Kick off 2024 with a hiking adventure to southern New Mexico to experience the National Parks and Monuments of "The Land of Enchantment." Beginning at one of our first pieces of public land, hike to the 700-year-old, mysteriously abandoned homes of the Mogollon culture in Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Next, we'll explore the expansive, seemingly endless gypsum sand dunes of White Sands National Park. Finally, we will head underground to discover one of the most astonishing cave systems in the world, Carlsbad Caverns National Park. After days on the trails, we can turn our eyes to the sky and marvel at some of the finest darks skies in the country during a new moon. Become a safer, more mindful user of public lands as we hike up to six miles a day. Class: Dec. 13 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Field Study: Jan. 7 to 13. Fee: $1,795 (includes air/ground transportation, hotel accommodations, park fees and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1803 FS030.
Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of Yellowstone National Park away from the summer crowds! Spend your days snowshoeing among the seemingly endless snowy landscapes, marveling at geological wonders and incomparable wildlife. Explore the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, the world-renowned Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin, and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Return each evening to the comforts of a hot meal, warm bed and shower. Participants will also have the option to try cross country skiing during some of the outings. This experience is ideal for beginner and intermediate snowshoers. Classes: Jan. 17 and March 11 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Field Study: Feb. 11 to 17. Fee: $3,285 (includes air/land transportation, in park snow coach transportation, equipment, park fees, hotel lodging, and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1814 FS040.
Located on the continent of Oceania and on the cusp of the International Date Line, the protected volcanic mountains, rain forests, beaches and coral reefs of the National Park of American Samoa are a world away from our other parks. Join us on this Polynesian hiking adventure where we will immerse ourselves in the Samoan culture, stargaze under a brilliant southern hemisphere Milky Way, and explore this isolated territory of the United States visited by few. Along the way to the south pacific, participants will also get the opportunity to hike among the steep valleys and sandy beaches of O’ahu, Hawaii. Become a safer, more mindful hiker as we travel up to eight miles a day over mountainous terrain. Class: April 3 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Field Study: April 29 to May 8. Fee: $4,884 (includes air/ground transportation, hotel accommodations, all park entrance fees, and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1803 FS043.
Join us as we embark on a multi-day cycling adventure through central Europe! After two days exploring Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and a UNESCO World Heritage City, we will ride north along the Vltava and Elbe Rivers, passing age-old castles, meandering river landscapes, and charming villages along the way. As we approach the German border, we'll hike among the sandstone cliffs of Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park, home to Pravcicka Gate, the biggest natural rock bridge in Europe. Our 150-mile ride will conclude in Germany as we pass through the Dresden Valley to Dresden, where two days of exploration will reveal a city rich in history. Expect to ride between 15 and 42 miles a day along mostly flat terrain, primarily on dedicated bike trails. Classes: April 24 and July 1 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: May 30 to June 8. Fee: $3,690 (includes air/ground transportation, hotel lodging, luggage transport between hotels, bike rentals, attraction admissions and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1804 FS070.
Alaska is the land of extremes. From whale-rich waters adorned with fjords and tidewater glaciers, to the vast arctic, home of the Iñupiat, massive caribou herds and seemingly endless wilderness. Experience the best of both worlds as we explore two very different parts of our 49th state. Beginning in Anchorage, we'll head south to Kenai Fjords National Park where rivers of ice descend from the mountains to the ocean below. Here we will hike through the temperate rainforests, and travel waters known for their incredible natural beauty and biodiversity. Next, we will travel north, beyond the Arctic Circle to Kotzebue, home to one of the largest populations of Alaska Native peoples in the state. After a visit to the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center, we'll take to the skies in bush planes for Kobuk Valley National Park where we will be dropped off for a two-night camping adventure among the tundra, dune fields, and midnight sun in one of the most remote places on Earth. Become a more mindful user of public lands and hike between four and eight miles a day. Class: June 26 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: July 13 to 22. Fee: $5,395 (includes air/water/ground transportation, hotel accommodations, two nights camping, equipment, some meals, and entry/activity fees). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1813 FS065.
Nestled high within the Arctic Circle, where soaring granite peaks dive dramatically into the crystalline waters of the Norwegian Sea, are the coastal islands of Senja, Vesterålen and the magnificent Lofoten archipelago. Join us as we travel from Tromsø to Svolvær, and trek some of the finest European trails, among serene fjords, rugged coastlines, sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages. Evenings will bring opportunities to immerse ourselves in Nordic culture and cuisine, and a chance to see the aurora borealis dance above as the long arctic summer days begin to fade. Become a stronger, more mindful hiker as we travel between six and 10 miles a day over a variety of terrain. Class: July 24 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Aug. 21 to 31. Fee: $4,497 (includes air/ground transportation, ferries, hotel lodging, park/attraction admissions, and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu or Rodney Buck, email: buckr@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1803 FS027.
With an impressive network of well-maintained trails that wind through lush forests, up towering mountains, and along scenic coastal cliffs, the small subtropical island of Taiwan has much to offer. From the vibrant capital Taipei, we'll head to Taroko National Park where the namesake Taroko Gorge is situated amongst stunning cliffs, roaring rapids and waterfalls. Here we will hike the famous Zhuilu Historic Trail and explore other park areas including The Tunnel of Nine Turns. Next, we will travel towards the central mountain region and climb up Hehuanshan, one of the prominent and more accessible baiyue, or "100 peaks". Continuing to scenic Sun Moon Lake, we will embark on a cycling adventure and experience the local indigenous culture of the Thao tribe. Our next stop brings us to the majestic Yushan (Jade Mountain), home to Taiwan’s highest peaks. We will spend a night at a popular mountain lodge with an option to summit Yushan's main peak at dawn. Our hiking experience continues in the lush and often misty trails of Alishan National Forest where we will trek along an old rail-to-trail system called the Mian Yue Line. Our journey concludes with a stop at the historic Fenqihu Mountain Village before returning to Taipei. Become a stronger more mindful hiker as we travel up to eight miles a day over mountainous terrain. Classes: Aug. 28 and Oct. 28 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Sept. 24 to Oct. 3. Fee: $4,997 (includes air and private ground transportation, accommodations, one night sleeping bag accommodation at Paiyun Mountain Lodge, bilingual guides, permits, park/attraction admission and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1803 FS012.