The Ultimate National Park Tour Collection

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour

Aloha Shaka Guiders,

If you’ve been following the news about Kīlauea, you may have seen reports of recent volcanic activity inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Here in Hawaiʻi, that’s actually part of what makes this place so extraordinary.

Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, and seeing it in action is something very few places in the world can offer. Volcanic activity is part of the natural rhythm of the island—and when it happens, it reminds us that Hawaiʻi is still being shaped right before our eyes.

The national park remains open, and there is still so much to explore—from massive craters and lava fields to scenic overlooks, rainforest trails, and incredible geological stories. In fact, many visitors find that knowing the volcano is active makes the experience even more powerful.

Like any living landscape, conditions can change from time to time. Park officials monitor activity closely and may temporarily adjust access to certain areas to keep visitors safe. Our Shaka Guide tour is designed to help you make the most of your visit no matter what the volcano is doing that day.

As you explore, we recommend checking the official National Park Service updates and stopping by the Visitor Center (which our tour brings you to). Rangers there always have the latest information and can point you toward the best spots to visit during your trip.

Our writers and producers visit the park themselves to create these tours, and we built this experience so you can explore with confidence, learn the stories behind the landscape, and witness one of the most remarkable places on Earth.

Mahalo for choosing Shaka Guide. We’re honored to be part of your adventure through Hawaiʻi’s volcanic heart.

With aloha from Hawaiʻi,
Amy from Shaka Guide 🌋

Sunrise At Haleakala National Park Tour

Important Notice for Visitors – Haleakalā National Park

A reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. You may book a reservation up to 60 days in advance and 2 days in advance of the start date. 

Both districts of Haleakalā National Park are currently closed for repairs following damage from high winds, flooding, and debris on roadways. For the latest updates on park conditions, please check the Haleakalā National Park Facebook page.



Sunset And Stargazing Haleakala Tour

Important Notice for Visitors – Haleakalā National Park

Both districts of Haleakalā National Park are currently closed for repairs following damage from high winds, flooding, and debris on roadways. For the latest updates on park conditions, please check the Haleakalā National Park Facebook page before your visit.

The Haleakalā Visitor Center is also temporarily closed from February 19 – April 10, 2026 for a building improvement project. Sunrise operations will continue as normal and restrooms will remain available during this time.

Zion National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

I've got a quick update about trail access in Zion National Park. Right now, Hidden Canyon and Observation Point remain closed due to ongoing rockfall concerns. As of this writing, there is no confirmed reopening date. 

I know that these hikes can be a high point for a lot of visitors (very literally, with Observation Point, it's the highest elevation viewpoint in the park!). But, for now, the area is just way too unstable. Rockfall is wildly unpredictable, and even small shifts in the landscape can create serious hazards.

That being said, Observation Point itself is still reachable. You can access it from the East Mesa Trailhead, located in East Zion, outside the main canyon. It’s a different hike—quieter, a little longer to get to, and with its own rugged access road—but it brings you up to the same breathtaking overlook above Zion Canyon.

If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend checking the official National Park Service website shortly before your trip--and even during. Snowfall, rockfall, floods...  nearly every week it seems like one trail is closing, while another is reopening.

Conditions are constantly changing, and you'll want to be prepared and flexible enough to change your plans with them. And, trust me, I get it. It’s disappointing when a bucket-list viewpoint isn’t accessible, but safety always comes first. And you never know...a change of itinerary might just introduce you to your new favorite hike.

Thank you for always staying informed and safe. 

Now, go out there and explore some canyons for me!

— Rachel, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer and Zion Enthusiast

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour

Grand Canyon North Rim Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

I wanted to share an important update about the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.

The 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire has impacted parts of the North Rim, and as a result, several trails and facilities are currently closed. Reopenings will occur gradually as conditions improve and park officials determine that areas are safe for visitors. Specific access points may change depending on fire recovery efforts and ongoing assessments.

If you’re planning a visit to the North Rim, I strongly recommend checking the official NPS website shortly before your trip for the most current closure maps and facility updates. Visitor center staff and rangers are also the best source for real-time information once you arrive.

While some areas may be inaccessible for now, other sections of the park may remain open depending on conditions. Flexibility will be especially important as recovery efforts continue. Please follow all posted closures and ranger guidance for your safety.

Thank you for staying informed and for respecting the recovery process in this remarkable landscape.

Safe travels,
— Rachel, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer

Yellowstone National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

Typing through the steam in Yellowstone here.

Quick little update for you: Biscuit Basin has been closed since July 2024 following a hydrothermal explosion in the area. For safety reasons, it remains inaccessible, and unfortunately, there’s still no confirmed reopening date.

