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How to Visit Mount Rushmore (+ Things to Do Nearby & Itinerary)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

How to Visit Mount Rushmore (+ Things to Do Nearby & Itinerary)

Are you visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota and are wondering what to expect? Looking for information on what to see and do at Mt. Rushmore, where to stay, and how much time you need? Or maybe you are planning a trip to the Black Hills and Badlands area and are looking for ideas for things to do near Mount Rushmore ?

This article should answer all your questions!

Our guest writer Jen from Travel With A Plan visited Mt. Rushmore with her family and wrote this very comprehensive guide to the area.

Whether you are looking for inspiration or practical information for your visit to Mount Rushmore or places to visit nearby, this article should answer all your questions. Find out!

Visiting Mount Rushmore

A national treasure in the United States, Mount Rushmore National Memorial symbolizes the ideals of freedom and Democracy. Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore features the 60-foot high faces of four United States presidents intricately carved out of a granite mountainside.

Located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is often considered a rite of passage to see in one’s lifetime. Drawing in more than 3 million tourists per year, visitors from around the world travel here to take in the awe-inspiring views of this patriotic site.

Below you can find my tips on visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial and things to do in the breathtaking area nearby. Read on!

Visit Mount Rushmore and What to See Nearby – OVERVIEW

  • Wat to see & do
  • How to get to Mt Rushmore
  • When to visit
  • Practical tips for visting Mt Rushmore
  • Things to do near Mt Rushmore
  • Mount Rushmore – Black Hills itinerary suggestions
  • Where to stay near Mt Rushmore

Things to Do at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Along with admiring the enormous sculpted faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, there are many activities available to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Here is a short summary of what you can expect to see and do when visiting Mount Rushmore.

1. Stroll the Avenue of Flags

The Avenue of the Flags is the main pathway to the Mt Rushmore memorial.  Here, guests are greeted by a walkway flanked on both sides by the flags of all 50 states and territories of the United States.

Arranged in alphabetical order, the names of each state, district, commonwealth, and territory are listed on the pillars directly below each flag.

This impressive scene is both eye-catching and welcoming, as it looks as if the 56 flags are waving guests into the memorial.

Avenue of Flags at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

2. Enjoy the Monument from Grand View Terrace

The Avenue of the Flags is the pathway that leads to Grand View Terrace. Grand View Terrace is the primary platform where visitors have a clear view of the gigantic Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The unobstructed views from this platform provide the classic visuals of the monument that most tourists are familiar with.

Be sure to take advantage of using the free telescopes located here, as well as take plenty of iconic photographs and selfies.

Mt Rushmore as seen from the Grand View Terrace

3. Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Museum, Theater & Bookstore is located below the Grand View Terrace. This free visitor center offers interactive museum exhibits, a short film, and an information desk staffed by park rangers.

I recommend spending time here in order to truly appreciate the history and construction of Mount Rushmore.

By watching Mount Rushmore: The Shrine , visitors gain a true understanding of the immense amount of detail and work that it took to carve the faces of these four former U.S. Presidents.  

Likewise, the Exhibit Hall provides education on the sculptor and his workers, and even contains some of the original tools used for the carving.

4. Walk the Presidential Trail

The Presidential Trail is a paved half-mile observation loop that begins at Grand View Terrace and leads to viewing areas at the base of the mountain.

This family-friendly trail is a series of steps and vantage platforms that provide a closer view of the sculptures. Its winding walkways also give visitors a chance to get away from the crowds on the terrace.

The Presidential Trail is a paved surface that is suitable for both, wheelchairs and strollers. Plan to spend 40 minutes walking the Presidential Trail loop as it also includes a nature trail full of interesting wildlife, plants, and stones.

5. Join a Guided Tour

During the summer months, free ranger-led programs and guided walks are held each day at various locations throughout the memorial. Ranger Talks last 30 minutes and cover a variety of natural, cultural, and historical topics.

Rent an audio tour wand or multimedia device that features music, interviews, and sound effects that narrate your way around the park.

These are available at the Audio Tour Building across from the Information Center for $6 in English, French, German, Lakota, and Spanish.

George Washington sculpture - Mt Rushmore Presidential Trail

6. Complete the Junior Ranger Program

Mount Rushmore’s Junior Ranger Program was designed to educate children on the importance of preserving and protecting national treasures. Likewise, they help teach about nature and history while encouraging kids to have fun exploring the outdoors.

Children aged 3 and up who want to participate can pick up a free age-specific Junior Ranger activity book at the Visitor Center.

Upon returning a completed activity packet to the Visitor Center, children are awarded a Junior Ranger Badge and certificate.

7. Sample Historic Ice Cream

Make a point to grab a taste of history at the Memorial Team Ice Cream Station.

Named in honor of the 1939 baseball team formed of Mount Rushmore carvers, Memorial Team Ice Cream features ice cream, snacks, fountain drinks, and specialty floats.

Favorites here include the popular soft-serve or hand-dipped “Monumental Scoop” and “TJ’s” vanilla ice cream. Locally produced by a small dairy farm, TJ’s ice cream is based on Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe from 1780.

Memorial Team Ice Cream at Mt Rushmore

8. Dine at Carver’s Marketplace

Open from early morning to late evening, Carvers Marketplace is Mount Rushmore’s only onsite restaurant.

With a perfect view of Mount Rushmore, many guests visit the cafe early in the morning for a hearty breakfast while watching a sunrise behind the sculpture.

Known for its locally sourced menu options such as bison burgers and bison stew, ample seating both indoors and outside on the patio can easily accommodate mealtime crowds.

9. Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony

From late May to late September, Mount Rushmore National Memorial holds a special program each evening at 9:00 PM to light the sculpture.

This program consists of a brief ranger talk and the “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy” film.  It concludes with the lighting of the sculpture as the audience sings the National Anthem.

The entire ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes. Similar to all other programs here, it is free and you do not need a reservation to attend. Please note that from October to April the sculpture is illuminated at dusk without a formal program.

Mount Rushmore lit up in the dark

Further below, you can find our selection of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore. But first – some practical information for your visit.

How to Get to Mount Rushmore

Somewhat off of the beaten path, Mount Rushmore is located in a rugged, rural area of South Dakota. A popular road trip destination for those living in the U.S., most visitors arrive here by personal vehicle.

For those traveling from further distances, the closest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport. It’s located 35 miles (56 km) from the memorial.  From Rapid City, you can either rent a car, join a guided day tour , or hire a private tour company.

Upon arrival, you will find that Mount Rushmore National Memorial has several parking structures to accommodate its large number of visitors.

Though Mount Rushmore remains one of the few popular parks that has managed to avoid an entrance fee, there is a parking fee here.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Mt Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open year-round, except on December 25th, when it’s closed for Christmas.

Mt Rushmore National Memorial is a popular destination for families, so the busiest time to travel here is during the summer months of June, July, and August. It is then that school is out of session and the weather is the warmest.

Despite crowds being at their peak during this time, you should know that the park is still very doable when it is busy.

Though temperatures will be much cooler, spring and fall are two other great times to visit the Black Hills region.  Along with fewer crowds, the spring and fall months feature seasonal multi-colored trees and plants that are unique to this area.

Practical Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore

Ready to plan your trip?  Here is a recap of things to remember when planning your visit.

  • Mount Rushmore is located 35 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota.
  • There is no entrance fee to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, but you have to pay for parking.
  • The Mount Rushmore parking structure and memorial grounds are normally open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The Visitor Center is open at 8:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM.
  • Plan on at least 2-4 hours to explore all that Mount Rushmore has to offer.
  • Mount Rushmore does not have overnight accommodations onsite.

Best things to do near Mount Rushmore

Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore

Since visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial itself doesn’t require more than half a day, many people wonder what other interesting places there are to see and things to do in the Black Hills.

Below you can find some ideas for fun things to do and the best places to visit near Mount Rushmore. At the bottom of this article, you can also find some itinerary suggestions for what to do near Mount Rushmore in 1, 2, 3 days . Read on!

But first, here are some of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore:

Custer State Park

No trip to the Black Hills would be complete without a visit to Custer State Park . Custer has been named one of the World’s Top 10 Wildlife Destinations and is one of the few truly wild places that remain in the United States.

Home to a famous herd of 1,400 free-roaming bison, the park is known for its majestic wildlife, awe-inspiring scenery, and prairie dog towns.

TIP: Use this helpful park map to customize your family’s adventure throughout this wildlife oasis.

  • 14 miles from Mount Rushmore
  • Minimum time needed: 1-2 hours

LEARN MORE: Things to Do in Custer State Park

Things to do near Mount Rushmore - Custer State Park

Needles Highway

The 14-mile Needles Highway within Custer State Park is an absolutely spectacular drive through pine forests and rugged mountains. The road’s name comes from the needle-like granite formations in which the highway was carved out of.

Due to its high elevation, hairpin turns, and narrow passageways, this drive can be a bit stomach-churning. Its beauty is so captivating, however, that even the faint of heart are sure to appreciate it.

When making travel plans, be sure to account for the slower speed of 25 MPH that is recommended when driving Needles Highway.  In addition, the highway is closed during winter months due to weather conditions and is typically only open April through October.

  • 16 miles from Mount Rushmore
  • Minimum time spent: 45-60 minutes

Needles highway is not to be missed when visiting the Black Hills in South Dakota

Wildlife Loop Road

The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road , also part of Custer State Park , takes visitors through open grasslands, red-walled canyons, and pine-covered hills to experience Mother Nature at her finest.

Depending on the day, you might see buffalo, bighorn sheep, elk, whitetail deer, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, and hawks. Chances to see wildlife are always higher early in the morning or late in the afternoon, at dusk.

At the Loop Road’s southeastern tip, wild burros frequently approach car windows to ‘beg’ for treats. Similarly, travelers will experience ‘wildlife jams’ as some of the parks 1,400 roaming buffalo clog up the roadway.

  • 20 miles from Mount Rushmore
  • Minimum time spent: 45 minutes

Wild Bison in Custer State Park

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is set to be the world’s largest mountain carving and has been under construction since 1948. Considered the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World in progress’, Crazy Horse attracts 1.5 million visitors a year who seek to watch history being made.

Although it’s open as a site for tourists and currently features the completed  87-foot-tall head of Crazy Horse, it’s far from finished. When completed this Oglala Lakota Native American warrior is projected to be 641 feet wide and 563 feet tall (while the heads of the presidents at Mount Rushmore are only 60-feet high).

The Crazy Horse Memorial campus features an on-site restaurant, gift shop, Indian Museum, and Native American Educational and Cultural Center. Admission rates are based on the number of passengers per private vehicle.

  • 15 miles from Mount Rushmore
  • Time spent: 1-2 hours

Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park consists of a big area of colorful sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles, along with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. Some parts of the park remind a bit of Bryce Canon, the others – of Grand Canyon or Yellowstone NP… It’s a very unique mix of incredible landscapes…

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world to view its dramatic layered rock formations and steep canyons.

From camping and hiking to auto-touring and road-side observation areas, visitors to Badlands National Park are guaranteed countless outdoor adventures.

  • 84 miles from Mount Rushmore
  • Minimum time:  1.5-2.5 hours. But you can easily spend a day here.

Badlands National Park - one of the best places to visit near Mt Rushmore

Wind Cave National Park

The sixth-longest cave in the entire world, Wind Cave is located just a short drive from Mount Rushmore.  With its majestic boxwork cave formations and adjoining acres of mixed-grass prairies, Wind Cave is the first cave in the world to be designated as a National Park.

Ranger-guided tours of Wind Cave run the whole year-round. Tickets are very popular and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.  So be sure to plan ahead during peak summer months, because it’s not unusual that you’ll have to wait quite a while to get in.

Though there are no fees to drive through or hike in the park, there are fees associated with visiting the cave.  You can find pricing, tour information, and important things to consider before taking a cave tour here .

  • 40 miles from Mount Rushmore
  • Time needed: 2 hours

Wind Cave National Park is a popular place to visit in the Black Hills

Rushmore Tramway Adventures

If you are visiting Mt Rushmore with kids, you may want to check out Rushmore Tramway Adventures (RTA). Located in Keystone, just 2,5 miles from Mt Rushmore National Memorial, this adventure park offers a variety of amazing family-friendly attractions.

RTA has something for everyone: an aerial adventure park, an alpine slide, a jump tower, a tubing hill, a zipline tour, and a scenic chairlift.

Practical information: Opening hours vary a bit per season, but in general the adventure park is open on weekends in May and September and daily in June, July, and August. Please note that the park is only open weather-permitting.

  • 2,5 miles from Mount Rushmore

Rushmore Tramway Adventures - things to do at Mount Rushmore with kids

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

Spearfish Canyon is a deep, but narrow gorge carved by the Spearfish River. The 21-mile long Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway winds it way through the 1000-ft deep canyon and allows visitors a pristine view of multiple natural wonders.

Rock climbing, biking, hiking, and fishing are just a few of the activities that can be done throughout Spearfish Canyon. Our favorite experiences were the up-close-and-personal encounters with the beautiful waterfalls in the area.

Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls are all well worth the short walks to get to from the byway.

  • 60 miles from Mount Rushmore
  • Time spent:  2 hours

Spearfish Canyon is one of the places to visit near Mount Rushmore

The Mammoth Site

The Mammoth Site is not to be missed in the Black Hills! More than 26,000 years ago, dozens of woolly mammoths and other animals were trapped and died in a pond, which is now Hot Springs, SD. The site was discovered during excavation for housing development and is now preserved as an active dig site and public museum.

Mammoth Site Museum is fascinating and definitely worth seeing. There are hands-on dig experiences for children and knowledgeable guides that provide a fun and educational experience for the entire family.

You can find more practical info for visiting the Mammoth Site Museum here .

  • 57 miles from Mount Rushmore

The Mammoth Site in South Dakota, USA

Mt Rushmore & Black Hills Itinerary Suggestions

Because of the large number of things to see and do near Mount Rushmore, as well as how spread out most places are, we recommend at least 4 days in the Black Hills . Just for clarity, the Black Hills is a nickname used to refer to the entire area around Mount Rushmore and all the attractions that are mentioned in this post.

If you have the luxury of having more time, you can easily spend up to 10 days in the Black Hills and you will not run out of things to do, especially if you enjoy hiking.

However, not everyone has a lot of time, and often visiting Mount Rushmore is the main reason for people to visit this area. To make your trip planning easier, I have some suggestions on how to best plan your time if you have just 1 to 3 days near Mount Rushmore. Take a look!

1 Day in the Black Hills

If you only have one day in the Black Hills , I suggest visiting Mount Rushmore first thing in the morning, before crowds build. You then have three options on how to spend the rest of the day in the area.

The first option is to visit Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park, which includes Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway.

The second option – ideal for families – is to spend the afternoon at the Rushmore Tramway Adventures adventure park.

Alternatively, you can opt to visit Wind Cave National Park and The Mammoth Site.

TIP: If you have just one day in the area and don’t know where to start, consider joining this highly-rated Mt Rushmore day tour from Rapid City . It also covers Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

2 Days in the Black Hills

If you have two days in the Black Hills , visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park on the first day.

You can then spend the second day visiting Wind Cave National Park, Mammoth Site Museum, and Rapid City. RTA is also a great option, especially for families with kids.

Alternatively, visit the Badlands National Park. There is a Visitor Center, several long and short hikes, and multiple scenic overlooks. You can spend just a few hours here, but the Badlands can take up to the whole day as well. It really depends on what you want to see and do there.

Black Hills 3 Day Itinerary

If you have three days in the Black Hills, you can do everything mentioned in the 1 and 2-day itineraries above. So, your itinerary could look like this:

  • Day 1: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park.
  • Day 2: Wind Cave National Park, Mammoth Site Museum, and Rapid City or RTA.
  • Day 3: Badlands National Park.

TIP: If you are looking for even more ideas for your Black Hills vacation, here you can find a more detailed Black Hills itinerary for 4 days .

Badlands National Park - must visit near Mount Rushmore

TIP: If you are visiting Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills and are looking for more detailed information, I recommend you also check this highly-rated Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and the Badlands guidebook .

Where to Stay – Lodging Near Mt Rushmore

As you can see from the suggested itineraries, it’s best to spend a few days exploring the Mount Rushmore area. You’ll need at least 3 days in order to have time to experience just the main attractions of the Black Hills.

Whether you are searching for the best match for your experience or your budget, dozens of lodging options are available in the cities and towns surrounding Mount Rushmore. But what are the best places to stay for visiting Mt Rushmore?

Staying in a local community such as Keystone , Custer , Hill City , or Rapid City , will not only give you quick access to Mount Rushmore but also to the many other Black Hills attractions.

Accommodations include mid-range and budget hotels, cabin rentals, campgrounds, tent sites, and romantic B&Bs.  All can be found within 3-25 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

TIP: If you want to stay as close as possible to Mount Rushmore, then check out Keystone, SD . Just 1.7 miles from Mt Rushmore National Memorial, it has a very central location for all the sights mentioned in this article.

K Bar S Lodge and Roosevelt Inn are highly recommended here.  For a unique experience consider ‘glamping’ with a view of Mount Rushmore at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore .

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Mount Rushmore Hotels

Compare Hotels and Short-term Rentals near Mt Rushmore

Using the map below, you can compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in Keystone, the closest town near Mount Rushmore.

Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

Guide to visiting Mount Rushmore and things to do nearby

So, this is our guide to Mt Rushmore. I want to thank our guest writer Jen for this great blog post about visiting Mount Rushmore and all the amazing things to do in the Black Hills. Just reading this, makes me regret that we didn’t include Mount Rushmore and the Badlands to our American road trip itinerary that started in Denver and ended in Yellowstone … The Black Hills area would have made the circle round!

TIP: If you are visiting the Black Hills, you should know that it’s really easy to combine this area with a visit to Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks.

About the author. Jen is an American travel writer.  A planner by nature, Jen has spent the last 12 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5. She considers travel to be an essential part of their family’s health and wellbeing. Her blog Travel With A Plan  is a compilation of the planning and execution that has gone into making family vacations efficient, enjoyable, and memorable.  She is dedicated and passionate about sharing travel ideas, products, and experiences that are practical, and that work for families.

