A Week In South Dakota
Spend one week exploring South Dakota.
Trip Length
7 Days
Intensity
Moderate
Group Size
10 Persons
Trip Dates
July 17 – 22, 2021
August 17 – 22, 2021
September 18 – 23, 2021
Not Included
Gratuity for your guide
Sleeping bag
Included
Medically-trained, naturalist guides
Round-trip transportation
Campsite reservations & fees
Tent & sleeping pad
Whitewater rafting
All meals
Park entry fees
Activities
Camping
Hiking
Whitewater Rafting
Fly Fishing
$
Trip Info
This sample itinerary provides an action-packed week in South Dakota. Every itinerary can be completely customized for your group. We can help you book accommodations, or help you with a self-guided itinerary.
Weather
Yellowstone and Grand Tetons have very extreme weather – in fact, the highest recorded difference in temperature in a 24-hour period was recorded in Montana at over 100 degrees!September can be very comfortable and dry in the day, but get quite cold in the evenings with highs in the 70s and lows in the 30s. It can snow any month of the year and often does!
Intensity – Moderate
Expect to spend up to 6 hours per day walking or hiking (up to 10 miles and 2500ft elevation change) while carrying day packs with water and snacks! Suitable for most fit people with a bit of hiking experience.
Accommodations
- Two nights camping in Grand Teton National Park
- Three nights camping in Yellowstone National Park
Flights
You will be flying into Jackson Hole Airport. You’ll want to pick a flight arrives before 12pm MST on the first day. Alternatively, we can collect you from your accommodation in Jackson at around 11:15am if you’ve arrived early. At the end of your trip, your guide will drop you back at Jackson Hole Airport at 12pm for your travel home (or back at your accommodation in Jackson if you’re staying on.)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Rapid City, SD. After settling into your hotel, you’ll want to take a scenic drive around Custer State Park.
Day 2
Spend the day making a scenic loop of Custer State Park. We’ll begin with Iron Mountain Road, Mount Rushmore, Needles Highway, and Crazy Horse Memorial before heading back to your hotel.
Day 3
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. Striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Today, you’ll meet your guide for a private tour of the park, with plenty of time for hikes along the way.
Day 4
Wind Cave National Park is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world and it is home to formations rarely found elsewhere. Above, bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the prairie grasslands. Arrive early to take a ranger-led tour in the cave! In the evening, you’ll visit Crazy Horse Memorial.
Day 5
Devil’s Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. Today, you’ll make the drive to the National Monument. You’ll want to give yourself time to walk around the megalith, and check out the many cultural events in the park all summer long. On the way back to Deadwood, make a detour through the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway to see the many road-side waterfalls.
Day 6
This morning, you’ll visit Jewel Cave National Monument for a guided tour. In the afternoon, you’ll hit the trails for a guided horseback ride in the Black Hills.
Day 7
After a relaxing morning, it’s time to say goodbye to South Dakota as you head on your way!
Pack List
- Daypack (20+ liters)
- Luggage (Can be left in the van. Limit of one small suitcase per person.)
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants (optional)
- Wool socks
- Breathable wicking layers
- Warm hat & sunhat
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Sandals or camp shoes
- Pack cover
- Sunglasses
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent)
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Travel pillow (optional)
Earplugs - Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, hand gel, sanitary wear, etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L capacity)