But don’t let that un-butter your biscuit. While this basin takes a timeout, there are plenty of other steamy spectacles ready and waiting. Over 10,000, in fact.

Got your heart set on one basin in particular? I'd suggest checking current closures and conditions on the official NPS website. It’s the best way to make sure your must-sees are actually open.

You know, it seems like something is always shaking loose in Yellowstone. Thermal landscapes shift. Water levels rise. Steam vents migrate. In a way, I think that’s part of the charm. Every day—every visit—is just a little bit different.

As always, please stay on designated paths and follow posted safety signs around thermal features. They’re unstable enough without us traipsing all over 'em.

Thanks for checking in and helping protect this wonderfully unpredictable park.

Wishing you a Yellowstone trip that's safe and sure-footed (and just a little shaky beneath the surface).

— Rachel, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer

Yosemite National Park Tour

Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.

Grand Teton National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

I wanted to share a quick update about upcoming road work in Grand Teton National Park.

Road construction scheduled throughout 2026 is expected to affect multiple areas within the park. Visitors may encounter temporary lane closures, reduced speeds, traffic flagging operations, and short delays depending on the location and timing of the work. Specific impacts may vary as projects move through different phases.

If you’re planning a visit, I recommend allowing extra travel time between stops and checking the official NPS website for current road advisories before your trip. Rangers and visitor center staff can also provide helpful updates once you arrive.

While construction may slightly adjust your route or timing, most scenic viewpoints, trailheads, and park highlights are expected to remain accessible. As always, please follow posted signs and traffic guidance through work zones.

Thanks for taking the time to stay informed about the places you explore.

Safe travels,

— Jess, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer

Mount Rainier National Park Tour

As of February 2026, Mount Rainier National Park will not require timed-entry reservations for the 2026 summer season. After pilot programs in 2024 and 2025, the park is dropping the system and will manage peak-season crowds with parking and traffic measures instead.

Shaka Guide Tip: Visit before 7 a.m., after 4 p.m., or on a weekday to avoid the busiest times.

Big Bend National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

I wanted to share a quick update about Big Bend National Park, specifically the Chisos Basin area.

Starting May 1 2026, Chisos Basin will be closed for approximately two years while the park works on two major construction projects in the area. This means that one of the most popular parts of the park, with some of the park's busiest hiking trails, will be inaccessible.

While Chisos Basin is a favorite spot, there is still so much to experience—the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, rugged canyons like Santa Elena and Boquillas canyons, and some of the most remote landscapes in the Lower 48. Many of the park’s highlights will remain open and just as unforgettable.

If you’re planning a visit, I strongly recommend checking the official NPS website leading up to your trip for the most current information. Visitor Centers and rangers are also fantastic resources and can help you make the most of your time in the park.

Thanks so much for traveling with Shaka Guide and for taking the time to understand the places you visit. From a traveler who loves these wild, out-there places, I hope Big Bend leaves you feeling small in the best possible way.

Matt (Big Bend tour writer)

Everglades National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

I wanted to share a quick update about travel conditions near Everglades National Park.

Ongoing construction along the Tamiami Trail (US-41) may cause intermittent lane closures, reduced speeds, and occasional delays. Since this roadway connects major park access points, drive times could be longer than expected depending on traffic and construction schedules.

If you’re planning a visit, I recommend building extra time into your drive and checking real-time traffic conditions before heading out. It’s also helpful to review current entrance hours and any road advisories on the official NPS website prior to your trip.

Our Everglades tour is designed to help you navigate the area with confidence, but a little flexibility in your schedule will go a long way while construction is underway. As always, please follow posted signs and traffic guidance through work zones.

Thanks for taking the time to stay informed about the places you explore.

Safe travels,
— Jess, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer

White Sands National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

I wanted to share a quick heads-up about a minor change at White Sands National Park.

Right now, Dunes Drive is open, but a temporary safety corridor is in effect between mile markers 3 and 5.5. You’re still able to drive through this section as usual—however, stopping, parking, or exiting your vehicle isn’t allowed in this area, which means the Interdune Boardwalk is temporarily closed.

This change is in place for public safety and doesn’t significantly impact the overall White Sands experience. There are still plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and enjoy the dunes outside of the safety corridor.

Matt (White Sands tour writer) 🤍

Olympic National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

We wanted to share a quick update about Olympic National Park, specifically the Lake Quinault portion of our tour.

Right now, South Shore Road at Lake Quinault is closed at mile 8 due to a road washout. Because of this closure, drivers are not able to complete the full loop around Lake Quinault as outlined in the tour.

What does this mean for you?

