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Explore the Black Hills above and below ground from Jewel Cave to Cathedral Spires
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Witness monumental artistry and reverence in the chiseled faces of Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore
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Step into the wild rock formations and eerie mystery of stunning Badlands National Park
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            [Description] => sunset
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            [Description] => bison
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            [Description] => big horn
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Alisa L.

Growing up in Montana and New Mexico instilled an early love of the outdoors in Alisa. Following her childhood dreams, she spent nine adventurous summers working in and exploring magnificent Glacier National Park. Her winters were dedicated to skiing in Big Sky, Montana, and in between she explored other outdoor adventures around the country. While rafting the Grand Canyon in 2016, she realized she wanted to become a guide and has since led river and hiking trips in 14 national parks. She lives the life she loves and loves the life she lives, as the saying goes!

Stephen S.

Making his home in Greater Yellowstone, Stephen takes advantage of exploring the region year-round. He has a wealth of experience leading hiking and multisport adventures in national parks around the country. When he’s not guiding, he revels in the diverse beauty of the landscapes around him, roaming along winding rivers and tackling mountain slopes. He is excited to share his love of the outdoors with you.

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                    [Headline] => Welcome to Badlands National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2-3 miles/1.5 hours hiking with 197\' elevation gain and loss
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Meet in the lobby of your host hotel in Rapid City for a quick orientation before setting out for Badlands National Park. Make a short stop enroute at the famous roadside attraction, Wall Drug; after all, no South Dakota Road trip would be complete without it! After a quick cup of their famous 5-cent coffee, head for Sage Creek Rim Road. Winding its way through the park, this scenic road provides incredible views and the occasional (and welcomed) roadblock known as a “bison jam.” Your mellow hike today allows you to truly immerse yourself in this remarkable landscape while doing a little exploration on the Badlands\' colorful bedrock. Late this afternoon, tour the park\'s impressive visitor center before arriving at the historic and quaint Cedar Pass Lodge, the only lodge inside the park. Have dinner at the lodge\'s restaurant before settling into your private cabin for the night.
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                    [Latitude] => 44.079
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                    [Headline] => Hike in the Badlands & Travel to the Black Hills
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Rise early this morning and enjoy the sunrise over the badlands from the inviting, handcrafted pine chairs on your patio. Today you\'ll hike the winding point to point Castle Trail through an alien landscape full of intriguing geology and vast prairie lands with opportunities to see bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. After this hike, say goodbye to Badlands National Park and head over to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, a unique relic of the Cold War where the peaceful prairie seems at odds with the devastating power it once held. This afternoon, travel west toward the lush forests and jagged granite peaks of the Black Hills. Spend your remaining nights in private, rustic cabins in the charming town of Custer.
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                    [Latitude] => 43.764
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                    [Headline] => Explore Jewel Cave & Visit Awe-inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial
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Today you\'ll explore one of the largest caves in the world at Jewel Cave National Monument. Inside the cavern, follow a mile-long paved path surrounded by sparkling calcite crystals, dripping stalactites and stalagmites, and glossy flowstone. After your cave exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your guide, then hike the monument\'s only above-ground trail through canyons and meadows. Late this afternoon, visit the unfinished, incredible, Crazy Horse Memorial. Once completed, this imposing stone carving of the famous Lakota leader will be over three times the size of Mount Rushmore. Tour the extensive museum and take a rustic bus ride right to the base of the mountain. End your day with dinner in Custer where your guide shares what exciting adventures await you tomorrow.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 1-hour private van transfer
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                    [Headline] => Hike to Cathedral Spires & Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
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Today’s hike takes you to the arresting Cathedral Spires, striking granite pinnacles named for their resemblance to the organ pipes in a cathedral. These unique rock formations were chosen as the original canvas for Mount Rushmore, but it was quickly discovered the rock was too thin to support the massive edifice that sculptor Gutzon Borglum envisioned. This afternoon, you’ll soak in the incredible views on the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway as you make your way to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Delight in different views of this national treasure as you follow the Presidential Trail, stopping at the Sculptor’s Studio along the way. Enjoy a final, celebratory dinner together in Custer this evening.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Wind Cave & Mammoth Site
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This morning, you\'ll explore another mysterious underground labyrinth. The shimmering calcite crystals of Jewel Cave are replaced with the extremely rare, delicate boxwork formations found in Wind Cave. Before your ranger-led cave tour, hike a short trail to appreciate the magic above ground in the vast mixed-grass prairie. After your illuminative cave walk, enjoy a final meal together while you discuss all the intriguing and distinct differences between these two caves. For your last adventure, explore a different kind of underground treasure, the Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site that has uncovered the remains of more than 60 mammoths. This afternoon, return to your host hotel in Rapid City, recounting all the incredible things you\'ve done and seen the past several days.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Participants should have experience hiking and be comfortable hiking 1-6 miles with up to 1,200\' elevation gain/loss each day. The trails in Badlands are mostly dirt & flat with very limited shade. Some trails in the Black Hills are paved while some require navigating uneven terrain that include, rock, dirt, and roots. The Cave tours require comfortably navigating uneven ground and climbing a series of stairs that can be slippery, steep, and dimly lit. Some bending & stooping is required.
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Accommodations

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Stay in one-of-a-kind cabins inside the National Park and bordering the National Forest.

Sylvan Lake Lodge

Comfortable Hotel

Sylvan Lake Lodge, located in Custer State Park, is rich with history and natural beauty. The stone and timber lodge overlooks the sloping hills and breathtaking beauty of Sylvan Lake. The lodge features lodge rooms, comfortable cabins, and private residences. The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner — and features locally sourced ingredients.

Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins

Comfortable Hotel

Located on 10 forested acres that border the National Forest, Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins offers a peaceful location convieintely located near Custer State Park. The comfortable, climate-controlled cabins feature rustic furnishings and plenty of privacy nestled in the pine trees. Many cabins also feature full kitchens and private hot tubs. The property also offers an outdoor pool, hot tub, a picnic area with outdoor grills, a playground, complimentary WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast.

Cedar Pass Lodge

Comfortable Hotel

Experience the unparalleled beauty of Badlands National Park at Cedar Pass Lodge, the park's only in-park accommodation. Stay in one-of-a-kind cabins, locally crafted in 2013, blending original 1928 design elements with modern comforts. Featuring regionally handcrafted lodgepole pine furniture and eco-friendly construction built to Gold Level LEED standards, these cabins offer charm and sustainability. Enjoy amenities like air conditioning, satellite TV, a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and more, ensuring a cozy and convenient retreat amidst nature's splendor.