More USA travel inspiration:

  • Mt Rushmore area: Mount Rushmore Hotels and Best Things to Do in Custer State Park
  • Yellowstone NP:  Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
  • Glacier NP: Glacier National Park Itinerary
  • Chicago: How to See the Best of Chicago in 2 Days
  • California:  San Diego Itinerary & Los Angeles Itinerary
  • Arizona:  Best Places in Arizona , Monument Valley Scenic Drive , How to See the Best of Grand Canyon in 1 Day
  • Utah: Top Places in Utah & Best Things to Do in Moab
  • For many more destinations all over the USA, check out our USA travel guide .

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How to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and things to do near Mt Rushmore

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Kathy Hulsebus

Friday 1st of March 2024

Definitely looking forward to spending time at Mount Rushmore after a 30 year first visit.

Monday 4th of March 2024

Have a great trip!

Sunday 17th of September 2023

How can I download this so that I can reference it when I don't have internet.

Hi Jim, you can do Ctrl+p and then save to a pdf instead of printing. Have a great trip!

Carmen Cipriano

Monday 26th of September 2022

Great info on the Black Hills area! Thank you! We are doing a coast to coast road trip starting in PA on October 3rd with no defined end date. I'm taking a more northern route heading west and a southern route when heading back home. We will likely spend 2-3 exploring the Black Hills following your recommendations. I've also checked out your blog which is excellent. I recently retired so our days of traveling with the 'kids' are behind us but I find your tips and suggestions for successful road trips good for anyone, regardless of age. I really agree with your comments about eating healthy while on the road. I take along a small single burner stove for enjoying some hot foods while traveling. Again, thanks for the info and good luck with your pursuits.

Thanks for your kind feedback, Carmen. Enjoy your trip to the Black Hills!

Tuesday 1st of February 2022

Hi i am doing a road trip and Mount Rushmore is my final destination this August 2022. Your tips and must sees are going to hopefully help me plan our two week trip from California. We are also making stops at Zion and Yellowstone. Any other tips or advice on how to make this trip itinerary will be great!

Wednesday 2nd of February 2022

Hi Debbie, you are planning to pass so many amazing areas in just two weeks that it's really difficult to give any suggestions for an itinerary. There are just too many options... Driving from California to Zion, then Yellowstone, and then Mt Rushmore means that you'll have lots of hours on the road. It's like 30 hrs of pure driving time even taking the shortest way. So much depends on your interests, how many hours you actually want to drive each day, are you planning to move around every day or stay at one place for a few days, where do you sleep, do you plan to do any hiking or sightseeing or just pass by... So there's really no way I could help you with the itinerary suggestions... Me, personally, I'd pick a few places that interest you the most and foresee at least a few nights at each of them so that you can actually see something, and then just drive between them without too many long stops. But also make sure you research some 'smaller' places to see en-route so that the drives are less boring. I'd probably stop in Vegas for a night if you haven't been (since you'll likely pass there anyway), and also definitely add at least a short visit to Bryce Canyon (even if you just stop at the main viewpoints when passing by, it's worth it). In Zion, I'd try to stay at least 2 nights and do at least a few hikes (see hiking in Zion). In Yellowstone, 2 days is - in my view - an absolute minimum (see Yellowstone itinerary suggestions). Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon are also well worth it, but it's a detour and you need at least two days to enjoy it a bit and not just drive-through. On the other hand, it's so hot in August (that counts for Zion too) that you might not be able to do much exploring outdoors in this area anyway. The possibilities are literally endless... Pick the places that interest you the most and work around that. Good luck!

Peter Paszek

Monday 30th of August 2021

Great information. This really helped me plan out my visit to Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. Planning a 2 day visit, mid September, weekdays. Staying in Rapid City. Prior to this I will stay in Deadwood and visit Spearfish Canyon and Devils Tower in WY.

Tuesday 31st of August 2021

Have a great trip, Peter! Mid-September should be perfect for the area!

How to Make the Most of the Road to Mount Rushmore | 3-Day Itinerary

mt rushmore trip

Are you ready to check  Mount Rushmore National Memorial  off your bucket list or fulfill your dream of recreating your favorite childhood family vacation to the Shrine of Democracy with your own children? Not sure where to start? One option is to utilize free resources or guide services to help you! Ditch the map and make the most of your time - book a tour with Black Hills Adventure Tours & Vacation Planning - Come face-to-face with monumental figures, continue on to Highway 16 for more excitement and hear great stories along the way. 

It's also easy to drive yourself - We've put together a three-day itinerary that is jam-packed with some of the region's top attractions, dining and lodging – all conveniently located along Highway 16. Beginning at Mount Rushmore, take a left onto Highway 244 East towards  Keystone . Continue east on to Highway 16 where the fun awaits.

If you want the full Black Hills experience, our itinerary includes three great lodging options that offer their own unique amenities for each night of your stay. Or, you can pick the accommodation that best suits your needs.

Start your three-day adventure at Cosmos Mystery Area , the strangest location in the entire Black Hills. Once you enter, all laws of nature and physics appear to be suspended. Water flows uphill, tall people appear shorter, and what seems to be crooked turns out to be completely level. Making your way through the Mystery House is a physical experience you'll never forget. After touring the Mystery House, dig up some treasures in the Geode Mine. Then cool off with some delicious ice cream on the deck that overlooks the surrounding wilderness. You may even spot some of the areas four-legged residents.

mt rushmore trip

From there, head down the road to Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show and experience the Old West like never before. Fort Hays is the site of the Oscar award-winning movie set of Dances with Wolves. Check out the film set and stand in the same spot that John D. Dunbar (Kevin Costner) was given his new posting orders in the movie. As you walk up and down the boardwalk you'll find craftsmen at work making tools and ropes. Make your own tin plate or brick and even watch your own hunting knife take shape at the Blacksmith shop. At 6:30 p.m. the Supper Bell rings loud. Bring your appetite for the tastiest Chuckwagon menu in the West. Supper is served on handmade tin plates with drinks poured into tin cups. The Fort Hays Wranglers then take the stage to entertain you with the Black Hills' most popular music variety show – guaranteed to be a foot-stompin', belly shakin', good time! If your visit leaves you wanting more, come back for their daily 0.99-cent, all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.

mt rushmore trip

End your day with an authentic western stay in The Wagons at Rushmore Shadows Resort . The luxury Conestoga Wagon rentals feel like you stepped straight into the past, while still enjoying the amenities of today. Your stay at Rushmore Shadows gives you access to the swimming pool, volleyball court, free bicycle rentals and a mini golf course. Explore hiking trails on the property then kick back in the hot tub. The resort also has cabins, tent sites and full hookup RV sites. You'll wake up feeling rested and ready for more.

mt rushmore trip

Prepare for tons of wild action on day two, which begins with a visit to Old MacDonald's Farm . This beautiful farm is home to over 100 farm animals – Cows, pigs, horses, sheep, donkeys, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks and so much more. The best part is that you can get hands-on with the animals. Take the opportunity to play with, feed and even bottle-feed some of their friendly animals. The fun-filled farm also has World Class Pig Races, pony rides, farm tours in a kid-sized tractor train, a picnic area and playground.

mt rushmore trip

Continue the fun at Putz n Glo Indoor Black Light Mini Golf , which offers three great attractions in one location. Be sure to ask about the Triple Play Pass for awesome savings. Put your putting skills to the test for 18 holes of Black Light Mini Golf, while you enjoy awesome music and artwork in an 8,000 square foot indoor facility. Then, get lost in Miner's Maze human maze adventure. Race against the clock in search of G-O-L-D and win a prize every time. Pan for gemstones at Finders Keepers, where everyone is a successful miner. Grab a tasty treat or a cold drink from the snack bar to wind down before your next stop.

mt rushmore trip

Get up-close to wildlife in their natural environment, from the comfort of your own vehicle, at Bear Country U.S.A . Nestled over 200 acres amid towering pines and rolling meadows, take a leisurely three-mile drive through several enclosures and encounter black bear, elk, reindeer, deer, cougars, bobcats, rocky mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and buffalo. After your drive, stroll along the walking tour to view the antics of baby bears and smaller animals as they frolic outdoors. Along the way, be sure to say hello to the grizzly bear. Shop in rustic elegance in one of the biggest gift shops in the Black Hills, located in the park. After taking it all in, grab a meal at the Cub Grub Snack Shack and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the patio area surrounded by waterfalls.

mt rushmore trip

As the excitement of your second day commences, cozy up at Happy Holiday RV Resort & Motel . The resort is billed as one of the highest rated parks in the Black Hills and has all the amenities travelers are looking for. RVs of all sizes, even the big rigs, are welcomed to hunker down at the full hookup sites. You can also stay in one of the comfortable cabins set under beautiful shade trees, or at the quiet motel with in-room kitchenettes. Relax in the heated pool, or challenge your friends to a game of basketball.

mt rushmore trip

Start your third day by traveling back in time, 90 million years ago, during your stop at the Dinosaur Museum . You will see some of the most life-life and detailed displays in the world, while enjoying a few bonus activities for a unique experience. The museum has 50+ life-size dinosaurs on display, as they appeared in the flesh many eons ago. They also have a few new exhibits, one of which features a dinosaur leg bone that you can touch! Be sure to go through the Mirror Maze and play a round of mini golf while you’re there, which are free with admission. Finally, relax and watch a film about dinosaurs in the movie theater. The entire museum is located in indoors, while the mini golf is located outside.

mt rushmore trip

You won’t want to miss Reptile Gardens to experience the thrills and learn about reptiles – one of nature's beautiful but often-misunderstood creatures. This unique animal park is set in stunning botanical gardens planted each season with thousands of flowers.

mt rushmore trip

Reptile Gardens’ Sky Dome houses the World’s Largest Reptile Collection according to Guinness Book of World Records. In the Safari Room watch for free-roaming bird and reptile friends while you explore South Dakota’s original indoor jungle filled with orchids, bromeliads, and tropical plants. Don’t forget to catch all three of the exciting wild animal shows. These fun and interactive presentations featuring snakes, gators and crocodiles, and birds will have you on the edge of your seat. Meet Maniac the Giant Saltwater Crocodile. At over 16 feet long and 1,350 pounds, he’s a sight to be seen! Slow down and mingle with the Aldabra Tortoises. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Swing by Prairie Dog Town and get down to their level in the underground bubble. You can’t help smiling as you watch these little furry creatures frolic and play. Take a break and refuel with delicious food from the Green Parrot Café. Try a buffalo burger, Black Mamba Shakes, Indian tacos, or funnel cake. Make sure you browse one of the biggest and most unique gift shops in the Black Hills before you leave. It has something for everyone from t-shirts and stuffed animals to rocks and minerals, jewelry and exotic tribal arts and crafts from New Guinea.

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Mount Rushmore Vacation Itinerary: The Best of the Black Hills

A Mount Rushmore vacation is an American rite of passage and a great introduction to the country for foreign tourists.

Table of Contents

You get a good dose of American history on the Black Hills itinerary as the “beautiful for spacious skies” you hear so much about. My Black Hills road trip was one of the best adventures I’ve had, so I put this itinerary together to help others make the most of the area.

best time to visit Mount Rushmore best time to visit mt rushmore

Quick Facts about Planning a Mount Rushmore Vacation

  • Spring Break: the Best Time To Visit Mount Rushmore
  • So Now What? 7 Things To Do Near Mount Rushmore

This Mount Rushmore road trip itinerary is based out of Rapid City, South Dakota because it’s centrally located to all the attractions in the Black Hills region. It’s also home to Rapid City Regional Airport, which is the closest airport to Mount Rushmore.

things to do in Rapid city South Dakota Berlin Wall Memorial Dinosaur Park Presidents

The activities on each day are grouped by geographic proximity. So if you’d like to do day 3’s activities on day 4, it would work — but you shouldn’t mix activities from different days because they would be too far apart, spread across the Black Hills.

You should never spend more than 2ish hours in the car with this Mount Rushmore Road Trip.

  • Where To Stay in Rapid City / The Best hotels in Rapid City 

My sister and I stayed at the historic Hotel Alex Johnson in Downtown Rapid City. It’s where Hitchcock stayed when he was in the area for North by Northwest f ilming AND it’s allegedly haunted. No word yet on the Mount Rushmore Illuminati, though.

If you visit the Black Hills during the off-season, you are likely to get a great deal at this beautiful hotel. If not, or you prefer to rough it when planning a trip to Mount Rushmore, there are plenty of reputable chain hotels in the area, like Best Western, La Quinta, etc.

MOUNT RUSHMORE VACATION BLACK HILLS ROAD TRIP hotel alex johnson

  • Places To Eat in Rapid City

Black Hills Bagels (closes 3pm daily)

913 Mt. Rushmore Road

Rapid City, SD 57701

Wobbly Bobby (opens 3pm daily)

510 Main Street 

  • Where To Rent a Car in Rapid City 

If you fly in, you’ll definitely need to rent a car to properly experience the Black Hills. It’s best to pick up your rental car from Rapid City Regional Airport as it’s the closest airport to Mount Rushmore, so you can spend as much time exploring as possible and then drop it off right before you fly back out.

If your flight arrives late at night, consider returning to the airport via your hotel’s shuttle in the morning to save on rental fees, as odd pickup hours tend to drive up the rental price.

Day 1: Arrive in Rapid City and Get Settled

things to do in Rapid city South Dakota Presidents Sculptures

Whether you’re on a Mount Rushmore road trip or flying into Rapid City, odds are you will arrive in town in the late afternoon or evening simply due to the time it takes to make the trek. No matter if you’re driving from Kansas City to Mount Rushmore, or flying in from Houston like I did, I recommend spending your first evening settling into your hotel, gearing up for the fun you’ll be having, and exploring downtown Rapid City.

You could even watch a movie filmed in the area!

  • Mount Rushmore Movie Scene: Films Made in South Dakota
  • Paleontology and Presidents: Things To Do in Rapid City South Dakota

Day 2: Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse

You should get an early start to Mount Rushmore, stopping at Black Hills Bagels on the way for a spot of breakfast.

The drive from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore takes about 30 minutes. Plan to arrive no later than 10:00AM.

best time to visit Mount Rushmore best time to visit mt rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

13000 South Dakota 244

Keystone, SD 57751

  • 10 Things To Do at Mount Rushmore: Ways To Make the Most of Your Visit
  • 9 Reasons To Visit Mount Rushmore: A Snapshot of America

Plan to eat lunch at the Carver’s Cafe at Mount Rushmore, leaving around 1:00PM. Next up is Crazy Horse! The drive from M Rushmore to Crazy Horse takes about 30 minutes, putting your arrival at about 1:30PM.

Things To Do Near Mount Rushmore Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse Memorial

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs

Crazy Horse, SD 57730

After your time at Crazy Horse, you can head on back to Rapid City for a nice dinner because there isn’t a Crazy Horse restaurant. Enjoy some R&R before your next full day or return to Mount Rushmore for the nightly lighting ceremony.

  • Crazy Horse Memorial South Dakota: History in Construction since 1948

Day 3: Badlands National Park and Minuteman Missile Silos

Things to do in the badlands how to get to the badlands

Another early start! Plan to leave your hotel again between 8:00AM and 8:30AM, as it’s a solid one-hour drive to Badlands National Park from Rapid City. 

Ben Reifel Vistors Center 

25216 Ben Reifel Road

Interior, SD 57750

  • 10 Bad Reasons To Visit Badlands National Park South Dakota
  • Bad Puns Alert: 5 Bad Things To Do in the Badlands

Minuteman Missile Site

You don’t want to miss out on the Minuteman Missile tour ! While you can look at the Delta-09 silo without a reservation, if you want to go down into the Delta-01 launch facility, you’ll need a reservation.

Tours run Thursday through Monday at 1:15PM and 2:00PM. The tour typically lasts about 30 minutes and because of limited space, accommodates six people and one Park Ranger. You should reserve your spot ASAP, up to three months in advance,  here .

Minuteman Missile Site South Dakota

Unfortunately, no same-day reservations are allowed. You don’t want to miss out, so book now!

If “day 3” of your Mount Rushmore Vacation happens to be a Tuesday or Wednesday when no tours are offered, just swap out today’s activities with a different day.

  • Cold War History: Visiting the Minuteman Missile Site in South Dakota

As you can see, Badlands National Park and the Minuteman Missile Silos form a nice “loop” with the highway. Depending on your time of arrival and the pace at which your progress through the Badlands, you might have to do a little backtracking to see everything.

Things To Do Near Mount Rushmore Wall Drug

Be sure to stop at Wall Drug General Store on the way back to Rapid City for some good food and a fun souvenir.

Day 4: Devils Tower National Monument and the Geographic Center of the Nation

Belle Fourche South Dakota: The Geographic Center of the United States

It’s about an 80-minute drive from Rapid City to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, home of the geographic center of the United States. It used to be in Kansas, but then Alaska and Hawaii joined the Union and things shifted.

Geographic Center of the Nation Monument

415 5th Avene

Belle Fourche, SD 57717

  • Belle Fourche South Dakota: The Geographic Center of the United States

You can spend anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes in Belle Fourche, depending on whether the museum at the monument is open. Then head to Devil’s Tower.

Devil’s Tower is a geological wonder heavily featured in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and regional Native American tradition, so it’s a can’t-miss!

Devils Tower National Monument

149 State Highway 110

Devils Tower, WY 82714

how to get to devils tower national monument Wyoming

  • The Legend of Devils Tower: America’s First National Monument

Devil’s Tower is also conveniently close to the Montanan border, so if you’d like to check Big Sky Country off the list on your Mount Rushmore Vacation, it’s easy to take a route back to Rapid City that cuts through the corner of Montana.

MOUNT RUSHMORE VACATION BLACK HILLS ROAD TRIP hotel

just call me Hannah cause I’m in Montana

Day 5: Jewel Cave National Monument and Reptile Gardens

The last day of your Mount Rushmore vacation should go out with a bang! The bang of bacon-looking rocks and lots of reptiles.