Not much. You can still take the vast majority of the tour and easily skip this part. This is a spur that makes a loop off the main route and it's one of the less busy spurs at that.

As a reminder, our Olympic tour is kind of an "off-road" adventure and conditions aren't always the same. So we recommend you take the time to check the links above to see what current conditions are.

Happy Driving!🌲
Matt and Andrew (Olympic tour writer and producer) 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Tour

Theodore Roosevelt National Park moves to cashless fee collection

Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.

Mesa Verde National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

I wanted to share an important update about Spruce Tree House in Mesa Verde National Park.

Spruce Tree House remains closed due to structural instability, and a stabilization project is currently underway. For safety reasons, visitors are not permitted to enter the site while preservation work continues. There has not yet been a confirmed reopening timeline.

If you’re planning a visit, I recommend checking the official NPS website before your trip for the latest updates on access and project progress. 

While Spruce Tree House is one of the park’s most well-known dwellings, other remarkable archaeological sites and viewpoints remain accessible. As always, please follow posted closures and staff guidance during your visit.

Thank you for staying informed and for respecting the preservation efforts that help protect these irreplaceable places.

Safe travels,

— Rachel, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer

Great Basin National Park

Hi Shaka Guiders,

A quick note from underground.

Lehman Caves is getting a bit of a spring refresh this year. The National Park Service is doing some behind-the-scenes work down in the depths—and while that’s happening, cave tours will be paused and access to the interior temporarily closed.

On the bright side, when it reopens, we’ll have a safer, de-greenified cave with modern wiring and updated lighting. 

Algae and moss absolutely adored those 1977 bulbs. Caving helmets off to them—they had a long run.

If exploring the cave is high on your list— and, honestly, it should be— tbe sure to check the official NPS website for current tour availability before you go.

Sometimes even a 500-million-year-old cave needs a little maintenance.

Safe travels,

— Rachel, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer

Glacier National Park Tour: North Fork

Hi, Shaka Guiders.

Before you head out toward the North Fork, I want to kind of set the scene for ya. This is one of the most peaceful, wild, and bumpy drives in the park. Long stretches of forest. Very little traffic. A good chance of spotting wildlife if you’re patient and quiet about it. And, I’ve heard tell, even a good chance to see wolves. I had no such luck…unfortunately.

North Fork feels far away—because it is. It’s also remote. Very remote. There’s no reliable cell service out here. If something goes wrong, let’s just say... help is probably not just around the corner.

The road itself is rough in sections. Potholes. Washboards. Loose gravel. It’s recommended to have AWD or 4WD. Flats are common, so be prepared to break out the jack and flex your mechanical skills, if need be.

When I drove it, I didn’t have much trouble. I took it slow, picked my lines carefully, and the drive was smooth enough. I didn’t even have an AWD…just a regular, lil’ ol’ rental sedan. But, as with all these types of places, the weather can change everything.

If you’re comfortable with remote driving, feel confident in your vehicle, and are okay being off-grid for a while, it’s a spectacular experience. The kind of place where you roll the windows down and just listen and decompress.

But if you’re unsure, that’s okay too. Know your limits. Check conditions. And remember— turning around is always an option. After all, we’re here to enjoy the drive, not stress it.

Enjoy your road less traveled,

-Rachel 

Biscayne National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

If you’re planning a visit, I strongly recommend checking the official Biscayne National Park page before your trip for any additional updates on construction timelines or access changes.

Park rangers and visitor center staff are also great resources once you arrive.

Whether you’re exploring under sunny skies or watching the tide lap against the keys, I hope Biscayne gives you a day full of wonder and peaceful moments on the water.

Safe travels,
— Jess, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer

Wind Cave National Park Tour

PLEASE NOTE: This tour does NOT include a guided tour inside Wind Cave. All cave access is by ranger guided tours only and tickets can sell out fast, especially in the busy summer months. Tickets can be reserved ahead of time here. 

Congaree National Park Walking Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

I wanted to share a quick update about the boardwalk at Congaree National Park.

Ongoing boardwalk construction is expected to continue through 2026, and portions of the elevated trail may be closed or rerouted during this time. This will affect parts of the walking tour route that normally follow the main boardwalk loop.

Access can change depending on construction phases and weather conditions, so I strongly recommend checking the official NPS website before your visit.

Rangers at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center can also provide the most up-to-date information on open sections and suggested alternate routes.

Our Shaka Guide walking tour will continue to guide you as clearly as possible, but flexibility may be needed while work is underway. Please follow posted detours and any instructions from park staff to help keep everyone safe.

Congaree’s old-growth forest is worth the walk — even if the route looks a little different for now.

Safe travels,
— Jess, Your Shaka Guide Tour Writer