National Parks & Lodges of the Old West

Day 1: Rapid City
Arrive in Rapid City and transfer to your hotel. Meet your Orbridge Expedition Leader and traveling companions for a welcome drink and expedition briefing.

Day 2: Rapid City, South Dakota / Badlands National Park / Custer State Park State Game Lodge
Following breakfast, head to Badlands National Park, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Later in the afternoon, travel into the back country and enjoy a Buffalo Safari and Chuck Wagon Cookout. (B,D)

Day 3: Custer State Park
This morning, travel to Hot Springs to visit the world’s largest mammoth dig site and work-in-progress Crazy Horse Memorial. After a short tour, stroll the sidewalks of the dig area and see the paleontology laboratory. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy in Custer State Park. (B,D)

Day 4: Custer State Park / Deadwood / Spearfish Canyon
Today visit one of the world’s largest stone monuments, the iconic Mount Rushmore. Continue on a guided tour of the Old West town of Deadwood. Spend the night deep in the heart of one of the most breathtakingly beautiful canyons in the world. (B,D)

Day 5: U-Cross Ranch / Cody
Journey through scenic Spearfish Canyon and across the grassy plains of Wyoming. Enjoy lunch at an authentic Western Ranch. Cross the Bighorn Mountains to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West town of Cody, Wyoming. (B,L)

Day 6: Cody / Yellowstone National Park / Mammoth Hot Springs
Visit Buffalo Bill Historical Center for a step into the West’s rich past, including Western and Native American history, the life of W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Yellowstone, and old firearms. Continuing on and pass through Shoshone National Forest to Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. Watch in awe as Old Faithful Geyser erupts between heights of 106 to 185 feet. Take a guided walking tour of Fountain Pain Pots Nature Trail to witness all four types of geothermal features found throughout the world, including bubbling mud pots. Continue on to Mammoth Hot Springs, where steamy limestone terraces and hot springs overlook the visiting facilities. Perhaps visit the Albright Visitor Center and Museum. (B,D)

Day 8: Yellowstone National Park / Grand Teton National Park / Jackson
Head south this morning through vast unspoiled wilderness to Grand Teton National Park, its jagged mountain peaks forming a perfect backdrop behind Jenny and Jackson Lakes. Continue on to the Western town of Jackson, Wyoming. (B)

Day 9: Jackson
Today is yours to explore on your own. You may choose to wander into Jackson’s lively town square and browse the local art galleries and boutiques or take part in a wide range of optional outdoor activities including horseback riding, flying fishing, or a float trip down the Snake River. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Expedition Leader. (B,D)

Day 10: Jackson
After a leisurely breakfast, your expedition comes to an end with a transfer to Jackson Hole Airport. (B)