Things To Do Near Mount Rushmore Jewel Cave

Start the day by making the 70-minute drive to Jewel Cave National Monument, southwest of Rapid City. Set your GPS to Custer, South Dakota, and from there, follow Highway 16 West. There are signs for the monument’s entrance along the road.

If needed, here are the exact coordinates:

594270, 4842528 (UTM NAD 83)

Latitude / Longitude:

43 43′ 46.6153″ N

103 49′ 46.6522″ W

You’ll want to head that way quite early as it’s a popular destination, you can’t reserve tickets ahead of time, and tours tend to fill up fast. Try to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of the day’s first tour if you want to minimize the time you have to wait around for your slot.

You don’t want to miss the bacon rocks!

Jewel Cave National Monument: Is It Worth a Visit?

On the way back into town, stop at Reptile Gardens! It’s got an impressive menagerie of snakes, frogs, turtles, and birds. There’s even a Bond Girl crocodile. It’s the perfect place for a little family bonding over your shared love (or hatred) of snakes!

Reptile Gardens South Dakota Things to do in Rapid City

Reptile Gardens South Dakota

Rapid City, SD 57702

  • 10 Reasons to Visit Reptile Gardens South Dakota (Even if Snakes Scare You)

That’s a wrap on your vacation to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota! Time to hit the road home or head to the airport for your flight home.

MOUNT RUSHMORE VACATION BLACK HILLS ROAD TRIP

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Mount Rushmore National Memorial. We've got 64 adventures going to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 24 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

64 Mount Rushmore National Memorial tour packages with 253 reviews

Mickelson Trail Bike Tour Tour

Mickelson Trail Bike Tour

Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos (End Rapid City, 9 Days) Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos (End Rapid City, 9 Days)

National Park Wonders (Start Jackson, 9 Days) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

National Park Wonders (Start Jackson, 9 Days)

The National Parks Wonders trip was our first with Trafalgar and it was MUCH better that we ever expected. Our tour guide Tyson was absolutely fantastic. He made sure everything went perfectly. He even gave my wife a card on her birthday. His extensive knowledge of places and things along the trip made it so much more interesting. And Ken our bus driver was amazing. Everyone on our trip was very friendly and fun to chat with. Trafalgar had everything organized well. We appreciated all the breakfasts and dinners.

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days) Tour

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days)

The trip was great! The tour director and the driver both were very knowledgeable.

America\'s National Parks Tour

America's National Parks

Our tour guide Chris was extremely knowledgeable and informative. Randy our bus driver went above and beyond. We had near perfect weather, accomodations were excellent. Highly recommend this tour.

Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2024) Tour

Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2024)

This was an amazing experience. I love traveling with Collette. Our tour manager was incredible, funny and very knowledgeable on the area. Accommodations were top notch and better than I had expected. Can wait to go on my next adventure!

Spectacular Canyons and National Parks (End Denver, 13 Days, Denver Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer) (19 destinations) Tour

Spectacular Canyons and National Parks (End Denver, 13 Days, Denver Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer) (19 destinations)

It was an enjoyable good for thw value tour. The first night accomodation in Circus Circus was very poor. Other accomations were fair to good. The transportation was good. A little more information about geography and history would be helpful and add to the total experience. All breakfasts and some dinners need to be included to make it hassel free.

Spectacular Canyons and National Parks (End Rapid City, 13 Days, Keystone To Rapid City Airport Coach Drop) Tour

Spectacular Canyons and National Parks (End Rapid City, 13 Days, Keystone To Rapid City Airport Coach Drop)

Exploring America\'s National Parks Tour

Exploring America's National Parks

Many places covered well... And the tour director had good knowledge of the places we visited

America\'s National Parks with Denver Tour

America's National Parks with Denver

Excellent driver and director. Would have liked more time in Yellowstone as there was a lot we didn’t get to see eg Grand Prismatic Spring which was disappointing. Good hotels

America\'s Magnificent National Parks (Classic, End Rapid City, 15 Days) Tour

America's Magnificent National Parks (Classic, End Rapid City, 15 Days)

America\'s Cowboy Country  (Rapid City, SD to Cody, WY) (2024) Tour

America's Cowboy Country (Rapid City, SD to Cody, WY) (2024)

U.S. National Parks - The Rockies to San Francisco Tour

U.S. National Parks - The Rockies to San Francisco

Chicago to LA Tour

Chicago to LA

It was a breathtaking tour. I loved that we stopped at so many national parks and in the evening had alone time to process the day. The guide was amazing.
  • $150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

America\'s Greatest Treasures with Rapid City Start Tour

  • Walking Adventure
  • Sightseeing

America's Greatest Treasures with Rapid City Start

Both driver and guide were amazing. The tour overall was perfect for my 86 year old dad who was my travel partner!

Reviews of Mount Rushmore National Memorial Tours

Tom Williams was super knowledgeable about the area we traveled through in the western US national parks. Best tour director I have ever traveled with. He made the trip fun and informative!
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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Mount Rushmore Rundreisen
  • Français: Circuits et voyages au Mémorial national du Mont Rushmore
  • Español: Circuitos y viajes por Monumento Nacional del Monte Rushmore
  • Nederlands: Mount Rushmore Rondreizen

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Full-Day Mount Rushmore Tour

  • Duration 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Availability May 21st - September 30th

Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

  • Check in at the Fort Hays Headquarters and  Dances with Wolves  film set
  • Enjoy the all-you-can-eat cowboy breakfast at our chuckwagon.
  • Board the coach outside of the Headquarters Building for your tour that includes:
  • We spend at least an hour visiting Mount Rushmore. There is plenty of time to see all the park has to offer including the sculptors’ studio and the Lincoln Borglum Museum.
  • We wind over the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway as it takes you over Iron Mountain Road through scenic tunnels and pigtail bridges. Bring your camera for potential Kodak moments here!
  • Keep your camera ready and your eyes on the lookout for wildlife like buffalo, burros, antelope, elk, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. We stop when it’s safe.
  • Our lunch stop is the presidential summer white house to former president Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Here you can purchase lunch from a menu or buffet. We recommend the buffalo stew!
  • We continue through Custer State Park to Needles Highway passing through scenic tunnels and by scenic overlooks. Check your camera; there are great pictures here! For a sneak peek at what we have in store for you search “Charter Bus in Rock Tunnel” on YouTube!
  • Stop for pictures and a restroom break at the spectacular man-made lake located at the bottom of Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). This picturesque lake is a local favorite for campers, rock climbers, and hikers.
  • Staying for at least one hour, we visit the largest mountain carving in the world. You can visit the memorial, museums and learn so much about the sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in his home studio museum.
  • Return to Fort Hays Chuckwagon

6:30 PM - Dinner Show

  • Dinner Show
  • Doors open at 6:15 PM. The supper bell rings inside, calling all cowboys and cowgirls to bring their appetites. We serve up the best Chuckwagon menu in the West that’s sure to make your mouth water. It’s all served on handmade tin plates with drinks poured into tin cups. Be careful the coffee is hot!
  • Cowboy Chuckwagon Menu
  • Chuckwagon potatoes
  • Sliced beef simmered in BBQ sauce
  • Baked chicken
  • Western baked beans
  • Ranch biscuits and honey
  • Chunky apple sauce
  • Old-fashioned spice cake
  • Cowboy coffee
  • Tenderfoot lemonade

7:15 PM - 8:15 PM

  • The Fort Hays Wranglers take the stage to entertain you with the Black Hills’ most popular music variety show! You are guaranteed to have a foot-stompin’, belly shakin’ good time! Family fun for everyone! Bring your camera and take some pictures.

Pricing and Reservations

Per Person Pricing - Ages 13 and Older

Per Person Pricing - Ages 12 and Under

Fort Hays Old West Town Square

Photo gallery, mount rushmore tour package, related tours and activities.

  • 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • May 14 - October 12, 2023

Mount Rushmore Sightseeing Tour

  • 7:30 AM - 8:15 PM
  • October 12 - May 13, 2023

Winter Mount Rushmore Sightseeing Tour

Home » Mount Rushmore Tours » Mount Rushmore Sightseeing Tour Package

Contact Information

  • (605) 343-3113
  • [email protected]
  • 2255 Fort Hayes Drive Rapid City, SD 57702

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Fodor's The Black Hills of South Dakota: with Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park Whether you want to marvel at Mount Rushmore, stroll the historic Wild West town of...

"An emerald isle in a sea of prairie," as they are sometimes called, the Black Hills rise up from the western South Dakota plains just over the Wyoming state line and about 150 mi east of the Big Horn range of the Rocky Mountains. They aren't as high—Harney Peak, their tallest summit, measures 7,242 feet—and they cover a territory only 50 mi wide and 120 mi long, but these ponderosa-covered mountains have a majesty all their own. Alpine meadows, thick forests, and creek-carved canyons: the landscape of the Black Hills and Badlands region more closely resembles Big Horn and Yellowstone country than it does South Dakota's typical flat farmland.

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Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Julie Last updated: March 17, 2024 United States 30 Comments

Yellowstone Mount Rushmore Itinerary

This is one of the best road trips in the USA. With 10 days, you can visit Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore, but that’s not all. You also have enough time to visit the highlights of Grand Teton, day trip out to Badlands National Park, spend some time at Wind Cave National Park, and cruise the scenic drives and spot wildlife at Custer State Park.

That’s four national parks in one road trip, not to mention two national monuments, one incredible state park, and several very scenic drives.

In this guide, we lay out a 10 day road trip itinerary to Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore, with tips on how to modify it, depending on how much time you have.

Table of Contents

Places You Will Visit on this Itinerary:

Grand teton national park.

  • Yellowstone National Park

Cody, Wyoming

  • Scenic Drive through the Bighorn Mountains
  • Devils Tower National Memorial
  • Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood & Lead

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

  • Crazy Horse Memorial
  • Black Hills of South Dakota
  • Custer State Park

Badlands National Park

  • Wind Cave National Park

Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore Map

Overview of this Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore itinerary, with Grand Teton NP, the Bighorn Mountains, Custer State Park, andd Badlands NP.

About this Yellowstone, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore Itinerary

This road trip works best from May through October, when the roads in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are open. From early November through mid-April, many of these park roads will be closed due to snow. It’s still possible to visit Yellowstone in the winter, but you will get around by snowmobile or snow coach, which of course will be a much different experience than the summer months.

At the end of this article, I give the links to each national park so you can get updates on park conditions and road closures.

If you don’t have to travel during the summer months, the end of September into early October is an awesome time to visit Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore. Crowds are lower and you could see some fall colors. We have been to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Black Hills of South Dakota in September and early October and love being here at this time of year. Just be aware that snow is possible in Yellowstone in October, especially the farther into the month you go.

This itinerary is a one-way, point-to-point road trip. It can be done in the order outlined here or in reverse order.

If you will be driving back to your starting point then plan on adding on an extra day and hundreds of miles of driving to this itinerary.

Yellowstone, Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park Day 2: Grand Teton National Park Day 3: Yellowstone National Park Day 4: Yellowstone National Park Day 5: Yellowstone National Park Day 6: Bighorn Mountains & Devils Tower Day 7: Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Lead & Mount Rushmore Day 8: Custer State Park Day 9: Badlands National Park Day 10: Wind Cave National Park & Fly Home How to Modify this Itinerary Important Planning Information

Yellowstone, Devils Tower & Mount Rushmore Itinerary

Arrive in jackson, wyoming.

On the Road: 15 to 280 miles (30 minutes to 5 hours) depending upon the airport

There are three main airports near Jackson, Wyoming.

The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport, which is located in the park. In fact, Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport located within a national park. Flying into here will save you some driving today.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport is 94 miles away and is a 2-hour drive from Jackson. Salt Lake City International Airport is 280 miles away and it is almost a 5-hour drive to get to Jackson.

Jackson Wyoming

Spend the remainder of the day in Jackson. This is a cool town, filled with great restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops. You can even go to the rodeo. Don’t miss the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and the Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery.

For dinner, the Gun Barrel Steak & Game House is a popular spot. Our favorite restaurant in Jackson is Local Restaurant & Bar. Miazga’s has a wide range of food. Persephone’s Bakery is an awesome breakfast/brunch spot in town. Other great restaurants include Café Genevieve, Bin22, Liberty Burger, and Blue Lion.

Where to Stay

Here are ideas of where to stay in and around Grand Teton National Park. You will stay here for two nights.

Inside the Park: There are numerous lodges and campgrounds available inside of the park. Click here to learn more about your options.

Jackson: From Jackson, it takes just 15 minutes to drive to Moose (the southern end of Grand Teton National Park) and 30 minutes to drive to Jenny Lake. With a large number of accommodations and restaurants, this is a great place to base yourself for visiting the park.

This is where we stay when we visit Grand Teton National Park.

Wyoming Inn at Jackson Hole. This is one of the highest rated hotels in Jackson. It is not located in the city center, so you will have to drive to the town square and park your car if you want to visit the heart of Jackson. But we loved the spacious room, excellent Wi-Fi, and comfy beds.

The Lodge at Jackson Hole. This hotel is located next door to the Wyoming Inn, mentioned above. We stayed here on our most recent visit. We had a great stay…the room was clean, very quiet, and comfortable. We liked the Wyoming Inn a little bit better but we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, especially since prices are a little lower. To get into the heart of Jackson, it is a short drive or a 20-minute walk.

Cowboy Village Resort. On our first visit to Grand Teton National Park, this is where Tim and I stayed. Western-style cabins come equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette.

The Wort Hotel. If you want an upscale experience in the city center of Jackson, the Wort Hotel gets rave reviews.

Teton Village at Jackson Hole: Ski resort by winter, outdoor playground by summer, this resort offers hotels and restaurants, plus gondolas, chair lifts, and a cable car that will whisk you up to Rendezvous Peak for stunning views over the Tetons. If you like the idea of staying in a resort town just outside of the park, this is a great place to consider.

On the Road: 42 miles on the scenic loop plus extra driving time and distance depending on where you are staying

This is the first of two days in Grand Teton. Today, you will visit the most popular sites.

I recommend getting an early start. Not only will you get to tour the park crowd free, at least for a little bit, but you also get to see the park at sunrise.

Visit Mormon Row at sunrise and then spend the morning driving the 42-mile scenic loop drive. Schwabacher Landing, the Snake River Overlook, and Oxbow Bend are beautiful places to visit, and photograph, in the morning hours.

Grand Teton in September

Schwabacher Landing in September

As you head south, towards Jenny Lake, consider taking the detour up Signal Mountain for stunning views over the park.The park gets extremely crowded midday. Rather than joining the crowds, I recommend leaving the park for a few hours. You can either ride the Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Peak at Teton Village or have lunch in Jackson. Read our one day Grand Teton itinerary for full details on how to do this.

Rendezvous Peak

Rendezvous Peak

Spend the afternoon in and around Jenny Lake. One of the most popular things to do in Grand Teton is to take the boat across Jenny Lake and hike up to Inspiration Point. Nearby, the walk around Leigh Lake is an easy, very pretty stroll. The hike out to Taggart Lake is longer but it’s also a very nice hike.

Jenny Lake

For suggestions on how to plan your time today, read our post One Perfect Day in Grand Teton National Park.

Tonight, sleep in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, or Teton Village.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

On the Road: 140 miles, 3.5 hours

Today, spend the morning in Grand Teton and the afternoon in Yellowstone.

Here are several ideas on how to spend the morning in Grand Teton:

  • Take your pick from one of the longer hikes in the park. Cascade Canyon, Lake Solitude, and Static Peak Divide are great hikes. These range from 10 to 15 miles, so they will take up most of the day, but if you are big into hiking, it would be worth it. You’ll have less time in Yellowstone so you will have to adjust this itinerary.
  • Rent a canoe and spend an hour or two paddling around Jenny Lake. Kara and I did this at 7:30 am and we had the lake to ourselves. It was wonderful!
  • Visit the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Visitor Center and hike to Phelps Lake.

Grand Teton Road Trip

Phelps Lake

Midday, start the drive to Yellowstone. Along the way, you can make a quick visit to Jackson Lake, since you will drive right past it before exiting Grand Teton National Park. At Colter Bay Village, there is a gas station and restaurants, a great place to refuel your car before continuing on to Yellowstone.

At Colter Bay, you also have the option to walk the Lakeshore Trail. This flat, easy trail is 2 miles long, takes about 45-minutes, and offers decent views of Jackson Lake.

Afternoon in Yellowstone National Park

Head north into Yellowstone National Park. It’s a relatively short drive. From Colter Bay, it is less than 20 miles to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park (about a 30-minute drive).

Spend the afternoon at the Midway Geyser Basin. It is here that you will see the Grand Prismatic Spring, the most colorful hot spring in the park. At Midway Geyser Basin, you can get right up to it, while walking on raised boardwalk trails.

Just a few miles away is the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. This is a jaw-dropping view of the hot spring and a must-do on a trip to Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook

From here, you have the option to hike to Fairy Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Yellowstone.

LEARN MORE: Grand Prismatic Spring and the Fairy Falls Hike

Ideally, stay in the park. This will minimize how much driving you will do. However, reservations for the park lodges need to be made months in advance (as much as 6 to 12 months in advance!).

If you stay within the park, Old Faithful Village and Canyon Village are the two most convenient place to stay. If you can’t get a hotel or campsite inside of the park, West Yellowstone is also a great place to stay for this itinerary.

You will stay in Yellowstone or West Yellowstone for two nights.

For recommended hotels and locations, both inside and outside of Yellowstone National Park, read our article Where to Stay in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful, Hayden Valley & Norris Geyser Basin

On the Road: 100 miles, 2 hours if you stay at Old Faithful; 160 miles, 3 hours if you stay in West Yellowstone; 140 miles, 3.75 hours if you stay in Canyon Village

Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin

Old Faithful is one of Yellowstone’s most popular sights. By starting here first thing in the morning, you get to avoid the midday crowds.

There are three different ways to view an eruption of Old Faithful: take a seat on the boardwalk that surrounds the geyser, hike to Observation Point for a bird’s eye view, or grab a seat at the viewing deck at the Old Faithful Inn.

Old Faithful erupts roughly every ninety minutes, so it is possible that you can catch two eruptions while you are here.

