Discover the Scenic Wonders from the Black Hills to Yellowstone National Park
Embark on an unforgettable road trip journeying from the iconic Black Hills of South Dakota and Mount Rushmore to the sprawling beauty of Yellowstone National Park across Northern Wyoming. This guide highlights the best attractions, activities, and logistics to help you maximize your time and adventure in these picturesque regions.
Planning Your Road Trip
Whether you’re traveling from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone or heading in the reverse direction, this route offers spectacular sights in either direction. For those renting a car, you can even consider forming a loop to explore the full extent of these majestic landscapes.
Journey Distance
The drive from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park is quite substantial. It’s approximately 423 miles (about 7.5 hours) to the western entrance of the park, and for those crossing through the park, the journey spans roughly 504 miles (around 9.5 hours) to reach the western side.
Arriving by Air
Flying in is a practical option for many. Here’s a rundown of the nearest airports:
Closest Airports to Yellowstone
– Cody Airport (YRA): 55 miles (1 hour) from the Eastern entrance.
– Bozeman Airport (BZN): 88 miles (90 minutes).
– Idaho Falls (IDA): 109 miles (2 hours).
– Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): 49 miles (1 hour).
– Billings Airport (BIL): 158 miles (3 hours).
– Missoula Airport (MSO): 271 miles (4 hours).
Closest Airports to Mount Rushmore
The primary commercial airport near Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills is:
– Rapid City (RAP): 32 miles (40 minutes).
Duration of the Road Trip
To fully enjoy this road trip, allocate at least 7-8 days. This timeframe allows for a thorough exploration of the Black Hills, including sites like Deadwood, Rapid City, and possibly the Badlands National Park and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, before heading to Yellowstone.
Suggested Itinerary:
Here’s an example itinerary to help you make the most of your adventure:
Day 1: Black Hills
– Explore Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Day 2: Black Hills
– Visit Wind Cave National Park in the morning for a cave tour, followed by an afternoon hike or a tour of Jewel Cave.
Day 3: Devil’s Tower
– Travel from the Black Hills to Devil’s Tower National Monument, then consider continuing to Gillette, Buffalo, or Bighorn National Forest.
Day 4: Bighorn National Recreation Area
– Spend the day hiking, exploring Pryor Horse Sanctuary, and visiting historic ranches.
Day 5: Cody, Wyoming
– Explore Cody, including the Buffalo Bill Museum, and take the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway towards Yellowstone, spending the night near the northeastern gate of the park.
Days 6-8: Yellowstone National Park
– Dedicate these days to discovering Yellowstone’s abundant natural wonders.
Highlights in the Black Hills
– Stunning forests, remarkable caves, and historic towns await in this distinctive region.
Stay Options:
– Keystone: Roosevelt Inn, Comfort Inn.
– Custer: Holiday Inn Express, Best Western.
– Rapid City: Holiday Inn.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
– Witness the colossal faces of U.S. presidents carved into granite. Learn about their history and the construction of this monumental site.
Wind Cave National Park
– Explore the world’s most extensive cave system featuring unique “boxwork” formations.
Jewel Cave National Monument
– Marvel at the third-longest cave system with its sparkling calcite crystals, accessible via guided tours.
Other Attractions in the Black Hills
Visit the ongoing Crazy Horse Memorial, historic Deadwood, and the scenic Custer State Park.
Devil’s Tower National Monument
– Hike around or climb this sacred geological wonder, and enjoy the abundant wildlife and stargazing opportunities.
Traveling to Cody and Yellowstone
– En route to Yellowstone, take time to explore additional gems like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
Yellowstone National Park
– Experience the awe-inspiring geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and diverse landscapes of America’s first national park. Key attractions include Lamar Valley, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Old Faithful.
Where to Stay in Yellowstone
– Book early at popular spots like Old Faithful Inn or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Camping options include Grant Village, Madison, and Canyon campgrounds.
Where to Eat in Yellowstone
– Enjoy meals at convenient locations like Old Faithful Cafeteria and Mammoth Grill.
Extend Your Adventure
– Consider visiting Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone, or explore other fascinating areas as you continue your journey.
This comprehensive guide ensures you’ll have all the information needed to create an enriching and seamless travel experience from the Black Hills to Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy your adventure!