From Mount Rushmore to Old Faithful and the Snake River, see the best of the American West’s magnificent national parks. Trace the legends, visit popular monuments, and delve into untold histories along the way. Traverse the beautiful vistas of South Dakota and Wyoming in style and comfort.
Indulge in the geological phenomena of hot springs in South Dakota. Journey through Badlands National Park, known as nature’s surreal masterpiece, where impressive herds of bison roam and dazzling, dramatic pinnacles rise over the largest undisturbed mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Wonderfully historic hotels and lodges are a highlight of this program, including landmark lodging within the national parks themselves.
Program Highlights:
- Experience the diverse wonders of our national parks accompanied by an Orbridge Expedition Leader.
- Stay overnight in landmark lodges that are national treasures themselves.
- Enjoy a Jeep safari tour at Custer State Park—a wildlife reserve with scenic lakes, dramatic granite spires, and lush grasslands where bison herds roam.
- Visit the world’s largest mammoth site, where scientists are excavating remains of Columbian and woolly mammoths from 26,000 years ago.
- Marvel at the grandeur of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
- See the dramatic effects of Yellowstone’s volcanically-active caldera and visit otherworldly geothermal sites, including Old Faithful Geyser.
- Explore Grand Teton National Park—host to flora and fauna that date back to prehistoric times.
Day 1: Arrive in Rapid City, South Dakota
Day 2: Badlands National Park/Custer State Park
Day 3: Mammoth site/Crazy Horse Memorial
Day 4: Mount Rushmore/Spearfish Canyon
Day 5: Spearfish Canyon/Cody, WY
Day 6: Yellowstone National Park
Day 7: Yellowstone National Park
Day 8: Yellowstone National Park/Grand Teton National Park/Jackson, WY
Day 9: Depart from Jackson, WY
Optional Post-Tour: Jackson Hole
**Program itinerary and pricing subject to change until final publication of brochure**
Moderate
The majority of the program’s activities will take place outdoors and a fair amount of walking on varying terrain is to be expected. Many of the parks have dirt trails, but they are usually fairly smooth for walking. Some do have paved pathways and boardwalks. It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, get in and out of a motor coach, and walk up a flight of stairs without assistance. Also keep in mind that you will experience varying altitudes, rising up to 9,000 feet, to which you may not be accustomed.
Faculty