RELATED: Old Faithful: 10 Tips to Have the Best Experience

Old Faithful

The view of Old Faithful from Observation Point

After the first eruption, spend some time exploring the Upper Geyser Basin and Geyser Hill. Within one square mile, there are over 150 geothermal features here, making this one of the best spots in the park to see geysers, hot springs, and thermal pools. It takes about 2 hours to thoroughly explore this area.Get full details on how to plan your visit in our Guide to the Geyser Basins.

A visit to Old Faithful, combined with Upper Geyser Basin, typically lasts three hours.

Near the Old Faithful Inn, you will also find restrooms, gift shops, a convenience store, and restaurants, so this is the perfect place to grab lunch.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

Once you are finished at Old Faithful, drive east to West Thumb Geyser Basin (19 miles, 30 minutes).

This is a small geyser basin and it only takes about 30 minutes to walk through all of it. The highlight is Abyss Pool, a brilliantly blue hot spring, but it is also very cool to see the geothermal activity right along the edge of the lake.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

Hayden Valley

From West Thumb Geyser Basin, continue the counter-clockwise drive on Grand Loop Road until you get to Hayden Valley.

This is one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot bison, but they are not always hanging out by the side of the road. We have driven through here many times and sometimes you see a few bison off in the distance and sometimes an enormous herd is clustered along the road, creating a giant traffic jam.

If you aren’t lucky enough to see a herd of bison here, you have another chance in Lamar Valley.

Hayden Valley

Norris Geyser Basin

From Hayden Valley, drive north. If you need food, Canyon Village has some shops and restaurants. Skip the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and go right to Norris Geyser Basin.

A visit here consists of seeing two basins: Back Basin and Porcelain Basin.

Norris Geyser Basin

Porcelain Basin, Norris Geyser Basin

Back Basin is the larger of the two basins. This is the location of Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. Eruptions are unpredictable and you have to be very lucky to be here when it erupts.

Porcelain Basin is our favorite of the two basins. There is a lot more activity here, with noisy fumaroles, steaming hot springs, and blue pools of water.

If you visit both basins, a visit here typically lasts about 2 hours.

Return to your hotel, lodge, or campsite and have dinner.

Yellowstone National Park: Grand Canyon, Mammoth & Lamar Valley

On the Road (to Lamar Valley): 110 miles, 3 hours from Old Faithful Village, 66 miles, 2 hours from Canyon Village, 106 miles, 3 hours from West Yellowstone

Today, you will visit a few more sights in Yellowstone. In the evening, continue to Cody, Wyoming. There are two routes to drive to Cody, which adds another 2 to 3 hours of driving. Today is a big driving day, but it saves you a lot of time tomorrow on the drive out to Devils Tower. But not to worry, you will be choosing between two very scenic drives.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Spend the morning at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. There are two main areas to visit, the North Rim and the South Rim, and it takes 3 to 4 hours to visit both rims.

Start on the North Rim. First thing in the morning, traffic should still be light, so you will be able to drive to each overlook. Brink of the Lower Falls is a short but strenuous walk to a close-up view of Lower Falls (0.7 miles round trip and 600 feet of elevation gain). Our favorite overlooks on the North Rim are Lookout Point, Red Rock Point, and Inspiration Point.

Brink of the Lower Falls

Brink of the Lower Falls

Yellowstone Lower Falls

Red Rock Point

On the South Rim, visit Artist Point (one of the most photographed spots in Yellowstone National Park), Canyon Overlook, and Uncle Tom’s Trail (if it is open).

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Artist Point

There is a third section, Brink of the Upper Falls, which is nice, but I recommend skipping it in order to give yourself enough time to visit the other sights today.

For more details on visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, read our Guide to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs that is located in north Yellowstone. Hot, steaming water spills out over travertine terraces, making this one of the most unique geothermal areas in the park.

These hot springs are spread over a large area. A visit here can be quick, with a short walk to one or two viewpoints. Or, you can spend an hour or two walking the boardwalk trails and going on the scenic drive.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Lamar Valley

This is the best spot in Yellowstone to view wildlife. Elk, bison, pronghorn deer, bear, coyotes, and wolves can all make appearances. One of the best times to visit Lamar Valley is in the late afternoon and early evening. 

Lamar Valley Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

Tonight, I recommend staying in Cody, Wyoming. By staying here, you will have a much shorter drive to get to Devils Tower on day 6.

From Lamar Valley, it takes 2 to 3 hours to drive to Cody. You have two routes to choose from.

BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY: The quicker route (94 miles, 2 hours) is to exit Yellowstone at the Northeast Entrance and drive through Cooke City-Silver Gate (if you need dinner this is the best place to get it until you reach Cody). You will drive a portion of the spectacular Beartooth Highway and then take the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway to Cody. Beartooth Highway is typically open from Memorial Day through very early October. 

For full details on things to do on this drive, read our Guide to Beartooth Highway.

Beartooth Highway

Beartooth Highway

PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you want to go farther on Beartooth Highway, you will have to skip something in Yellowstone today. I recommend visiting Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, then driving through Lamar Valley, and spend the afternoon on Beartooth Highway. Driving out and back on Beartooth Highway to Rock Creek Vista will take about 3 hours. To get to Cody, you will then drive the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.

BUFFALO BILL CODY SCENIC BYWAY: This is the longer route (126 miles, 3 hours) and you will backtrack through Yellowstone. From Lamar Drive, drive past Canyon Village and Yellowstone Lake and exit the park at the East Entrance. From the East Entrance, it is a one hour drive on Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, another beautiful drive through the mountains.

Yellowstone to Cody Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway

Tonight, sleep in Cody. You will spend one night in Cody.

The Cody. Located in Cody, this property gets some of the best reviews in town. Rooms can accommodate up to four people and there is a gym and indoor pool onsite. Rooms are large, clean, and quiet and decorated with a western theme. It was the nicest hotel that we stayed in during our South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming road trip.

Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites. If you are traveling as a family and want to stay in one of the top rated hotels in town, this is one to consider. Stay in a suite or a standard room, some of which can accommodate up to 7 people. Some rooms have patios and some room have balconies.

Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast. This bed and breakfast ticks all of the boxes. Rooms are clean and tastefully decorated. The breakfast gets rave reviews. And with the gardens and interior decor, this property is beautiful.

The Chamberlin Inn. If you are looking for a bit of luxury, this is a highly-rated historic hotel in Cody. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, organic silk linens, and fresh flowers. There is a garden, library, and on-site bar.

Cody Cowboy Village. Located in Cody, rooms are rustic and can accommodate from two to six people. There is an onsite pool and hot tub and this is one of the highest rated properties in Cody.

Bighorn Mountains & Devils Tower

On the Road: 305 miles, 5 hours from Cody to Devils Tower; if you choose to continue to Spearfish, add another 60 miles and 1 hour of driving

Today you will drive from Cody to Devils Tower. On the way, take your pick between two different scenic drives through the Bighorn Mountains.

Below we give an overview of both routes, but for more information and many more photos, read our Guide on How to Drive from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone.

The Bighorn Mountains

There are two main driving routes through the Bighorn Mountains and Bighorn National Forest. Cloud Peak Skyway (US Route 16) crosses the highest pass in the mountains. Bighorn Scenic Byway (US Route 14) cuts through the northern section of Bighorn National Forest. Along both of these routes, there are short hiking trails and scenic overlooks to visit along the way.

Both of these routes are roughly the same distance and take the same amount of time. Below are the details for both routes.

Bighorn Scenic Byway

This is our favorite of the two routes through the Bighorn Mountains.

Bighorn Scenic Byway is 57 miles long, running from Shell to Dayton, Wyoming, on US Highway 14. It is the northern route through the Bighorn Mountains.

From Cody, you will drive east to Shell, Wyoming (a one hour drive) and then take US-14 (the Bighorn Scenic Byway) through the Bighorn Mountains.

How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (points of interest and the walking route). You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest.   If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore

Entering the Bighorn Mountains near Shell, Wyoming

Bighorn Scenic Byway

This drive starts off with beautiful views of the Bighorn Mountains. Then the road twists and turns through a canyon and climbs up higher into the mountains. Make a pitstop at the Shell Falls Interpretive Site to see Shell Canyon.

This road tops out at Granite Pass (elevation 9,033 feet) before winding down through the mountains on the way to Dayton.

From Dayton, it takes 3 hours to drive to Devils Tower (185 miles). Most of this drive is on Interstate 90 which is a large divided highway.

Cloud Peak Skyway

Cloud Peak Skyway is 47 miles long, running from Ten Sleep to Buffalo, Wyoming, on US Highway 16. It is the southern route through the Bighorn Mountains.

The Cloud Peak Skyway tends to be more popular, since it lacks the switchbacks and tight turns that the Bighorn Scenic Byway has. It’s a nice drive but Tim and I both think that the Bighorn Scenic Byway is more thrilling from start to finish.

From Cody, it takes 2 hours to drive to Ten Sleep. Just past Ten Sleep, US-16 enters a canyon and you will drive past towering limestone peaks.

Cloud Peak Skyway reaches its highest point at Powder River Pass (9,666 feet) and then descends to Buffalo. From Buffalo, it takes 2 hours to drive to Devils Tower (130 miles). Most of this drive is on Interstate 90 which is a large divided highway.

Cloud Peak Skyway

Cloud Peak Skyway near Ten Sleep

Bighorn Mountains

Bighorn Mountains

Devils Tower

Once at Devils Tower, you will have a few hours to spend here.

For the quickest visit, simply walk the Tower Trail, a 1.3 mile trail that loops around the base of Devils Tower. If you are doing well on time, hike the Red Beds Trail, a 2.8 mile trail that makes a bigger loop around Devils Tower.

Red Beds Trail

Hiking the Red Beds Trail

Devils Tower National Monument

There are a few restaurants and general stores located at the entrance to Devils Tower National Memorial where you can get dinner and refill your gas tank.

For more information about how to visit Devils Tower, check out our Guide to Devils Tower.

Tonight, stay either near Devils Tower or you can drive one hour east to Spearfish, South Dakota. Where to stay depends on whether or not you want to do an extra hour of driving today or save it for tomorrow morning.

Where to Stay Near Devils Tower

Sawin’ Logs in is one of the highest rated properties near Devils Tower. The Devils Tower Lodge and the Best Western Devils Tower Inn also get excellent reviews.

Where to Stay in Spearfish

In Spearfish, Spearfish Canyon Lodge is the highest rated property. The Travelodge by Wyndham Spearfish and the Best Western Black Hills Lodge get good reviews.

Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Lead & Mount Rushmore

On the Road: 165 miles, 3.5 hours from Devils Tower; 105 miles, 2.5 hours from Spearfish

If you stayed near Devils Tower, it is a one hour drive to get to Spearfish.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

This scenic drive is 20 miles long and it takes about 30 minutes to drive it, without stops. It starts in Spearfish and ends in Savoy. Along the drive, you can see Bridal Veil Falls, hike to Devils Bathtub (2 miles round trip, 1 to 1.5 hours), and visit Roughlock Falls. Click here to read more about Spearfish Canyon and to see more photos from the drive.

Spearfish Canyon Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

Spearfish Canyon

Lead & Deadwood

Continue to Lead. Lead’s claim to fame is its history in gold mining. This small town was home to the Homestake Mine, the largest, deepest, and most productive gold mine in the Western Hemisphere. It was closed in January 2002.

Things to do in Lead include visiting the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, the Black Hills Mining Museum, and the Historic Homestake Opera House.

Deadwood sits right next to Lead. Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark District, since it preserves its Gold-rush architecture. During the Black Hills Gold Rush, from 1876 to 1879, this town was in its heyday. Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok all walked these streets.

Deadwood South Dakota Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

In Deadwood, walk through the historic town, Tour the Adam’s House, visit Mount Moriah Cemetery, and visit the Saloon #10 Bar. This saloon is where Wild Bill Hickok was shot and killed playing poker by Jack McCall. The hand of cards he was holding (two pairs of black aces and eights) is now called the Dead Man’s Hand.

Deadwood is a great place to have lunch, depending on how your timing works out. We had a great meal at Jacob’s Brewhouse & Grocer but Cheyenne Crossing, El Jefe’s Fresh-Mex Cantina, Lewie’s Saloon & Eatery, and Deadwood Legend’s Steakhouse all get great reviews.

From Deadwood, it takes about one hour to drive to Mount Rushmore.

A visit here can last as little as 30 minutes, if you just want to walk up and snap a selfie with Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. I recommend spending more time here, walking the Presidential Trail and learning more about the history of Mount Rushmore in the visitor center.

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore in early October. If you walk the Presidential Trail you get unique views like this one.

To learn what to do and how to plan your time, read our post Mount Rushmore: 10 Things to Know Before You Go.

Optional: Crazy Horse Memorial

If you are doing well on time, you have the option to add on a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial. It’s a 30 minute drive from Mount Rushmore and a visit here can be very quick. You can simply view the monument from afar, from the terrace of the Welcome Center, or you can take a van ride to the monument for a closer view. For updated pricing and hours, visit the official website.

For the next three nights, you will stay in the Black Hills of South Dakota or Rapid City. 

The town of Custer is located just outside of Custer State park, on the west side. EO Bungalows is one of the highest rated properties and your room comes with a kitchenette.  The Rocket Motel is a nice pick if you are looking for a budget property that gets good reviews. The Holiday Express & Suites Custer-Mount Rushmore also gets good reviews.

Keystone is located north of Custer State Park, near Mount Rushmore. This town has a very touristy feel to it but it does have a nice, central location for exploring the Black Hills. We recommend the K Bar S Lodge and the Rockerville Lodge and Cabins.

Hill City is another small town to consider. The Freedom Ridge Cabins and the Black Elk Resort are two of the highest rated properties in this town.

On our first visit to the area, we stayed in Rapid City at the Courtyard by Marriott. This hotel was wonderful but we did A LOT of driving to get back and forth to the Black Hills. The advantage to staying here is that you will do less driving on the day trip to Badlands National Park. Just south of Rapid City is TKTK, where you can rent a two-bedroom house, a great option for families.

Where to Eat

I highly recommend having dinner at Skogen Kitchen in Custer. This small restaurant serves gourmet food that is outstanding. It was so good that we ate here two nights in a row. Make your reservation in advance.

On the Road: varies depending on what you do and your route through Custer State Park, this can range from 100 to 150 miles with 3 to 4 hours of driving

This state park has a little bit of everything…thrilling hiking trails, picturesque lakes, and an abundance of wildlife that rivals that in the neighboring national parks.

Custer State Park

Cathedral Spires Trail

Below are two different ways to spend your time in Custer State Park. Option #1 is perfect for families and those who want to see the best of the park without doing a lot of hiking. Option #2 is for avid hikers.

#1 Highlights of Custer State Park

  • Morning: Starting at the Visitor Center, drive Wildlife Loop Drive in a clockwise direction.
  • Late Morning: Drive Needles Highway to Sylvan Lake. If you like the idea of doing a short hike in the park, I recommend the Cathedral Spires hike. You will pass the parking lot for Cathedral Spires Trailhead on the way to Sylvan Lake.
  • Midday: Spend some time at Sylvan Lake. Consider the easy stroll on the Lake Shore Trail or renting kayaks or paddle boards here (great in the summer months). Have a picnic lunch, dine at Sylvan Lake Lodge, or grab something quick to eat at the General Store.
  • Afternoon: Backtrack down the Needles Highway. If you are doing good on time, and are looking for some solitude, visit Center Lake.
  • Late Afternoon: Drive Highway 16A towards the Game State Lodge. If you are visiting with kids, consider visiting the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, just note that it closes at 5 pm. Then exit the park on Iron Mountain Road. If it is getting dark, stop by Mount Rushmore if you have not yet seen it at night.

Needles Highway Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

Needles Highway

#2 Custer State Park for Hikers

  • Morning: Hike to Black Elk Peak, Cathedral Spires, and/or Little Devils Tower. This can be done from Sylvan Lake or the Cathedral Spires trailhead parking lot.
  • Midday: Visit Sylvan Lake and have lunch at Sylvan Lake Lodge.
  • Afternoon: Drive Needles Highway and then drive Wildlife Loop Road counter-clockwise. This drive ends near the Visitor Center and the Game State Lodge, so if you need food, drinks, or to use the restrooms, you can do this here.
  • Late Afternoon: Exit the park by driving Iron Mountain Road. Consider stopping to see Mount Rushmore at night, if the sun will be setting soon.

Black Elk Peak Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

Black Elk Peak

For a full list of things to do and many more photos, read our Guide to Custer State Park.

On the Road (from Keystone): 240 miles, 5 hours

To get to the northeast entrance of Badlands National Park , it is an hour and forty-five minute drive from the Black Hills and an hour and fifteen minute drive from Rapid City. You will start on the east side of the park and end on the west side, so it will be a shorter drive to get back to the Black Hills/Rapid City at the end of the day.

To make the most of the day, I recommend getting an early start, ideally getting on the road at 7 am.

For more information about Badlands National Park, check out our article 15 Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park. Here is the link to our One Day Badlands Itinerary, a more detailed version of what is listed below.

Places to Go in Badlands National Park

Enter the park through the northeast entrance. Immediately past the entrance station is the Big Badlands Overlook . This is one of our favorite views of Badlands National Park and one of the top spots to watch the sunrise, but it’s also great all morning long.

Badlands National Park

Big Badlands Overlook

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Sunrise is a magical time to visit Badlands National Park. If this sounds like something you would like to do, stay in Wall the night of day 8. From Wall, it’s just a 30 minute drive to get to this overlook.

For the rest of the day, you will drive Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240), visiting the overlooks along the way and taking your pick from the short hiking trails. For a complete list of what to do in the park, take a look at our post Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park.

As you drive through the park, the next place you will reach are the trailheads for several hiking trails. The Notch Trail is the most thrilling hike in the park and it is very short. If you do one hike today, this is the one that I recommend. The Door and Window Trails are very easy walks that take you up close to the rock formations.

Notch Trail Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

Notch Trail

Continue the drive on Badlands Loop Road, visiting the overlooks as you go. The Fossil Exhibit Trail and Saddle Pass are two more walks/hikes to consider doing.

