National Parks & Lodges of the Old West - July 25-August 2, 2025
Join us on an immersive adventure through the heart of America's most captivating landscapes, traversing the wildlife-rich terrain of Custer State Park, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Each engaging day is its own journey, highlighted by exploration of iconic monuments, leisurely hikes, educational discussions and authentic Old West charm.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Experience the diverse wonders of our national parks accompanied by an Orbridge Expedition Leader.
- 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.
ITINERARY:
Friday, July 25: Arrive in Rapid City, SD | Overnight: Hotel Alex Johnson (D)
Saturday, July 26: Rapid City | Badlands National Park | Custer State Park | Overnight: Custer State Game Lodge (B,D)
Sunday, July 27: Mammoth Site | Crazy Horse | Custer | Overnight: Custer State Game Lodge (B,D)
Monday, July 28: Custer | Mount Rushmore | Spearfish Canyon | Overnight: Spearfish Canyon Lodge (B,D)
Tuesday, July 29: Spearfish Canyon | Cody, WY | Overnight: Holiday Inn Cody-At Buffalo Bill Village (B,L)
Wednesday, July 30: Cody | Yellowstone National Park | Overnight: Yellowstone Lodging (B,L,D)
Thursday, July 31: Yellowstone National Park | Overnight: Yellowstone Lodging (B,D)
Friday, August 1: Yellowstone National Park | Grand Teton National Park | Jackson | Overnight: Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole Creekside Resort and Spa (B,D)
Saturday, August 2: Depart Jackson (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
(Itinerary subject to change.)
Optional post-tour to Jackson Hole
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
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 9,033 feet, to which you may not be accustomed.
FACULTY:
Jorden Hayes
Associate Professor of Geosciences
Jorden is a geophysicist who joined Dickinson in 2016 after completing a Ph.D. at the University of Wyoming. She is passionate about understanding the living, breathing skin of Earth known as the “critical zone”. In particular, she is curious about how rock at depth is transformed into a habitable substrate for life at the surface. Her summers are often filled with fieldwork, researching some of the planet’s most spectacular landscapes. Jorden prioritizes student involvement in research and leads NSF-funded efforts to recruit underrepresented groups in the geosciences. Her current projects include the Bedrock Critical Zone Network, GNOMES (Geophysics of the Near-surface: an Outdoor Motivational Experience for Students) and multiple local projects, including work at the Mt. Tabor Cemetery and the Fort Halifax Rediscovery Project.
TOUR PRICING:
Double occupancy $6,195
Single occupancy $7,595
30-day refund guarantee
Reserve by June 28, 2024 to receive a Free Expedition Library
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8 nights in unique accommodations and inspiring landmark lodges
- 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 7 dinners, including special welcome and farewell meals
- Full guiding services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader as well as expert local guides
- All activities as described in the 9-day itinerary
- Admission and park fees
- Private deluxe motor coach with air conditioning and comfortable seating
- Luggage porterage (where available)
- Gratuities to Orbridge Expedition Leader, local guides, drivers, porters, and wait staff for included meals
- Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times
RESERVATIONS:
Orbridge
Online https://orbridge.com/groups/dickinson/united_states/partner_dickinson_national_parks_lodges_2025/reserve
Phone: 866-639-0079
View the Trip Spotlight Webinar recorded on Sept. 6, 2024 to learn more about the trip.