Step into a world where Europe meets Asia and ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes on our immersive hiking adventure through Turkey. From the bustling bazaars and majestic mosques of Istanbul to the timeless ruins of Ephesus, every step echoes with stories of empires past. Trek a section of the stunning Lycian Way, a coastal trail carved into cliffs above the turquoise Mediterranean and explore the surreal rock formations and hidden cave dwellings of Cappadocia. This journey blends culture, nature, and adventure, offering a one-of-a-kind experience through some of Turkey's most iconic and awe-inspiring regions. Lace up your boots, the past is calling! Become a stronger more mindful hiker as we hike five to eight miles a day over hilly terrain. Class: March 18 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: April 3 to 12. Fee: $3,761 (includes air/land transportation, lodging, entrance/activity fees, and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, email: eggegi@cod.edu or Rodney Buck, email: buckr@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1203 FS035.
Spend four days riding two world-class trails in the Hawkeye State! The 63-mile Wabash Trace is a converted railroad right-of-way that passes through the countryside and small towns of southwest Iowa from the Nebraska border to Missouri. Just north of Des Moines is the High Trestle Trail, a 25-mile path that crosses the Des Moines River on the famed High Trestle Bridge. Learn cycling safety, improve your cycling endurance, and perform basic maintenance as we ride up to 30 miles a day with shorter options available. Participants must provide their own bicycle in good working order. Class: April 29 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: May 14 to17. Fee: $50 (includes transportation, three nights camping, group camping equipment, and all trail permits). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, email: eggegi@cod.edu or Steve Capps, email: cappss118@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1204 FS037.
Journey through the heart of the Austrian Alps on this unforgettable cycling adventure from Innsbruck to Salzburg where we’ll ride along tranquil river trails and scenic back roads, surrounded by towering mountain ranges, charming alpine towns, and world-famous natural landmarks. From the Olympic city of Innsbruck, we'll follow the Inn and Salzach Rivers, traverse the picturesque Zillertal Valley, visit the dramatic Krimml Waterfalls, and ride past lakes, gorges, and traditional Tyrolean villages. With 95% of the route on cycle paths or quiet roads, and a shuttle provided over the single mountain pass, this ride is designed for cyclists who want to experience the beauty of the Alps without intense climbing. Each day offers historic sites, cultural stops, and panoramic views, from glacier-fed valleys to lakeside towns, ending in the baroque splendor of Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and "The Sound of Music." Hone your cycling skills as we ride between 24 and 40 miles a day. Class: April 29 (6 to 7:50 p.m.) Field Study: May 29 to June 7. Fee: $3,994 (includes air/ground transportation, hotel accommodations, some meals, luggage transfers between, and bicycle rental). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1204 FS047.
Pedal your way through three unforgettable days on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, the "Longest Paved Loop Trail in the World!" This 72-mile route through the scenic heart of central Iowa offers smooth pavement, gentle grades, and miles of open countryside perfect for riders of all levels. Each day features 25 to 30 miles of relaxed riding (with shorter options available), giving riders the chance to build endurance, practice safe cycling techniques, and learn basic bike maintenance along the way. Participants must provide their own bicycle in good working order. Class: July 15 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: July 31 to Aug. 2. Fee: $365 (includes ground transportation, SAG support, hotel accommodations, trail passes and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, (630) 942-2787, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1204 FS060.
Lace up your boots and step into some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes Alaska has to offer. In Denali National Park, we'll hike beneath North America's tallest peaks, where sweeping tundra valleys, alpine ridges, and dense boreal forests provide a home for moose, caribou, wolves, bears, and agile Dall sheep. From there, we journey south to Kenai Fjords National Park, where the massive Harding Icefield spills toward the sea in a spectacular meeting of rock, ice, and ocean. Here, we'll trek across glacier-carved terrain, follow rugged coastal trails, and venture onto the water to witness the thunder of calving tidewater glaciers and search for humpback whales, orcas, puffins, and playful sea otters. Along the way, expect to hike five to eight miles a day over moderate terrain, building not only stamina but also a deeper connection with our public lands. Class: June 17 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: July 5 to 12. Fee: $3,270 (includes air/ground/water transportation, lodging, and entrance/activity fees and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1203 FS069.
Discover the wild heart of the Great Plains on an unforgettable journey through the Dakotas' most captivating landscapes. Traverse the painted canyons and fossil beds of Badlands National Park, where layers of rock reveal the stories of ancient mammals. Venture underground in Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, exploring their intricate formations and hidden ecosystems with guidance from expert guides. Finally, we will conclude our adventure amid the sweeping prairies and rugged buttes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs still roam the open range, and reflect on the conservation legacy of the president who found his purpose in these very hills. Experience the intersection of nature, history, and discovery on daily hikes of five to eight miles through the Dakotas' diverse and inspiring terrain. Class: July 29 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Aug. 23 to 29. Fee: $1,972 (includes air/ground transportation, hotel accommodations, park/activity fees and some meals.). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1203 FS005.
Step into the footsteps of the Revolution as we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with an immersive hiking adventure through the landscapes that forged a new nation. Our journey begins along Boston's Freedom Trail, where cobblestone streets and iconic landmarks reveal the sparks of rebellion. From there, the route continues through the rolling fields of Minute Man National Historical Park, retracing the route of the first battles at Lexington and Concord. Heading into the rugged terrain of upstate New York, we'll hike the grounds of Fort Ticonderoga and Saratoga National Historical Park, sites of pivotal victories that turned the tide of war. Moving south, the trail leads to Morristown, then "Crossing the Delaware" to Valley Forge, where the Continental Army's endurance through harsh winters defined the American spirit. The journey will conclude in Philadelphia, where the Second Continental Congress declared independence on July 4, 1776. Through easy to moderate daily hikes of 6 to 8 miles and guided tours, participants will connect physical landscapes with the stories, strategies, and sacrifices that shaped our nation's founding, fostering a deeper appreciation of both American history and the natural environment. Class: Sept. 2 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Sept. 27 to Oct. 3. Fee: $1,776 (includes air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, park entrance/activity fees and some meals). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, email: eggegi@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1203 FS007.
Join us on a dynamic journey through two of Asia's most captivating cities where mountains meet metropolis. Begin in Hong Kong, where forested ridges and dramatic coastlines rise just steps from one of the world's most energetic cities. Embark on iconic hikes, from the rolling ridge views and breezy summits of Dragon's Back to the scenic trails of Lantau Island, home to the giant Tian Tan Buddha and the serene Po Lin Monastery. Between treks, delve into Hong Kong's layered history, exploring traditional markets and British-colonial neighborhoods. The second leg of our journey takes us to Seoul, South Korea, a city where ancient palaces and Buddhist temples coexist with neon-lit innovation hubs. Nestled within the metro area is Bukhansan National Park, an emerald sanctuary of granite peaks, forested valleys, historic fortress walls, and mountain hermitages overlooking the capital. Throughout the adventure, we'll examine the unique interplay between natural landscapes and megacity life in East Asia as we hike five to eight miles daily over moderate terrain. Class: Oct. 5 (6 to 7:50 p.m.). Field Study: Nov. 6 to 15. Fee: $3,998 (includes air/ground transportation, hotel accommodations, park/activity fees, and some meals.). Required tuition is extra. Information: Gib Egge, email: eggegi@cod.edu or Pui Wong, email: wongp146@cod.edu. Register for PHYS 1203 FS006.