Badlands Road Trip Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

Saddle Pass

Just past the Pinnacles Overlook, Highway 240 turns north and heads to Wall. At this point, you can drive Sagecreek Rim Road farther into the Badlands. This gravel road is suitable for standard cars. The views of the Badlands aren’t quite as good as they are along Badlands Loop Drive, but on Sagecreek Rim Road you have a much better chance to spot wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep, coyote, and prairie dogs (we saw all of these animals here during our visit).

Badlands Sunset

Sunset at Panorama Point

You can return to the Black Hills at this point, or stick around for sunset, another magical time to be here. The Pinnacles Overlook is the most convenient, since it is located near Sage Creek Rim Road and just a short drive to Wall. Another option is Panorama Point, our favorite sunset spot in the Badlands.

From Pinnacles Overlook, it is an hour drive to get back to Rapid City and an hour and a half drive to get back to the Black Hills.

US National Parks List

Wind Cave National Park & Fly Home

On the Road: 90 miles, 2 hours

If you can schedule a late afternoon or evening flight, you have time in the morning to visit Wind Cave National Park. This park is named for its enormous cave but there are also hiking trails on the surface that lead to viewpoints and wildlife viewing opportunities.

If you want to take a cave tour, currently tours are booked in the morning on a first-come first-serve basis. Tours typically start at 9 am and the tour schedule varies based on the season. The visitor center opens at 8 am and I recommend getting here right at 8 am, or even a little before, to make sure that you are on the first tour of the day. For more information about cave tours, visit the National Park Service website.

We took the Natural Entrance Cave Tour, which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. You get to see a little bit of everything on this tour, including boxwork and cave popcorn.

After your cave tour (or instead of a cave tour), explore the above ground world of Wind Cave National Park. Bison roam the park and we saw a huge herd of bison while hiking the Lookout Trail and Centennial Trail Loop.

For something quicker, hike the short but sweet Rankin Ridge Trail for panoramic views over the Black Hills. On a clear day you can also see out to Badlands National Park.

Rankin Ridge Yellowstone Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore

The view from Rankin Ridge

In the afternoon/evening, fly home or continue on to your next destination.

How to Modify this Itinerary

If you want to visit Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore, but have limited time or a different starting point, here are alternate versions of this itinerary.

Doing this Itinerary in Reverse Order

If you plan to do this road trip in the opposite direction, here is the itinerary in reverse order, with a few modifications.

Day 1: Arrive in Rapid City, drive to Wall, South Dakota Day 2: Badlands National Park from sunrise to sunset, drive to the Black Hills Day 3: Custer State Park Day 4: Wind Cave NP, Mount Rushmore Day 5: Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish Canyon & Devils Tower Day 6: Drive to Cody via Bighorn Scenic Byway or Cloud Peak Skyway Day 7: Yellowstone NP Day 8: Yellowstone NP Day 9: Yellowstone NP in the morning, Grand Teton NP in the afternoon Day 10: Grand Teton NP in the morning, fly home in the evening

Flying into Bozeman, Montana

Many of our readers have written in, saying that they got cheaper flights into Bozeman than Jackson or Idaho Springs. If this is the same in your case, you can fly into Bozeman and then make some modifications to this itinerary.

Since Bozeman is a 4-hour drive from Jackson, and you will drive right past Yellowstone, it doesn’t make sense to drive to Jackson on the first day of this itinerary. Instead, go right to Yellowstone. Ideally, stay in West Yellowstone, Canyon Village, or Old Faithful Village. It is faster and easier to day trip to Grand Teton from these locations. From Gardiner or Mammoth, it will be a very long drive to Grand Teton National Park.

Stay in Yellowstone through day 5 of this itinerary and use one of these days to day trip to Grand Teton National Park.

Here is the modified itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Bozeman, drive to Yellowstone Day 2: Yellowstone National Park Day 3: Grand Teton day trip Day 4: Yellowstone National Park Day 5: Yellowstone National Park Day 6 through 10: Same as the above itinerary

7 Day Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore Itinerary

You can do this itinerary with less time, but you will have to give up a few sights.

Day 1: Arrive in Jackson, spend some time in Grand Teton NP if you have time in the afternoon Day 2: Grand Teton in the morning, drive to Yellowstone in the afternoon Day 3: Yellowstone National Park, sleep in Cody Day 4: Drive from Cody to Devils Tower to the Black Hills of South Dakota Day 5: Custer State Park & Mount Rushmore Day 6: Badlands National Park Day 7: Wind Cave National Park in the morning, fly home in the evening

Planning Your Trip

National & state park fees.

Here are the fees to enter each park.

Grand Teton: $35 Yellowstone: $35 Devils Tower: $25 Mount Rushmore: No entrance fee but there is a $10 parking fee Custer State Park: $20 Badlands : $30 Wind Cave: Free (cave tours have an extra fee)

America the Beautiful Pass

If you have plans to visit Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Badlands, and Wind Cave National Parks and Devils Tower, it is worth it to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass. This annual park pass costs $80 and is valid for one year. Not only will you save money on park fees for this trip but you will also get free admission to any other national park or federal recreation sites that you visit within 365 days of purchasing this pass. Custer State Park is not included with this pass since it is a state park.

Purchase your pass at the first national park that you visit (in this case, at Grand Teton) or you can get it online.

Click here to learn more.

Important Links

Here are the links to each national park website. Check park conditions and road closures as you are planning your trip and again just before you go.

  • Grand Teton NP
  • Yellowstone NP
  • Badlands NP
  • Wind Cave NP
  • Devils Tower National Monument
  • Mount Rushmore National Monument

If you have any questions about this Yellowstone, Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information about Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Devils Tower & South Dakota

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide  for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. Don’t miss our article Best Things to Do in Yellowstone for more great things to do in the park.

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Grand Teton National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. For a list of must-have experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park.

PLACES TO GO IN SOUTH DAKOTA: Here are 15 great things to do near Rapid City, South Dakota . Visit Badlands National Park , go hiking in Custer State Park , visit Wind Cave National Park , and learn how to visit Mount Rushmore.

USA ROAD TRIPS: Planning your next big adventure in the USA? Check our our USA Road Trip Guide for travel ideas and sample itineraries.

UNITED STATES: We have TONS of information about places to visit in the United States in our USA Travel Guide. In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries.

Yellowstone Mount Rushmore Itinerary

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Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore

Comments 30

Avatar for Mary

Can I get a printable version of this article.

Avatar for Julie

We don’t have an ebook version of this itinerary but you can print it and save it as a pdf from your browser (press CTRL+P). It will be a lot of pages since our website is not optimized for printing. Cheers, Julie

Avatar for Bob Hathon

I just found your site and it is not only well written, but easy to navigate and chalk-full of amazing information!!! Thank you.

As a newbie to planning an extended road trip, could you give a suggested budget for this type of trip? I just need a general target because I know circumstances are different for everyone (for instance, we have a camper and will be camping as well as making the majority of our own meals).

That’s really hard to say, because hotel prices and rental car fees can be all over the place for that part of the country, depending on the time that you visit. On average, rental car fees can be around $100 to $200 per day, which is very expensive, but we’ve heard from others planning a similar trip prices that are even higher (I’d assume $200 until you get quotes from rental car companies). Renting a car and going point to point rather than a loop is generally more expensive, as there is a drop fee (but this usually saves a day of travel and a hotel fee, which can also add up). For a mid-range hotel, prices can range from $100 to $400 per night for a double room, depending on the time of year and the location. You will also have meals (grocery stores are the cheapest way to go) and fees for the parks ($80 for all the national parks and related sites is a really good deal if you visit at least 5 national parks in one year), and maybe a flight to get out to that part of the country. Sorry I couldn’t give you something more concrete, but you could look at Hertz and Avis for rental car fees and Booking.com to get an idea of hotel prices. Cheers, Julie

Avatar for Jessica

Thank you for the great information. It is so helpful! My kids have spring break the week of April 20. Would you recommend making this trip that early in the season? I know some roads/parts of the parks will be closed.

Most of Yellowstone will be closed, which would make the first part of this itinerary challenging/unaccessible. The same goes for Grand Teton NP. Instead of following this itinerary in April, a better one would be our one week South Dakota itinerary , which spends more time in the southwestern corner of South Dakota. On this itinerary, you also have the option to add on Theodore Roosevelt NP . Cheers, Julie

Avatar for Jo Ann

Good evening. Since these are last minute plans, unable to stay in the park (except for the cabins on 10/7-10/8 with shared bathrooms). Thoughts on this? Could I also get your input on the following? 10/6 – fly into Jackson, WY about 1:30 pm (from Denver) and stay in Jackson and explore (or is it better to land in West Yellowstone and drive to Grand Teton?) 10/7 – drive to Grand Teton and explore (stay in west yellowstone for night) 10/8 – explore southern Yellowstone via tour (stay in west yellowstone for night) 10/9 – explore northern part of yellowstone (stay in west montana for night?) 10/10 – explore Cody and stay in town 10/11- fly out to Portland from Cody, WY Or do you have suggestions on a better route? I plan to rent a car from Jackson and return car to Cody or possibly Bozeman (if not going to Cody). Thank you so much for your knowledge! Jo Ann

Hello Jo Ann. I’d be happy to help. If you want to start in Grand Teton, which I think is a good idea, keep your flight to Jackson (no sense doing extra driving from West Yellowstone). At the end of 10/9, you can stay in Gardiner, but you will have a longer drive to Cody the next day. But it should be easy to get a place to stay. It’s important to make sure you get to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for a few hours, and I’m not sure if it’s covered in your tour or your plans to visit the north part of Yellowstone. But you could do it the morning of your third day in Yellowstone (10/10), visit Hayden Valley, and then drive to Cody. You would only have a few hours in Cody but that’s all you need because there’s not a whole lot to do. You could look up in advance if there will be a rodeo that afternoon/evening. And then fly out of Cody. Have a great trip! Cheers, Julie

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial

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May 26th, 2024 – Back When They Bucked

PRCA “Back When They Bucked” is back for the fourth consecutive year, May 26, 2024. We are looking forward to hosting this elite event again in the unique, rustic, old west setting of the Days of 76 Event Complex, Deadwood, SD,. The WLF and Naja Shrine of Deadwood are excited to partner for this annual Back When They Bucked Fundraiser.

Sunday, May 26, 2024  |  Day’s of 76 Arena Complex 10am MT  – WPRA Ladies’ Breakaway Roping Long Round 2pm MT – South Dakota High School Rodeo Breakaway and Saddle Bronc Match 3pm MT  – Xtreme Saddle Bronc Match & WPRA Breakaway Roping Short Round

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June 7th & 8th, 2024 – Deadwood PBR

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July 21st to 27th, 2024 – 102nd Annual Days of ’76 Rodeo

Since 1998, the Days of ’76 Rodeo has been honored with the Rodeo Committee of the Year award 19 times. The Days of ’76 is also a 16-time winner of the Badlands Circuit Rodeo of the Year award and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in July 2011.

General Admission Tickets on SALE: Monday February 12, 2024. Reserved and VIP Seating on SALE: April 1, 2024. VIP Roughstock Deck: ONLY sold at the ticket booth during the week of the Days of ’76

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South Dakota’s Great 8

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Native American Culture Tour

Native American culture is rich in the Black Hills. Learn about the heritage of the Great Sioux Nation, as you explore Crazy Horse Memorial®, the Oglala Lakota College, Bear Butte State Park and the Journey Museum.

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Spearfish Canyon of Colors

Take in one of the Black Hills’ most colorful locales with this trek through Spearfish Canyon. No matter the time of year, you’ll find beautiful waterfalls, picturesque views, and charming local restaurants and breweries.

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Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore National Park Road Trip

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: March 3, 2024

This road trip from Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore was never on my bucket list and yet, last summer, I think I drove it 4 times because I loved it so much. You may want to combine this road trip with our Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Park road trip like we did.

Last May, we needed to get to South Dakota to establish residency , as many full-time RVers do. I thought we’d be in and out of South Dakota in less than a week. After all, I imagined South Dakota to be a vast wasteland with not much to do, but I was so wrong!

Much to my surprise, I discovered that I love South Dakota, especially the Black Hills, Custer SP, and Spearfish Canyon. The green rolling hills and deep forest reminded me of our travels through Germany.

In our 6 years of full-time travel and RV living, Wyoming hadn’t been on our list of destinations. Last summer, when we were searching for wide open spaces in nature, we decided to take our wanderlust to Wyoming and we fell in love!

Mount Rushmore National Monument, South Dakota

In our 6 years of full-time travel and RV living, Wyoming hadn’t been on our list of destinations. But last summer, after setting up our residency and exploring South Dakota, we were looking for rock climbing destinations in states that were open. We knew that Lander and Ten Sleep had some of the best limestone in the world so we decided to take our wanderlust to Wyoming.

This blog will cover the highlights of what to do on a road trip from Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore To help you plan the details of your Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore road trip, you might want to read these related blogs:

  • Yellowstone In 1 Day
  • Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Parks Road Trip
  • How to Hike Middle Teton
  • Best Hikes Wyoming
  • Things To Do In The Black Hills
  • Best Hikes Black Hills
  • Things To Do In Custer State Park
  • Best Campgrounds Black Hills
  • Best Hikes Tetons

Why Take A Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore Road Trip

Before I outline all the beta on how to plan your Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore road trip, I have to #defythenorm and say that the typical itinerary that I see for this on the internet can be boring and stressful.

I’ve seen some very ambitious itineraries out there and while I am all for squeezing in as much adventure as possible to my day, it’s not fun to burn yourself out on vacation.

After traveling to both Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone numerous times, I figure it’s worth giving my two cents on how I’d design this itinerary.

Yes, you have to see Yellowstone but you don’t need to spend very many days there. I think One Day in Yellowstone is enough. A majority of Yellowstone involves pulling into a parking lot and walking a crowded boardwalk to see water in different forms & colors. It’s beautiful but exhausting.

If you have kids, they aren’t going to care about seeing much more than Old Faithful. I mean, a bear would be cool too but not always likely. You do have a good chance though of seeing bison while you are driving through the park.

The Badlands and Devils Tower are not much better either. If you have time and really like driving, then add them in.

But if you:

  • like to be active
  • Search out epic hikes
  • don’t love crowds
  • and your kids aren’t into staring at rocks they can’t climb or pools of colored water

Then the Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore itineraries for adventurers might be better for you.

Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore Itineraries For Adventurers

These itineraries are geared for summer and fall when all the roads are open in Yellowstone.

From Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore 3-Day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Yellowstone : Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, Hike Mount Washburn ; stay in Cody for the night
  • Day 2 Ten Sleep Canyon & Spearfish : Take in the views of Ten Sleep Canyon, have dinner in Spearfish at Sawyer Brewing, stay at Spearfish Canyon Lodge
  • Day 3 Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, & Custer: Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway, Mount Rushmore, and drive the Wildlife Loop in Custer

Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore 7-Day Itinerary:

  • Day 2 Ten Sleep Canyon & Spearfish: Hike Lost Twin Lakes in Ten Sleep Canyon, dinner in Spearfish at Sawyer Brewing, stay at Spearfish Canyon Lodge
  • Day 3 Rent a razor at Spearfish Canyon Lodge and explore; hike Devil’s Bathtub ; stay one more night at the Lodge
  • Day 4 Black Hills : see Crazy Horse, go to Sylvan Lake and hike Black Elk Peak , drive Wildlife Loop in Custer SP, stay in Custer & have dinner at the Custer Wolf
  • Day 5 Black Hills : Hike Sunday Gulch at Sylvan Lake, drive Needles Highway, see Mount Rushmore, hike to Hippie Hole, stay in Keystone
  • Day 6 Badlands : check out Wall, take in scenic overlooks in Badlands & hike Notch Trail
  • Day 7 Devil’s Tower

Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore 10-Day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Yellowstone : Lamar Valley, Madison Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone & Yellowstone Falls, Norris Basin, stay in West Yellowstone
  • Day 2 Add in Grand Tetons : Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, head to the Tetons, take the boat across Jenny Lake and hike Cascade Canyon or hike to Delta Lake, stay in Jackson
  • Day 3 Yellowstone : Hike Mount Washburn ; stay in Cody for the night
  • Day 4 Ten Sleep Canyon & Spearfish: Hike Lost Twin Lakes in Ten Sleep Canyon, dinner in Spearfish at Sawyer Brewing, stay at Spearfish Canyon Lodge
  • Day 5 Rent a razor at Spearfish Canyon Lodge and explore; hike Devil’s Bathtub ; stay one more night at the Lodge
  • Day 6 Black Hills : see Crazy Horse, go to Sylvan Lake and hike Black Elk Peak , drive Wildlife Loop in Custer SP, stay in Custer & have dinner at the Custer Wolf
  • Day 7 Black Hills : visit Wind Cave, Hike Sunday Gulch at Sylvan Lake, and stay in Custer again
  • Day 8 Black Hills : drive Needles Highway, see Mount Rushmore, hike to Hippie Hole, stay in Deadwood & have dinner at Jacobs
  • Day 9 Badlands : check out Wall, take in scenic overlooks in Badlands & hike Notch Trail
  • Day 10 Devil’s Tower

Get detailed itineraries and all the beta on the must-dos in this Black Hills Travel Guide .

mt rushmore trip

There are 3 main routes to get in and out of Yellowstone and 3 main routes to get in and out of Mount Rushmore.

mt rushmore trip

Most Direct Way to Drive From Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore

Assuming you are starting from the southeast side of Yellowstone, which is close to Old Faithful and the West Thumb part of Yellowstone Lake, the most direct route to Mt Rushmore is Highway 14 from West Yellowstone towards Cody and then Highway 20 to Worland. Once you get to Worland you’ll drive Highway 16 through Ten Sleep which I cover later in this blog.

Bighorn Highway, Ten Sleep Canyon

Note, in my One Day Yellowstone blog , I cover the perfect way to start in West Yellowstone and end near Yellowstone Lake, the starting point for this road trip.

Honestly, I’ve never driven this section because I am almost always hiking in the Tetons or wanting to drive the Beartooth Highway so I always take the other two routes.

