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South Dakota

Hike, Kayak & Ride: Black Hills, Badlands & Mount Rushmore

Program No. 12774RJ

Discover the wildly diverse landscapes in the Black Hills of South Dakota while trekking, riding and kayaking through this unique wilderness that lies in the shadow of Mount Rushmore.

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

7 days

Program Begins

Keystone, South Dakota

Program Concludes

Keystone, South Dakota

Group Type

Small Group

Meals

15 ( 6B, 3L, 6D )

Activity Level

Discover the wildly diverse landscapes in the Black Hills of South Dakota while hiking, biking, riding horseback and kayaking through this unbelievably unique and pristine wilderness. Home to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills offers beauty, solitude and a plethora of activities for those with an adventuresome spirit. Let the great outdoors become your classroom as local experts reveal the wonders of this exquisite island in the plains.

Best of all, you'll...

Hike among ethereal buttes and peaks in Badlands National Park and towering pine trees in the shadow of Mount Rushmore.
Learn about Indigenous history by visiting Crazy Horse Memorial.
Discover Custer State Park, the second-largest State Park in the nation, on foot, on horseback and in the seat of a kayak.

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General Notes

For a less active program in the Black Hills, check out "The Best of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands" (#13160).

John Esposti

John Esposti was born and raised in central New Jersey. He received a degree in education from the University of Idaho and utilized his degree by teaching in Alaska. He met his wife Cindy in Hawaii and returned with her to the Black Hills to operate a family-run travel business. After selling the business, John worked at the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research. John now spends his days with Cindy on a new tourism venture called GeoFunTrek, providing intimate explorations for visitors.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Stephen Yellowhawk

Stephen was born in Eagle Butte, SD on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, and raised in Rapid City, SD by his grandparents. In 2009 Stephen received his bachelor’s in elementary education from Oglala Lakota College. Growing up in his grandparents’ home, he learned from their example how to combine both the Christian and Lakota Traditional value systems. Stephen is the current board president for the Black Hills Powwow Association and is actively pursuing a master’s degree in leadership and management.

Tim Raben

Tim Raben grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, and graduated with a B.A. in history from the University of South Dakota. He has a M.A. degree in liberal arts from North Central College in Illinois. Tim and his wife, Karen, saw much of the country during his career in insurance and as business consultants. Tim is the board chair of the Badlands National Park Conservancy and past chair of the Journey Museum and Mount Rushmore Society.

Activity Level

Outdoor: Spirited

Hiking 2-5 miles over uneven and rocky terrain. Optional one hour horseback trail ride and afternoon lake kayaking; appropriate for beginners. Recreational ½ day bike ride on flat, crushed gravel surface. Elevations of 3,500-6,200 feet.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (7 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.