Coddiwomplers explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

The students who participated were Abigail Luna, Wrylee Osterhaus, Kylee Simon, and Shaylee Thomsen. They were accompanied by Peyton Johansen, assistant director of Residence Life and Coddiwomplers adviser. He said the experience was transformative for everyone involved.

“It’s one thing to read about geysers or see photos of bison. It’s another to stand beside a geyser or watch a herd cross the road,” Johansen said. “Students walked away with a deeper appreciation for the natural world and with friendships that will last beyond the trip.”

Johansen added that beyond seeing wildlife, including 27 moose in the Bighorn Mountains, the group gained something more valuable, a stronger sense of community.

“Outside the classroom and residence halls, students opened up, supported each other, and created shared memories. It’s the kind of connection that’s hard to replicate on campus,” he said.

Along with hiking and sightseeing, the group visited museums and viewed wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, moose, and wolves. For Osterhaus, a sophomore of Blair, Nebraska, the experience offered both educational and personal growth.

“Travel teaches you a lot, both about the places you visit and the people you travel with,” she said. “We saw waterfalls, mountain ranges, geysers, and pools. One of my favorite memories was watching wolves through scopes and seeing a black bear on our last day in Yellowstone. We were some of the only people who got to see it.”

One of the highlights for several students was a five-mile hike to Hidden Falls in Grand Teton National Park.

“It was beautiful and worth the effort,” Osterhaus said. “On the way back, we found signs that a bear had been on the trail just before us. We didn’t see it, but it made the hike more exciting!”

Luna, a junior of Lovell, Wyoming, also recalled that moment.

“I was nervous but excited. I secretly wanted to run into the bear,” Luna said. “It reminded me that nature is real and wild, and you should always stay aware and be prepared.”

Luna said the trip reshaped her perspective on travel.

“Before, travel was just a way to escape everyday life. But during this trip, I realized how humbling nature can be. It also made me appreciate wildlife and the importance of leaving their habitats untouched,” Luna said.

For Simon of Burwell, Nebraska, a sophomore, the hike through the Tetons was a moment of reflection.

“I was impacted by all the nature and wildlife that we sometimes pass by and ignore,” she said. “Traveling has always been my dream, and this trip made me realize it’s something I want to accomplish throughout my lifetime,” Simon said.

The students agreed travel is an essential role in personal development.

“Trips like this push you out of your comfort zone,” Luna said. “They build independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Being in a different environment makes you think about your own life, your habits, your values.”

Thomsen, a junior from Ord, Nebraska, said the break from campus and constant connection through devices helped her slow down and truly connect with nature and her peers.

“Spending a lot of the day offline allowed us to bond and connect faster through conversations and shared experiences,” she said.

Whether it was their first national park visit or not, the students returned with a renewed passion for exploration and a deeper respect for wild places.