Mount Rushmore National Monument, South Dakota

The Southern Route: Yellowstone to Grand Teton to Mt Rushmore

This route takes you out of Yellowstone and through the Colter Bay part of Grand Teton NP. This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Wyoming so you may want to read this blog and reserve a campsite at Colter Bay if you can.

You’ll head east from Moran on Highway 26 . It’s a very scenic drive through the mountains. If you’re comfortable towing a big rig you’ll have no problem. And even if it’s your first time driving a class C RV, you should be fine. The grades aren’t too steep, the roads are wide, and there is very little traffic.

Road trip from Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore

Pro Tip: We often find free camping along this highway when we drive it.

The Northern Route: Beartooth Highway Scenic Route

If you want the best views , leave Yellowstone from the northeast and drive the Beartooth Highway. This road is extremely windy with numerous switchbacks so you don’t want to drive this with a big rig . In fact, check here for road conditions before driving it.

This isn’t the fastest way by any means but the Beartooth Highway is one of America’s most famous and scenic drives.

If you choose this route, it’s faster to just continue north and hop on the I-90 to South Dakota. Or, take the long detour south and explore Ten Sleep and the Big Horn Mountain range, which I highlight next.

The Road to Mount Rushmore

The Middle Route From Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore: The Big Horn Mountains

This is such an underrated part of the USA. If I hadn’t been searching for new rock climbing I never would’ve discovered how amazing the Big Horn mountain range is.

There are 2 ways to go through the Big Horn mountain range- the north route across the US-14 or the south route across the US-16. The 14 is steep and windy and I don’t recommend it for RV’s. While the 16 has a mountain to get over, it’s more like a ramp and much more doable for RVs.

You’ll first want to stop in Ten Sleep to see the famous Dirty Sally’s General Store to get ice cream, a Ten Sleep rock climbing book, or pick up some unique souvenirs. I love hanging out at the Ten Sleep Brewery and their honey beer mixed with lemonade is so delicious after a hard day of climbing! They often have live music and they offer camping for small RVs or tent campers. Plus, you can pay for a shower here!

Consider taking US-16 through the Big Horn mountain range for a more RV-friendly route compared to the steeper and windier US-14.

The drive from Ten Sleep to Buffalo goes over the Big Horn mountains. The drive itself is one of the most beautiful drives especially when the leaves begin changing colors in the fall. Heading east, the grade up isn’t too bad but it is a little steep on the descent down to Buffalo. However, I see people double-tow over this all the time so most big rigs will do fine with it.

There are a lot of campgrounds along the way and many hikes to choose from if you want to stretch your legs or explore. You could easily spend weeks exploring this area and just enjoying the quiet forest and fresh air here.

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Related Blog: Best Hikes Wyoming

Tip: Restock your supplies in Buffalo, Wyoming . Once you drop into Buffalo the drive to South Dakota is pretty boring. If you are heading straight to Mt Rushmore and need food or supplies, I suggest stocking up here since Buffalo is a pretty big city.

mt rushmore trip

Direct Route From Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore Via Custer State Park

Your fastest way, granted only by a few minutes, is by splitting off the I-90 at Moorift and taking Highway 16 towards Custer. The nice thing about taking this route is that you can visit Custer SP along the way, which is better than Mt Rushmore in my opinion. If you can get a campsite here, it would be a great home base for exploring Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Related Blog: 8 Things to do in Custer SP

Slightly Slower Route Through Spearfish and Rapid City

If you choose to stay on the I-90 to Rapid City, you can stop at one of our favorite towns, Spearfish, and explore Spearfish Canyon. Spearfish Canyon KOA is a great campground to stay at and a good jumping-off point for exploring the Spearfish Canyon.

Things to do Black Hills South Dakota Spearfish Falls

If you aren’t in an RV, I highly recommend spending a night or two at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge . The location is very scenic and it’s fun to rent a Polaris and go off-roading.

As far as towing a big RV to Mount Rushmore, either way through Custer SP, Spearfish Canyon, or Rapid City is fairly easy with wide enough roads and not too many grades or sharp turns, as long as you don’t drive Highway 244 .

Recommended Detour To Devil’s Tower: It only adds 25 miles to your trip to detour off the I-90 and check out Devil’s Tower. You don’t need much time here, but if you do have the time, there are a few options for hiking around Devil’s Tower that are nice. There are also campgrounds nearby if you want to make this a resting spot on your road trip.

Devil's Tower National Monument Wyoming

Most Scenic Route To Mount Rushmore Through the Black Hills

Your last option for routes into Mount Rushmore would be to drive through the Black Hills and enter Mount Rushmore from the west.

To take this route, when you get to the town of Custer, go north towards Hill City. You might want to stop at Crazy Horse on the way or get dinner in Hill City. Hill City also has some nice wineries to visit.

Scenic-Drive-Black-Hills-3

Then, for a nice scenic drive, take Highway 244. If you turn off Highway 244 there are numerous tunnels with height restrictions, but as long as you stay on the 244, it’s a 2-lane road with some turns and hills but nothing too crazy (unless you are towing a large trailer). If in doubt, stick with the other 2 routes. Otherwise, be sure to drive the Needles Highway , it’s absolutely a MUST DO ! You may also want to detour and visit Deadwood on the way.

Scenic-Drive-Black-Hills-2

Costs of Visiting Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore National Parks

If you will be visiting both parks, you’ll probably want to spend the $80 for the America The Beautiful Pass, which you can purchase online and covers entrance fees at ALL national parks. If you plan on visiting Custer State Park, which is a must if you are visiting Mount Rushmore, then you’ll need to buy a Custer State Park pass for $30, and is easier to just purchase when you arrive. It’s good for an entire year.

Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Since there is so much to do in Yellowstone and in the Black Hills, I think you can do this section from Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore in 3 days . I’d leave Yellowstone by 9 am and drive straight to Ten Sleep, arriving in time to eat lunch and grab a drink at the Ten Sleep brewery, then head up the mountain to set up camp at one of the campgrounds near Meadowlark Lake with enough time to enjoy the campground.

Campgrounds in Bighorn National Forest

Then, I’d pack up early and drive to the Lost Twin Lakes trailhead . This hike will take about 7 hours to complete so you may want to just enjoy your trip and book 2 nights at the campground so you aren’t rushed. The hike is almost 12 miles but it isn’t too strenuous and the views at the lake are worth the effort.

Hiking Bighorn National Forest

From Meadowlark Lake area to the town of Custer, it’s only about 4 hours but don’t forget time to restock in Buffalo. If you make it to Custer at dinnertime, we think the Custer Wolf restaurant is amazing!

And of course, you could skip the camping and hiking in the Big Horn Mountains and just hightail it across in 8 hours if you are crunched for time.

If you choose the northern route through the Beartooth Highway and Spearfish, you could still do it in 1 day. I’d leave Red Lodge early and drive the Beartooth Highway at sunrise for the best photos then book a night at the Spearfish Lodge.

So many options…so little time!

Mount Rushmore climbing

Best Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

You could spend weeks here but since you are researching Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore, you probably are trying to squeeze in as much as possible. These are the top 3 things that I think you can’t miss in Yellowstone.

  • Watching Old Faithful Erupt
  • Grand Prismatic (preferably at sunrise or sunset
  • Walk Norris Geyser Basin
  • Bonus: Mammoth Hot Springs and Drive Lamar Valley

Best Things To Do Near Mount Rushmore

Deadwood, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore itself doesn’t need more than a few hours (if that). However, the area around it, the Black Hills, could easily entertain you for weeks. Again, if you are short on time, these are the 3 must-do’s on your first visit to Mt Rushmore.

  • Visit Deadwood
  • Hike Sunday Gulch at Sylvan Lake (add in Black Elk Peak if you have time)
  • Drive Wildlife Loop in Custer
  • Bonus: Drive and check out the waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon

Black Hills Travel Guidebook by Nomads With a Purpose

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Margaret Dudley

Saturday 30th of December 2023

Our family is renting a class C in early July and we’re worried about crowds. We plan to see Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands. Will we be able to find camp sites or do we need to book everything ahead of time? Thanks for these great suggestions!

Robyn Robledo

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

If you want to camp inside the National Parks, you'll want to book ahead of time. However, if you don't want to be stuck to an itinerary, you could plan to do the National Parks during the day and then camp outside the parks at night. Having a class C will make this easy! I use Campendium, Allstays, and Harvest Host to find free camping or first come first serve campgrounds. If you aren't a "planner", I can create your itinerary and find campsites for you https://www.nomadswithapurpose.com/product/travel-planning/

Chris Johnson

Saturday 28th of January 2023

Looking for ways to drive from Rapid City to Yellowstone

Friday 3rd of February 2023

So you've got a couple options and it really depends which entrance you're wanting to get to. Leaving Rapid City you'll take the I-90 to Buffalo. From there, To get to the East entrance you have to cross a mountain pass on either the US-14 through Shell or the US-16 through Tensleep. Both are pretty steep but the 14 is not as bad. If you want to get to the North or Northeast entrance (by Cooke City) it's an easy drive because you just take the I-90 all the way to Laurel (almost no grades). Don't know if you're asking about these routes in context to winter or summer travel, but the US-212 and the US-14 I believe are closed in the winter and the US-16 is probably not in great condition in the winter. Hope this helps!

Sunday 27th of February 2022

I would love to see the national parks

Wednesday 9th of February 2022

also inquiring about a better idea of how to enter from Billings to Yellowstone. Planning to drive not camp, Billings to Yellowstone then Rushmore and back to Bozeman. I have been told enter in the North and Exit in the South but if exiting from the South, does that make sense to go to SD/Mt. Rushmore from there? Any details will help!

Monday 21st of February 2022

Personally I'd go north to south through yellowstone. Go in through Beartooth Highway and try to hit lamar valley, yellowstone falls, mammoth hot springs, norris basin, grand prismatic, and of course, old faithful. Then down to the Tetons (maybe squeeze in Cascade Canyon or Delta Lake). Then go across Wyoming. It looks like it's only an hour longer to go from Moran to Rushmore via Ten Sleep and the Bighorn Mountains. I love this area and if you have an extra day it's worth exploring (we have a separate blog on this). Hope that helps! Also, make time in South Dakota for Custer & Spearfish Canyon.

Steve Kelly

Monday 4th of October 2021

We’re renting RV in Billings Montana and planning to go to Yellowstone then to Grand Tetons and then to Mount Rushmore and Sturgess. Then return RV to Billings I’m planning to do this Oct 18-25 this year with my wife. We would love any advise where to stay along the way. We’re renting a standard class C. We like campgrounds for showers and restrooms but also can boondock it for a nite if it’s a cool place to go. Is this enough time? Yellowstone is my major highlight and want to drive around as much as I can before driving to South Dakota and back. Steve

It will be a busy trip for sure but I think doable since you can cover a lot of ground in a Class C. You kind of have to do a figure 8 in Yellowstone so I'd get a campground inside Yellowstone for the first night maybe at Madison or Canyon and the next at Grant. If you want a night in the Tetons, Colter Bay is nice. There are plenty of dirt roads and pull-offs to camp at on the way east through Wyoming.

If you drive through Ten Sleep to get to Sturgis, I love Boulder Park campground in the Big Horns. No hookups there but there is a well for drinking water (not to fill your RV). As you go over the pass from here to Buffalo, there is a dump station. There is a ton of paid and free camping all along the Big Horn mountains here too.

There are a lot of great campgrounds in the Black Hills. I have an entire blog on my favorite Black Hills Campgrounds. Pactola is my favorite but again, no hookups here. Custer SP is the best deal for camping with showers and then the Spearfish city campground has showers and hookups.

mt rushmore trip

Epic Rushmore to Yellowstone Trek: Scenic Routes Unveiled

Buckle up, adventurers! Embark on the ultimate road trip from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone, where every mile is a story waiting to be discovered. Will you join the journey?

mt rushmore trip

A road trip between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park will take you through some of the best sights in the west, through states such as South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. You even have the option of exploring Idaho.

This road trip will take you through Americas west, which includes some of the greatest nature in the U.S.A and introduce you to a vast amount of American history. From epic national parks, to historic monuments and even landmarks related to Native American tribes.

Map of Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone:

Dive into our Map below!

User Guide: Use the +/- arrows to zoom in an out of the states.

Many users choose to share the post on facebook and access the map that way.

Turn your phone sideways for easier use. Click the directions button top right to be routed to attraction.

Web Masters: If you have your own website feel free to embed our map in it by clicking the button in the top right hand corner. Just be sure to credit us at: Town&Touris t: Road Trip Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone

How long is the drive between Mount Rushmore & Yellowstone National Park?

The drive between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park takes approximately 8 hours, 40 mins and covers a whopping 463 miles! With no stops along the way this would be difficult and would mean you would miss out on some of the best landmarks in the U.S.A!

Road Trip Itinerary Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park:

Day 1: rapid city, south dakota.

Day 2:  Mount Rushmore (Custer State Park)

Day 3:  Badlands National Park

Day 4: Buffalo, Wyoming

Day 5: billings, montana (optional).

Day 6 & 7:  Yellowstone National Park

Day 8:  Grand Teton National Park

Rapid city, South Dakota is known as the " Gateway to Mount Rushmore " and the " Gateway to Black Hills National Forest " so it's the ideal place to start your great western road trip!

How to get to Rapid City?

Rapid city offers great flight connections to Rapid City Regional Airport (Code: RAP). Once there Rent a car using our Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks! To get the best deal.

[caption id="attachment_10873" align="alignnone" width="720"]

Main Street Square in Downtown Rapid City

Main Street Square in Downtown Rapid City. Source: Getty Images[/caption]

Things to do in Rapid City, SD:

  • Journey Museum:

Journey Museum is a great place to start your Road trip as it will take you back in time through the 2.5 billion year history of the area, which really puts things in perspective! Subject covere include geology, history, art and archaeology. Be sure to check out the Native American artifacts & traditions.

  • Reptile Gardens:

Reptile Gardens takes you into the exciting world of Reptiles! At the gardens you can see some of the rarest reptiles in the U.S.A, including a number of Mammals, and exotic birds in there colorful orchids and jungle areas.

  • Chapel In the Hills:

Chapel in the Hills is a scenic area which is open to the public and offers FREE Entry from May to September.  Here you will discover Scandinavia style picturesque scenery, with a quiant church. It's no wonder the area is really popular with weddings!

  • Wall Drug Store :

Wall Drug is the worlds largest drug store which offers over massive 76,000 square feet and is an ideal place to stop for Souvenirs. You will find Wall Drug, east of Rapid City off I-90.

wall-drug-storefront

  • Wa Tiki Waterpark:

If your taking this Road Trip during the summer months then you will definitely want to dive into WaTiki Waterpark . A great place for family fun!

  • Black Hills National Forest

Just 55 mins (35 miles) south of Rapid city is Black Hills National Forest.  With over 1.2 million acres of forested land there is plenty to explore at Black Hills National Forest. Called the "Island in the Plains,” the Forest offers a diverse range of wildlife and plants from the eastern forests to the western plains.

[caption id="attachment_10875" align="alignnone" width="738"]

Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest. Source: Wiki[/caption]

The landscape offers everything from rugged rock formations to canyons, tumbling streams and deep blue lakes. This is a great place for hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and wildlife viewing!

Day 2: Mount Rushmore (Custer State Park)

From Rapid City Take the 25 mile (40 minute) drive via US 16 and SD 244 to Mount Rushmore National Memorial the Iconic 60ft granite faces depict the great U.S presidents of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

On site you will also find museum with interactive exhibits, a gift shop, walking trials and a 2,500 seat amphitheater!

Over 4 million visitors come to Mount Rushmore to learn about the structure, the presidents and how over 400 men carved the monument on a average salary of just $1 per hour.

[caption id="attachment_10876" align="alignnone" width="640"]

mount-rushmore-artistic

mount-rushmore-artistic[/caption]

Fun Fact: The structure was began by Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum who started it in 1927 at the age of 60 years old, by 1941 he had died and the it was still not complete!

Fun Fact:  The presidents’ noses are 20-feet long and their mouths are 18-feet wide!

Which movies is Mount Rushmore in?

Mount Rushmore has showcased as a backdrop in a variety of movies here is a short list below:

  • National Treasure: Book of Secrets - Nicholas Cage (2007)
  • Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest (1959)
  • American Dresser (2018)
  • Austin Powers (Mount Rushmore Parody) and many more!

Insider Tip:

Head to see Mount Rushmore during the lighting Ceremony during May to September, it is a captivating sight.

Crazy Horse Memorial

If you continue southwest from Mount Rushmore for another 25 minutes (17 miles) via SD 244, US 16 and US 385 you will another awe inspiring sculpture.

The Crazy Horse Memorial began its construction in 1948 upon request of Lakota elders who wished for the white man to learn about Native American legends. The Native Chief (Henry Standing Bear)  chose Crazy Horse as he symbolised Native America Spirit, pride and courage.

[caption id="attachment_10877" align="alignnone" width="390"]

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial[/caption]

Will the Crazy Horse Memorial be bigger than Mount Rushmore?

YES!! The construction is still not complete but when finished it will stand 563-feet high and 641-feet long! To put things into perspective Mount Rushmores heads are just 60 feet tall each, so together the 4 mount Rushmore presidents will fit in just crazy horses head!

Despite the subject not been fully complete the site still attracts over 1 million visitors each year! The Crazy Horse Memorial also includes a Native American Museum, Education and cultural centre. You can also visit the sculptures studio and check out the presentations and native american cultural shows.

[caption id="attachment_10878" align="alignnone" width="727"]

Crazy Horse Memorial head

Crazy Horse Memorial head: source: Photograph by Charles Bennett / AP/ Getty Images[/caption]

Fun Fact : Some construction works have been working on the site for over 35 years!

Fun Fact: The structure was began by Korczak Ziolkowski, who also worked  on Mount Rushmore.

Where to eat?

If your hungry from all this History head to Laughing Water Restaurant, on site.

Custer State Park

Custer State park is a 71,000 acre area where herds of majestic bison road free. This is the ideal place to stay overnight and many resorts offer cabins, cottages and lodges. To get the best deal check out: How to find the Best Hotel Deals??

