglyphs. The trip also stops at the Lost City Museum, which covers the area's early Pueblo culture.

Explore the best sights at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without the rush of a group tour with this flexible, self-guided driving tour. See highlights such as Thurston Lava Tube, the Chain of Craters Road, Holei Sea Arch, and more. Virtual tour guide provides hours of audio commentary that give background insights, interesting stories and legends, and even local music, along with turn-by-turn directions and maps.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Arizona's Upper Antelope Canyon on a guided tour. Walk through the canyon’s vibrant red rock formations and marvel at the famous sunlight beams, while learning about how the sandstone walls were sculpted by water and wind. Avoid waiting in long ticket lines by pre-booking your visit to this sought-after, photogenic location.

Antelope Canyon lies in Arizona on Navajo sacred land, which means you can say goodbye to visiting the area without a Navajo guide. This Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona takes you to both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, two of the most desired areas for snapping photos. Plus, this tour includes lunch and round-trip transport from Sedona for a stress-free trip.

Reaching Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas on your own takes a long drive, permits, and a required guide—a lot to arrange for a day out. Let a guided tour handle the logistics, traveling round-trip from your Las Vegas hotel into Arizona to explore the slot canyon with a Navajo guide. The day also takes in Horseshoe Bend, with a hike to the viewpoint over the Colorado River and a stop for views of Lake Powell.

Venture beyond Maui’s beaches and discover a quieter side of the island on a guided rainforest hike through King's Gardens. Explore waterfalls, native plants, and ancient sites while learning about the area's natural and cultural heritage. A hands-on chocolate experience adds another layer to the day, blending outdoor adventure with local flavors.

See San Francisco from a whole new perspective with a unique blend of open-air sightseeing and a visit to one of its most legendary landmarks. The Lombard Leap + Alcatraz Tour begins with a fully guided open-air 90 Min city tour, offering unobstructed views of the city’s neighborhoods, hills, and famous streets. Cruise through areas like North Beach, Chinatown, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill while passing filming locations from Bullitt, The Rock, and Mrs. Doubtfire. Enjoy the thrill of descending Lombard Street and stop for photos at Coit Tower, the Palace of Fine Arts, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. After the city tour, board the official ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the former prison at your own pace using the included award-winning audio tour. This experience combines iconic sights, movie history, and legendary stories into one unforgettable day.

Get out of the big city and explore the stunning beaches and beautiful towns along Oregon’s northern coast on this full-day, small-group tour from Portland. Visit the charming towns of Manzanita and Cannon Beach—home of the famous Haystack Rock—browse antique shops and art galleries, and stop at several beaches to maximize your time at the Oregon Coast.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which sends lava dripping towards the sea, plus a wealth of photo-worthy natural scenery. On this small-group tour of the national park, hear the legends of Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess, climb to the rim of Kilauea volcano, and spot many of the region's other top sights. Round-trip transit from coastal Hilo makes getting there easy.

Get an insider's take on Sin City on this walking tour that reveals both the glitz and the underbelly of the Las Vegas Strip. From the Bellagio Fountains and Venetian canals to a barbershop speakeasy, sky ceilings, and a secret pizza shop, find out where all the best spots are and get tips on dining, drinking, and saving time and money from a Las Vegas local.

Experience some of the Big Island’s top attractions during this day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the sights around Hilo. Learn all about volcanoes as you marvel at Halema'uma'u crater and explore the massive Kilauea Volcano. Visit Rainbow Falls around the town of Hilo and stop to indulge in local chocolates and fresh island coffee. Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour.

Experience panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline as you embark on a 3.5 mile (5.6 km) hike to one of the highest peaks in Griffith Park. Follow your expert guide as they share captivating tales of Hollywood history. Snap some shots of the iconic Hollywood Sign before finishing your tour at the world-famous, iconic Griffith Observatory.

Some of Alaska's most beautiful landscapes lie right on Anchorage's doorstep, but many visitors miss out due to transportation concerns. This guided tour departs from downtown Anchorage and takes you to Chugach State Park for a walk in nature. You'll see Barbara Falls, cross South Fork Eagle River and learn about plants and animals along the way.

Explore beyond Fairbanks city limits—and enjoy an exciting but relaxing array of activities at the Chena Hot Springs Resort—on this small-group tour. Admire ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum, unwind in the resort’s hot mineral springs, and upgrade to enjoy drinks or a meal on site. If the conditions are right, you can then cap off the experience with a northern lights viewing before returning to your hotel.

Immerse yourself in the nature of the Big Island and prepare to get wet on this full-day small-group waterfall adventure tour of the Kohala coast. Drive up the Kona coast past lava flows, and take in sweeping views along the way. Then, enjoy a guided hike through a private nature reserve, admire the several waterfalls, and cool off with a dip under the final cascade, with a picnic lunch included.

Experience a different kind of thrill in Las Vegas with go-kart racing on an outdoor racetrack. Get behind the wheel of a go-kart that sports a powerful 270cc 4-stroke engine after receiving instruction on technique and safety briefing on the racetrack. Check your recorded speed after you complete your laps.

Discover the beautiful scenery of Alaska's North Anchorage area during this helicopter and dogsled tour. Soar over the Church Range and Knik Glacier in a helicopter as you make your way to the Troublesome Glacier. Here, a team of sled dogs is waiting to transport you across the glacier for a true Alaskan experience. Keep an eye out for native animals such as moose and mountain goats throughout your tour.

Sedona is a huge travelers’ pick, usually for its stunning red-rock canyons, but this Arizona desert town also holds a sacred side some overlook. This Sedona Vortex and Chakra Tour lets you experience that version of Sedona by taking you to Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park to learn about many healings that have happened there. Plus, you’ll also get a chakra reading done to hear about your potential future.

Become a star explorer and discover the mysteries of the universe through a powerful, computerized, GPS telescope capable of seeing into the craters of the moon. See the clouds of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and hundreds of newborn baby star clusters up close and in color. The evening show, hosted by a NASA ambassador and astronomer, combines Polynesian star navigation with the latest NASA discoveries.

Go on an outdoor adventure in Alaska with this small-group helicopter tour with glacier landing. Take off on a scenic flight and admire views of the Knik River on the way to the Knik Glacier. Land directly on or near the glacier (depending on the season) and set out on a guided glacier or ice formation hike before the return flight. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as moose, bears, and mountain goats.