US National Park Summer Trip
 

My husband and I are planning to take a tour of the US National Parks
summer 2008. Anyone recommend a tour bus company.

All the parks? There are quite a few. :-) Or are you planning to concentrate on a specfic area of the country?

Lee Ann

My mother took a Globus tour several years ago that covered Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon and then went someplace else - don't remember but it took an entire day of driving to get there. She enjoyed it, but reported they spent most of each day on the bus. (She is 80)

I looked into tours a couple years ago and didn't like any of the itineraries I saw - they all covered way too much ground in a short amount of time for my tastes. Too much time on the bus travelling from park to park, not enough time in the parks. My husband and I decided we would just see the parks on our own - see fewer parks each trip, but spend more time in each park.

I'm in my mid-60s and never considered a bus tour.

Last June I went to Bryce Canyon, Zion, GC and Sedona.
I planned it myself and drove it.

While in Bryce I saw bus tours arrive and leave.

Essentially they arrive, bring your luggage to your room, drive you to the lookout points and let you walk along the rim for a while.

Anybody who goes to Bryce and does not hike down into the Canyon (assuming you are physically able) is doing themselves a disservice.

Absolutely no comparison.

I saw people a lot older than me and is much worse physical condition hiking/walking down Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden.

Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon are an easy drive from Las Vegas. They are truly spectacular.

You should have no problem going on your own.

You didn't say if you had a specific area in mind. Were you thinking of Yellowstone and Tetons. Or Bryce Zion area. My answer would be based on which area you would like to see and how much time you have.
I have done many of the parks and always on my own. I think if it is a possibility to do it on your own this would be the best way because you have more time to enjoy the parks. But bus tours also have an advantage too. I would be glad to answer any questions.

Thanks for responding. We are thinking of Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, & Mt Rushmore. We live in Florida and haven't driven on anything but flat ground in 30 years. Last year we went to Yosemite and my son drove, my husband was very happy not to drive. So we are reluctant to take the trip by ourselves. I certainly do agree that being on your own time is better.

I've also lived in Florida for the past 15 years.

Driving from Las Vegas thru Zion and to Bryce Canyon was very tame. A few swithbacks but nothing steep, at the edge or scary.

My only advice, and this would be for anyone, is when driving or hiking, stop if you want to spin your head and take in the scenery.

You posted this before. It isn't usually necessary to start a new thread, you can just top your other one. But this is just FYI for future posting since this one now has more answers than your first one.

To find all your posts, click on your name.

Having traveled extensively in both areas, I would definitely do Yellowstone/Tetons in the summer--Zion is HOT. YOu might want to consider flying into Salt Lake City and then maybe into Jackson. It is a 6 hour drive to Jackson or West Yellowstone from SLC. The weather will be fine so driving will be fine--if you go up to West Yellowstone it is very easy. Going over the Teton Pass is not something for the faint of heart! Once you are there, you can do a bus tour with the parks concessions if you want to. These are good parks to drive through--lots to stop and look at. The Tetons is really a straight shot down the road--I guess I would not waste money on a bus tour for that. YOu have to drive the exact same route to go to Jackson anyway (and Jackson is a fun town). I worked at Yellowstone and those bus tour folks always looked exhausted from being cooped up for so long. Being able to stop and stretch on your own schedule is a definite advantage. If you want to stay in the park (which is a great idea in Yellowstone, not really necessary in the Tetons--just stay in Jackson) be sure to make reservations far in advance. Places fill up months ahead. While the Old Faithful Inn is rustic, it is an amazing place to stay. The Inn at the Lake is nice and the Canyon Lodge is more modern.

I've dealt with many organized tour companies on "the other side of the counter" (tours, hotels at Grand Canyon, Lake Powell) over the years and can tell you that Tauck and Cosmos/Globus are probably the two best. Tauck's packages include everything, meals, drinks, day tours, etc. Cosmos/Globus have you do your meals on your own. Both offer packages to Wyoming and other locales in the Southwest.