Day 3: Badlands National Park & Hot Springs!

Wind cave national park.

From Crazy Horse, the Hot Springs region lies just 35 miles (1 hour) southeast on Route US 385. Enroute be sure to check out Wind Cave National Park . This is one of the longest cave systems in the world!

A maze of underground tunnels forged from ancient limestone, here you can check out the crystal formations and hear the famous "wind" sound which the caves are named after.

There are many different levels of tours depending upon how deep you want to go!  Above land is 28,000 acres of land which is home to native wildlife such as elks, mule deer and bison.

Wind Cave National Park

Hot Springs Region:

After getting down & dirty in the caves, head to Mammoth Site to see an ongoing archaeological dig which regularly uncovers bones of 26,000 year old woolly mammoths.

Take the half hour guided tour and then spend a couple of hours exploring independently. Afterwards head to Evan’s Plunge for a relaxing soak & some family fun in the healing waters of its natural mineral pools.

[caption id="attachment_10880" align="alignnone" width="550"]

Evan’s plunge[/caption], badlands national park:.

Badlands National Park may be a little out the way but you should definitely consider it as an option! Located approximately 1.5 hours, 80 miles southeast of Rapid City via I-90, SD 240 and SD 44.

Badlands National Park offers 244,000 acres and its named stems from 19th century fur traders who called it "Bad lands to cross".  Here you will find geological formations which captivate visitors.

[caption id="attachment_10881" align="alignnone" width="560"]

Badlands National Park-

Badlands National Park-[/caption]

Can I bring my Dog to Badlands National Park?

Dogs are allowed everywhere in Badlands National Park except for Sage Creek Wilderness. They must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet or remain otherwise physically restrained. See: 9 Dog Friendly U.S Road trips

Do you love Hiking?

If you love Hiking then your in luck, Badlands National Park offers eight hiking trails which range from a quarter mile to 10 miles long! Where you can see a vast array of wildflowers, fossils and steep canyons!

Where to get great Hiking Gear?

Losing your footing while hiking can mean a best a twisted ankle and at worse a broken ankle which could ruin your entire vacation and potentially leave you stranded! I am an avid hiker and have hiking all over the world over the past decade. I recently reviewed the best hiking boots for a variety of budgets, check out the reviews here:

Recommended Hiking Gear

As you head to Yellowstone National Park along the fastest route you will cross Buffalo, Wymoing, which is located 269 miles (3 hr 50 mins) from Badlands National Park, via I-90 west.

Buffalo and Johnson County are nestled between the rolling plains of the Old West and the towering peaks of the Bighorn Mountains! Here you can discover  breath taking scenery, a variety of attractions and of course some of that western hospitality.

[caption id="attachment_10882" align="alignnone" width="900"]

Buffalo Wyoming

Buffalo Wyoming. [/caption]

Things to do in buffalo:.

  • The Historic Occidental Hotel Museum

Wild Wild West?? If you wish to delve back in time to the 1880s old west, with cowboy shootouts and rustic saloons galore then you have to check out Historic Occidental Hotel Museum . As you walk round you can see bullet holes still in the walls from where they had shootouts!

Fun Fact: Many famous legends stayed here including Teddy Roosevelt , Herbert Hoover, Butch Cassidy Calamity Jane, and of course the Sundance Kid!

Address: 10 N Main St, Buffalo, WY 82834, United States

Tel:  +1 307-684-0451

  • Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum

The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is a regional history museum which give you an intriguing insight into Native American, Natural history, the wild Frontier abd early life in Buffalo.

Here you will find a carriage house with multiple wagons including a 1916 homestead cabin and museum store which offers high quality hand made items.

Address: 100 Fort St, Buffalo, WY 82834-1801

Tel: +1 307-684-9331

  • Dry Creek Petrified Forest

At Dry Creek Petrified Forest, you will discover majestic wild horses and some nice hiking routes. The scenery is peaceful and the wildlife is spectacular.

Many people get lost using the stated address for Dry Creek Petrified Forest! But don't despair one of our Town and Tourist community found it and wrote down the exact coordinates to help you guys out!

Here you go :  44.35147, -106.53048 (Just plug these into you GPS or use our Map at the beginning of this article with all the attractions on!)

  • Cowboy Ranches!

Taking a Ranch vacation is a bucket list experience and ideal way to immerse yourself in the "Cowboy" lifestyle, yeehawww!

At these luxury ranches you can take horse treks & horse riding lessons during the day, before heading to the Spa & pool to relax after. During the evening, slip on your cowboy boots for some authentic square dancing and local cuisine.

[caption id="attachment_7918" align="alignnone" width="1181"]

A ranch vacation should be on everyones bucket list!

A ranch vacation should be on everyones bucket list![/caption]

For more info checkout: 10 Epic Ranch Holidays in the U.S.A

Best Driving Road: U.S highway 16!

As you head west from Buffalo you MUST DRIVE over U.S highway 16, its is one of our 25 Most Epic Driving Roads in the U.S.A and takes you over the scenic Big Horn Mountains. This road will take you by Ten Sleep canyon and some spectacular peaks and overhangs.

As you drive east towards Yellowstone entrance at Cody, you will drive past Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Buffalo Bill State Park , great places for a cowboy adventure.

From Buffalo, Wyoming or Badlands you can take an optional detour through Billings, Montana. This will take you through the Crow Indian Reservation and give you the opportunity to explore some interesting sights at Montanas Little Big Horn. These include:

  • Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument ,

This is the site of General Custer’s Last Stand, where his troops were crushed by Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors! There is a museum, memorial and guided tours by Native Americans & Park rangers, which focus on the Military history.

  • Pictograph Cave State Park

Pictograph Cave State Park is a 23 acre park which takes you back in time to Native American culture! Taking the walking trail you will see ancient pictographs and some breath taking scenery. There is also a visitors centre, picnic grounds & museum displays.

Location: 3401 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101-6420

pictograph-cave-state

  • Moss Mansion Museum

The Moss Mansion Historic House Museum is located  on 914 Division St. It is a red-stoned mansion built in 1903 by Preston Boyd Moss and his wife, Martha Ursula Woodson Moss.

How much does it cost?

Admission to the Moss Mansion Museum is $12 for Adults, $10 for Senior Citizens and Military, and $8 for children ages 6 to 17. Guided tours are available.

Day 6 & 7: Yellowstone National Park

From Montana’s Little Big Horn, its around 130 miles (2 ½ hours) to   Yellowstone National Park . You can enter through the North, Northeast or eastern entrances.

The North Entrance at Gardiner is the only one open all year round. During the winter, the west, south and east entrances are open only to tracked over-snow vehicles such as snowcoaches and snowmobiles.

Yellowstone National Park has to be one of the greatest National Parks in the USA .

Here you will discover over 2 million acres of vast wilderness, from forested areas to hot springs! Check out these 5 reasons to visit Yellowstone in September .

[caption id="attachment_10884" align="alignnone" width="640"]

yellowstone national park sunset

yellowstone national park sunset[/caption]

The wildlife is curious and abundant, making it a great place for wildlife spotting.

Activities here include hiking, horseback riding and during the winter months Snow shoeing and cross country skiing!

See 23 Awesome Cross Country Skiing Resorts|U.S.A

[caption id="attachment_8864" align="alignnone" width="900"]

Yellowstone-winter-camping[/caption]

Yellowstone National Park Regions:

Yellowstone National Park has 5 regions, these include:

  • Mammoth Country, North West Region: Site of the Mammoth Hot Springs and home to many elk & bison.
  • Geyser Country, South West Region:  Home to " Old Faithful " and many geothermal features such as fumaroles, mud pots and hotpools!
  • Lake Country, South East Region:   Bird watching heaven, where osprey and bald eagles roam. There is also blue Yellowstone Lake located at an altitude of 7,735 feet!
  • Roosevelt Country, North Eastern Region:  An area which reminds me of the old west,  with many deer, bison and wolves. These roam through a landscape of sagebrush, fir, aspen trees and a petrified forest.
  • Canyon Country, East Central Region:  Home to the “ Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone ,” the Hidden Valley and Lower Falls, which is twice as high as Niagara Falls !  Elk, bison and deer roam this area.

[caption id="attachment_1196" align="alignnone" width="1024"]

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY | By Brocken Inaglory, via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption]

Where to Stay at Yellow Stone National Park?

There are a few authentic lodges I recommended, we stayed at Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins , but the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is also good.

Tours/Excursions:

Many sightseeing tours are on offer, for more info see: Unique Experiences

Yellow Stone National Park is also a great place to try a Dog Sled Ride: 16 Awesome Dog Sledding Tours/Trips: U.S.A

[caption id="attachment_8596" align="alignnone" width="900"]

Yellowstone-Dog-Sledding-Tour-Christmas

Yellowstone-Dog-Sledding-Tour-Christmas[/caption]

Day 8: Grand Teton National Park

Just 7 miles south via route 89/191 you will find Grand Teton National Park . which offers a pleathora of wildlife and theatrical scenery.

The Mountain range stands, 12,000 feet above sea level and makes the ideal habitat for the famous Trumpeter Swan!

  • Fun Fact: The Trumpeter swan is heaviest living bird native to North America!
  • Fun Fact: The Trumpeter Swan is also the largest species of waterfowl with a wingspan that may exceed 10 ft!

Head to National Elk Refuge where you can hike to a mountain lake, waterfall and even take a Packraft down Snake River.

Grand Teton National Park 1

Where to Stay?

We stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge a full service resort, but Jenny Lake Lodge is also epic! It was actually named one of our top 500 hotels in the world!

If you would rather be in the a more built up area, then staying in Jackson is a great option. I recommend Spring Creek Ranch for ultimate luxury surrounded by scenic wilderness.

Want to discover some savvy Hotel Hacks?

Check out: How to find the Best Hotel Deals??

Do you want secret car rental deals?

Check out: Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!

[caption id="attachment_10522" align="alignnone" width="900"]

car rental travel hacks[/caption]

Want to capture instagrammable RoadTrip photos?

Travel Photography Gear Reviews!

Got everything you need?

Check out our   Travel Essentials .   (Things You can’t travel without!)

  • Recommended Backpacks
  • Recommended Camping Gear
  • Recommended Hiking Boots.

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Where Are Those Morgans

10 Days Mount Rushmore To Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: June 21, 2021  - Last updated: February 21, 2024

Categories North America Travel Blog

10 Days Mount Rushmore To Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park is an attraction-heavy road trip route from South Dakota’s Black Hills to northwest Wyoming. You should plan for 4 days in the Black Hills, one day for the long drive and 5 days split between Yellowstone and Grand Teton. If you follow our 10 day itinerary exactly, you’ll cover 1,283 miles which will require 31 hours and 25 minutes of driving time.

In this guide we’ll help you plan every step of your Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park road trip itinerary, based entirely on our own personal experiences.

Our Road Trip Experience

Couple kneeling down together for a photo with the Yellowstone National Park welcome sign in Montana

We’ve driven from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone twice , and we’ve spent a lot of time exploring South Dakota’s Black Hills, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. We think 10 days is the perfect amount of time to see the best of each region, keep costs down and not feel too rushed. Read more about us .

Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone are both US bucket list juggernauts. We’ll show you where to visit in the Black Hills, your route options to Wyoming and how to make the most of your time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. This is one of the best road trips in the US and we hope it will surpass your expectations.

Route Options

Screenshot photo from Google Maps showing the most scenic route to drive from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone

Yellowstone is around 450-500 miles drive from Mount Rushmore depending on the route, and it takes about 8 hours to drive without stopping. There are several routes you can take from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone, including Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16), Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-14) and I-90.

Cloud Peak Skyway and Bighorn Scenic Byway are more picturesque and cross the Bighorn Mountains. Both lead to Cody and Yellowstone’s east entrance. Whereas I-90 is a longer and less scenic route, but it leads to Cooke City and Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, or Gardiner and Yellowstone’s north entrance.

Our preference is to drive Cloud Peak Skyway to Cody . The route has beautiful scenery and it means beginning Yellowstone at east entrance, which is more efficient for this particular itinerary. You’ll see how to make this route work later in our itinerary walkthrough.

Helpful resources:

  • How to plan a road trip
  • Road trip packing essentials

Places You’ll Visit

Herd of bison walking in a long line on a road with trees to the side and a little snow on the ground

If you follow our 10 day Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone itinerary, your road trip will consist of 5 major areas:

  • Mount Rushmore
  • South Dakota’s Black Hills
  • Drive from the Black Hills to Cody
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Teton National Park

Let’s take quick look at what you can expect from each area.

1. Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial before sunrise with purple sky

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the world. And it’s simply unmissable on your visit to South Dakota. We’ve seen the famous granite sculpture at sunrise in October and covered in snow in April, and it’s an impressive spectacle.

What you need to know:

  • You don’t pay to enter but you do pay $10 to park (pass is valid for one year)
  • Pick up a ticket as you enter and pay at a machine before leaving
  • Your America the Beautiful Pass does not cover entry
  • The sculpture is southeast facing so the light is best at sunrise
  • We recommend walking the Presidential Trail boardwalk
  • You can watch an evening lighting ceremony May-September
  • You only need 2-3 hours at the most to see Mt Rushmore

Further Reading: How to visit Mount Rushmore

2. South Dakota’s Black Hills

Cathedral Spires hike granite rocks green and yellow trees in black hills national forest south dakota

South Dakota’s Black Hills are beautiful and shouldn’t be missed when you plan your road trip. There’s lots of fun things to do near Mount Rushmore and after two extended trips of our own, we’d go as far as saying the Black Hills region is one of the most underrated places we’ve visited in the US so far.

Here’s just some of the things you can do:

  • Custer State Park
  • Needles Highway
  • Iron Mountain Road
  • Sylvan Lake
  • Black Elk Peak Trail
  • Wind Cave National Park
  • Jewel Cave National Monument
  • Spearfish Canyon
  • Badlands National Park

Further Reading: South Dakota’s Black Hills road trip itinerary

3. Drive From The Black Hills To Cody

Devils tower national monument in Wyoming is the best stop off on a road trip between mount rushmore and yellowstone national park

Your drive from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone is actually going to be a drive from Spearfish, SD to Cody, WY via Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16) if you follow our itinerary. It’s a 332-mile drive and it would take around 5 hours 30 minutes without stops, but you will stop a few times on the way.

Here’s the route:

  • Devils Tower National Monument
  • Buffalo, Wyoming
  • Cloud Peak Skyway
  • Cody, Wyoming

4. Yellowstone National Park

Morning Glory pool yellowstone upper geyser basin brilliantly colorful geothermal feature

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most unique and extraordinary landscapes in the world. We’ve spent a total of 8 days in Yellowstone across visits in April and October. Both were amazing experiences but each came with its own set of challenges, including weather and logistics.

Here’s a few top tips for visiting Yellowstone:

  • May and September are the two best months on balance
  • Yellowstone is very expensive and overcrowded in summer
  • Hotel rooms book up a long way in advance
  • You can see the park in 3-4 days
  • It’s more efficient to stay in different areas each night
  • The park is bigger than you might imagine
  • Weather is unpredictable in spring and fall
  • Animals are most active at dawn and dusk

Further Reading: The best things to do in Yellowstone

5. Grand Teton National Park

Spectacular meadows mountains at sunset in grand teton national park

Grand Teton is one of our favorite US national parks because it’s small, easy to visit and incredibly photogenic. Even if Yellowstone is your top priority, we recommend you plan for at least one full day in Grand Teton. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Grand Teton is less crowded than Yellowstone
  • Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing are top photo spots
  • You can stay in Jackson, Teton Village or Moran
  • It’s a very easy going park to visit
  • You can see the highlights in 1-2 days

Further Reading: How to spend 2 days in Grand Teton

Important Itinerary Information

Tourist sat on an outdoor bench waiting for a geyser to erupt in the distance

The three most important things you need to consider when planning your road trip from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone are your start and end points, hotels and weather.

1. Start/end – Our itinerary below assumes you begin in Rapid City, SD and end in Jackson, WY with 10 full days available. You might need to add on another day if Jackson doesn’t work for you as an end point, so you can drive to Salt Lake City or back to Rapid City to catch a flight.

2. Hotels – You shouldn’t have any problems booking hotels around the Black Hills or in Jackson, but Yellowstone is a different beast. We recommend you book your Yellowstone hotels as far in advance as possible. We’ll cover the best hotels for each night in the itinerary below, and we’ll give you tips on alternatives for each night after the itinerary.

3. Weather – If you plan this road trip for summer you shouldn’t have any issues with weather. But if you want to avoid the crowds and keep costs down by visiting in late spring or early fall, you might run into some problems with snow and road closures. It’s important to stay on top of live conditions throughout your trip. We’ll cover the best time of year to plan this road trip near the end of the guide.

  • Yellowstone – Live conditions
  • Grand Teton – Live conditions

Need help planning your road trip? Our popular travel guidebooks are filled with expert advice, tips and information to help you make the most of your time and money. * Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip itinerary (45+ pages) * Yellowstone National Park (60+ pages)

Fun infographic showing 10 stops to make in 10 days on a road trip itinerary from mount rushmore to yellowstone and grand teton in south dakota and wyoming

Day 1 – Badlands + Keystone

Badlands National Park in south Dakota incredible landscape one of the best stops to make on a mount rushmore to yellowstone road trip

After arriving into Rapid City the evening before, either stay in Rapid City or drive to Wall which is the nearest town to Badlands with food and hotels (here’s our guide to the best hotels near Badlands ). On the morning of day 1, enter Badlands via west entrance below Wall and drive the loop road heading east.

Our favorite viewpoints in Badlands include Yellow Mounds, Panorama Point, White River Valley Overlook and Big Badlands Overlook. Door and Notch are the two best hikes in Badlands for you to consider. The Door Trail is easy and picturesque, whereas Notch Trail has a few adventurous elements.

Leave Badlands via east entrance and stop at Minuteman Missile Visitor Center to learn about the Cold War. Honestly, we didn’t expect much but it was a fantastic museum. Once you’re done, drive to Keystone and check into a hotel. Consider going to see the Mount Rushmore evening lighting ceremony if you’ll be visiting between May and September. And keep your parking pass safe so you can use it the next morning.

Top rated Keystone hotels:

  • Budget – Comfort Inn + Suites
  • Mid range – K Bar S Lodge
  • Luxury – Under Canvas

Further Reading: The best places to stay in Keystone SD

Day 2 – Mount Rushmore + Custer State Park

Close up of Mount Rushmore granite without shadows before sunrise gorgeous purple sky

Get an early start from your Keystone hotel and drive 2.5 miles to Mount Rushmore (use the same parking pass as the night before). We recommend arriving for sunrise to beat the crowds and to see the sculpture glow pink and orange, but we know getting up early isn’t for everyone! Walk the Presidential Trail and visit the Sculptor’s Studio .

Head back towards Keystone but turn right onto US-16A, which is better known as Iron Mountain Road . It’s a fun and scenic drive with curves, tunnels, hairpins and even pigtail bends. Turn right at the end to arrive at Custer State Park visitor center and watch the welcome video narrated by Kevin Costner.

You’ll pay $20 to enter Custer State Park and your pass is valid for 7 days . Keep your pass because you’ll need it for Sylvan Lake and Needles Highway later in the week. Next, drive the 18 mile one-way Custer Wildlife Loop to see animals like bison, burros, coyotes and eagles roaming freely in the wilderness. Turn left at the end heading for dinner and your hotel in Custer.

Top rated Custer hotels:

  • Budget – Rocket Motel
  • Mid range – Bavarian Inn
  • Luxury – EO Bungalows

Further Reading: The best places to stay in Custer SD

Day 3 – Custer State Park + Wind Cave

Tunnel on needles highway scenic byway in black hills south dakota

Get another early start and drive back through Custer Wildlife Loop because animals are more active in the morning. But instead of completing the loop, you’ll turn left onto SD-87 for 7.5 miles to Rankin Ridge Trail within Wind Cave National Park boundaries.

Hike the 1 mile roundtrip loop trail for far reaching valley views from an old fire tower. After the hike continue to Wind Cave visitor center. Cave tours can be booked in advance or bought on the day first come first served. We strongly recommend you book any cave tours in advance at this official recreation.gov page . If you can’t get on a tour, try nearby Jewel Cave instead.

After your cave tour, drive back to Custer for a late lunch. Head up SD-89, turn right onto the incredibly picturesque Needles Highway and hike the awesome Cathedral Spires Trail (using your Custer State Park pass for entry). Cathedral Spires Trail a short hike through ponderosa pine forest ending at granite needle-like rocks. Spend a second night in Custer.

Day 4 – Black Elk Peak + Spearfish Canyon

Where are those morgans at the summit of black elk peak hike trail in south dakota

After breakfast, drive up to Sylvan Lake and hike the amazing Black Elk Peak Trail , which we’ve included in our guide to the 50 best US hikes (again, your pass will get you into Sylvan Lake). Black Elk Peak is a moderately difficult 7 mile roundtrip hike with magnificent summit views that should take you around 4-5 hours. We recommend you go up trail #9 and go down trail #4. Add a spur hike to Little Devils Tower near the end. Strong hikers might also want to hike Sunday Gulch Trail on the west side of Sylvan Lake.

Drive west on Needles Highway heading for Hill City and stop at Crazy Horse Memorial . Next, drive north through the Black Hills to Deadwood and spend an hour walking the historic main street to learn about famous wild west gunslingers and cowboys.

At this point you can either take 14-ALT through Lead to Cheyenne Crossing and Spearfish Canyon or you can stay in Deadwood and begin with Spearfish Canyon the next morning. Deadwood is a lively and vibrant casino town, whereas Spearfish is very quiet. You can stop at Roughlock Falls, Eleven Hour Gulch, Devils Bathtub Trail and Bridal Veil Falls on your way down through Spearfish Canyon.

Top rated Spearfish hotels:

  • Budget – Best Western Black Hills
  • Mid range – Fairfield Inn + Suites
  • Luxury – Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Further Reading: The best places to stay in Deadwood SD

Day 5 – Devils Tower + Cloud Peak Skyway

Cloud peak skyway scenic byway between Buffalo and ten sleep in wyoming drone shot of road with snow and trees

You’ll drive from the northern Black Hills to Yellowstone on day 5. By leaving from Deadwood or Spearfish, you’re already close to Devils Tower and I-90 for the journey west. We recommend taking US-85, SD-34 and WY-24 to Devils Tower because it’s quieter and more scenic than I-90. It should take just over an hour.

Walk the flat paved path leading around the base of Devils Tower, then drive to Joyner Ridge Trailhead for the best views looking back over America’s first national monument. Get on I-90 and stop for lunch in Buffalo, Wyoming. You now have a choice between driving Cloud Peak Skyway or Bighorn Scenic Byway to reach Cody.

Do you want to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield ? It’s an hour north of the turn for Bighorn Scenic Byway on I-90, so you can add in a side trip. Otherwise, drive Cloud Peak Skyway from Buffalo to Ten Sleep. It climbs the southern Bighorn Mountains then drops into a dramatic narrow canyon. We’ve driven it twice and it’s a lot of fun, we even got our drone up for a few photos the second time. Arrive into Cody for dinner and check into your hotel.

Top rated Cody hotels:

  • Budget – Cody Cowboy Village
  • Mid range – The Cody
  • Luxury – Chamberlin Inn

Further Reading: The 8 best hotels in Cody Wyoming

Day 6 – East Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lower Falls from Artist Point on a bright blue sunny day

Grab an early breakfast in Cody and head west to Yellowstone Lake via east entrance. A little known secret is that east entrance has a lot of active wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled. If you’re a very strong hiker, you might want to take on Avalanche Peak on the way in. Otherwise, walk the easy trail to Storm Point for views over Yellowstone Lake.

Turn right onto Grand Loop Road to begin your Yellowstone adventure. Your first stop is Mud Volcano and Dragon’s Mouth Spring . Next, you’ll drive through Hayden Valley , one of the best wildlife spotting areas in the park.

Continue north towards Canyon, but turn right onto S Rim Drive so you can see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone . Stop at Upper Falls View and Artist Point at the end of the road. Next, you’ll take N Rim Drive on the other side of the river for more views but from different perspectives. Stop at Canyon Village for lunch.

If you’re into hiking, you should definitely hike Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn . Afterwards, take a short walk to see Tower Fall and Yellowstone River Overlook . If it’s getting close to dusk, you should definitely head into Lamar Valley for the best chance of seeing wildlife. Drive to Gardiner for dinner and your hotel.

Top rated Gardiner hotels:

  • Budget – Yellowstone Big Rock Inn
  • Mid range – Yellowstone Riverside Cottages
  • Luxury – Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Further Reading: The 8 best hotels in Gardiner MT

Day 7 – North + West Yellowstone

Mammoth Hot Springs terrace layers stunning colors

If you didn’t have time for Lamar Valley the evening before or seeing wildlife is your top priority in Yellowstone, you should wake up early and drive into the valley for sunrise or as early as you can. It’s widely accepted as the best place to see wildlife in the park and animals are most active at dawn.

Head back to Mammoth Hot Springs to walk around the lower and upper terraces, potentially stopping to hike Lava Creek to Undine Falls . It’s not ideal driving back on yourself, but it’s part of visiting Yellowstone. Mammoth usually has lots of bison roaming around the roads, and we got stuck in a bison jam nearby.

Next, you’ll head south until reaching Norris Geyser Basin which is split into two distinct sections. Walk around both, and don’t miss Steamboat Geyser and Echinus Geyser . Pass by the beautiful Gibbon Meadows but don’t miss Artists Paintpots Trail , which lead to bubbling mud pots and colorful pools. Stop at Gibbon Falls before leaving the park via west entrance to spend your evening in West Yellowstone.

Top rated West Yellowstone hotels:

  • Budget – Elkhorn Cabins
  • Mid range – Crosswinds Inn
  • Luxury – Explorer Cabins

Further Reading: The 8 best hotels in West Yellowstone

Day 8 – Southwest Yellowstone

Grand Prismatic Spring colorful stunning vibrant hues

Your eighth day is dedicated to enjoying what makes Yellowstone so famous; unique geysers and vibrant hot springs. Start with Lower Geyser Basin and Fountain Paint Pot Trail . Next, make your way down to Midway Geyser Basin to see Excelsior Geyser, Opal Pool, Turquoise Pool and Grand Prismatic Spring .

Drive to Fairy Falls Trail parking lot and hike the first 0.7 miles to reach Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook so you can take the most iconic Yellowstone photo. If you’re into hiking, continue the trail until you reach the stunning Fairy Falls waterfall. Next up is Biscuit Basin (with a potential hike to Mystic Falls ) and Black Sand Basin .

Finally, you’ll reach Upper Geyser Basin , which is where you can watch the world famous Old Faithful Geyser blow almost exactly on schedule throughout the day. Don’t miss the short hike to Old Faithful viewing area and make sure you walk around all of Upper Geyser Basin, as far as Morning Glory Pool . Head back to West Yellowstone, but stop on Firehole Lake Drive for a stunning sunset reflecting in Great Fountain Geyser.

Day 9 – South Yellowstone + Grand Teton

Jenny Lake incredibly beautiful mountain reflection and trees foreground

After breakfast in West Yellowstone, you’ll drive back through Lower, Midway and Upper Geyser Basins, and you’ll pass over the Continental Divide , before reaching West Thumb Geyser Basin . Spend an hour exploring the colorful pools and geysers around West Thumb, then drive one hour down John D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway to northern Grand Teton.

Turn right onto Teton Park Road and take a sharp left onto Signal Mountain Road . Climb the winding road for 4 miles until you reach Jackson Lake Overlook . Walk a few hundred feet down the trail and soak up special views over the Teton Range.

Back on the loop road, stop at the turnouts and take a right turn after Mountain View Turnout onto Jenny Lake Road. Pull into String Lake for quick walk, then carry on to Jenny Lake Overlook for stunning views. Continue to Chapel of the Transfiguration to see the famous “mountains through the church window” view, then drive 12 miles to Jackson for dinner and your hotel.

Top rated Jackson hotels:

  • Budget – Cowboy Village Resort
  • Mid range – Inn on the Creek
  • Luxury – Huff House Inn

Further Reading: The 8 best hotels in Jackson Wyoming

Day 10 – Grand Teton

Stunning sunrise at mormon row john moulton barn in grand teton national park wyoming barn trees meadow and mountains

If you’re into photography like we are, you simply can’t miss John Moulton and TA Moulton barns on Mormon Row at sunrise (see photo above). It’s one of our favorite photo spots in the US. The problem is that nearby Schwabacher Landing has an equally special sunrise scene with pristine mountain reflections and we saw a moose there at dawn, so you have a decision to make!

Whichever you choose, visit the other one straight after. Next, you can stop at Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend before returning to Jenny Lake . You could relax on the shores, take a swim, float on an inflatable or paddle. But we recommend hiking Cascade Canyon Trail instead.

Either walk around Jenny Lake or take a ferry service to west shore boat dock to cut a few miles from the hike. From there it’s a short trail up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point . Stronger hikers should continue into Cascade Canyon for stunning views and wildlife spotting. Finish the trip with a celebratory beer back in Jackson!

Hotel Alternatives

Where to stay on a mount rushmore to yellowstone road trip gardiner MT riverside lodging

When planning your Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip, you’re going to run into issues with hotels. Don’t worry, this is natural. You shouldn’t have any problems getting a good hotel at a reasonable rate anywhere in South Dakota, but that all changes when you start booking in Yellowstone.

We recommend you find and book your Yellowstone hotels first , then book the rest of your trip.

In our 10 day itinerary above, we have you staying at hotels in towns around Yellowstone. But you absolutely don’t have to follow those recommendations. You can instead stay in national park lodges within the park boundaries. They book up fast, they’re expensive and they have limited dining options, but they are more convenient and you’d get a more authentic experience.

Here are alternative places you can stay inside park boundaries if you follow our itinerary:

  • Night 5 – Lake Yellowstone (instead of Cody)
  • Night 6 – Mammoth (instead of Gardiner)
  • Nights 7 + 8 – Old Faithful Inn or Old Faithful Lodge Cabins (instead of West Yellowstone)
  • Night 9 – A park lodge (instead of Jackson)

When To Drive This Road Trip

Couple standing together for a photo in front of Mount Rushmore on a cold day with snow on the ground

Yellowstone’s roads are fully open between early May and the end of October . If you plan to follow our road trip itinerary from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone in shoulder seasons, you must make sure the east entrance road and the roads leading to Old Faithful and Grand Teton in the south are open. Here’s the opening and closing dates for the various roads around Yellowstone.

In May, June, September and October you’d benefit from less overcrowding and traffic, more hotel availability and cheaper prices, and higher animal activity. But the weather can be unpredictable, especially earlier and later in the season.

In July and August you’d benefit from warmer temperatures and a better chance of clear weather. But the park is heavily overcrowded and traffic is a problem, hotels are booked up and expensive, and animals are less active.

How Much Will It Cost?

Outdoor amphitheater with rows of benches overlooking a national monument sculpture on a cloudy day

It’s not easy to give an exact figure on how much a road trip like this will cost you because we don’t know if you’ll book cheap or luxury hotels, if you prefer to eat sit down meals three times a day or how many attractions you want to visit in the Black Hills. But from our experiences, we’ll try to give you a ballpark figure based on what we think the average couple will spend.

Hotels will be your biggest expense, especially once you reach Yellowstone and Grand Teton. You should book hotels in advance to get better rooms at cheaper prices, particularly if you plan to stay in park run lodges. We think you should aim for somewhere around $200-250 USD per night on average (depending on seasonality).

Food is harder to break down because it’s so subjective. Let’s say you’ll be eating three meals a day but lunch won’t be a sit down restaurant meal. We think a couple should aim for around $80 per day total . Then you have to factor in attractions (entry prices total $210 without national parks pass) and gas (1,283 miles at an average of $2.90/gallon and 25mpg).

All in, a couple is likely to spend something along the lines of $3,000 – $3,500 total for 10 days , excluding flights and hire cars. That’s for mid range hotels, eating out twice a day and entry to national parks, state parks and monuments. You could book cheaper hotels, eat at fewer restaurants or skip certain attractions to bring that number down.

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip Guidebook by Where Are Those Morgans

More Yellowstone + Grand Teton

  • Where to stay in Yellowstone
  • What to do in Yellowstone
  • Best airports near Yellowstone
  • Visiting Yellowstone in April
  • Mormon Row at sunrise and sunset
  • Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip
  • 2 days Grand Teton itinerary
  • 4 days Yellowstone itinerary
  • Schwabacher Landing at sunrise
  • Visiting Yellowstone in October

More From South Dakota

  • What to do in Badlands
  • Best hikes in Badlands
  • Guide to visiting Mount Rushmore
  • Things to do in Custer State Park
  • How to hike Black Elk Peak
  • Where to stay near Mt Rushmore

Want more Wyoming content? Head over to our Wyoming Travel Guides to explore Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and beyond. 

We hope this Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip guide helps with planning your itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions or need help planning your road trip in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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mt rushmore trip

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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Friday 1st of March 2024

Hi Guys, The guide looks great and I am planning to go in May of 2024. I find that it is very difficult to get one way rental car from rapid City to Jackson compared to Jackson to rapid city. So my question is if I plan my trim from Jackson to Rapid city, will it be exactly the opposite of your plan or do I need to modify the route. Appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you.

Mark and Kristen Morgan

Monday 4th of March 2024

Hi Sam, glad to hear you'll be taking this road trip in a few months. We just checked and Rental Cars have one-way hire cars from Rapid City to Jackson available in May. Hopefully you can find a good option for your dates with them. In truth, the route we created was designed to be most efficient going from Rushmore to Yellowstone (ie. being in the right place at the right time of day). You could reverse the route and it wouldn't be too different, but it would need some slight modifications for things like Wind/Jewel Cave tours or switching the attractions around so you don't set off on a hike too late in the day. But it's definitely doable. Let us know how you get on and have a fantastic time!

Kyle Elliott

Tuesday 9th of January 2024

This guide looks great, and I am just wondering if you have a price range for the trip, not including things like food. I want to do this as a couple's trip or Honeymoon trip, so just two people. I would like to have a goal for saving up for this trip. Thanks for any help you can give.

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, Thank you so much; this definitely helps. Your itinerary looks like the vacation of a lifetime for us.

Monday 15th of January 2024

Hi Kyle, glad to hear you'll be driving this road trip and congrats if it's for a honeymoon. Honestly, the cost will depend mostly on hotels. Without knowing the time of year you'll do it or your preference for hotels (cheap and cheerful or luxury, especially if honeymooning), you should probably aim for around $150 per night on average. Hotels are cheaper in the Black Hills, more expensive around Yellowstone. Book your hotels in advance (now for this summer or fall would be ideal) to save because there'll be more availability at park run lodges and in towns near the parks. Add in gas, food and attractions - you're looking at something in the $2,500 - $3,000 range total for 10 days, excluding flights and hire cars. That would be for mid range hotels and eating out 3 times a day, plus entry to national parks, monuments, state parks etc. You can always go for cheaper hotels, eat at fewer restaurants or skip certain attractions to bring that number down. Hope that helps and remember it's just a ballpark figure. Have a great trip!

Sunday 17th of December 2023

This is am amazing itinerary! Thank you so much. If we have more time, say, closer ti 14 or 15 days, where and how would you recommend spending that time? We love hiking, but are casual, so no summiting mountains for us.

Thanks Katie! To be honest we've included the major attractions in both regions, so it could just be a case of slowing things down so it's not as action packed. Maybe add one extra day in each of the Black Hills, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There's loads more you can do in Yellowstone and Teton, we've just covered the most unmissable spots for a first visit. You could also potentially include a stop at Little Big Horn Battlefield if that's of any interest. If you don't mind the full-on days, maybe consider driving up to Glacier National Park after Yellowstone and Teton to spend 2 or 3 days there. Or there's always a drive down to Salt Lake City where you can see the Great Salt Lake, Bonneville Salt Flats, Park City or hike loads of amazing trails on S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Hope that helps and have a fantastic trip!

Steve Blackman

Saturday 16th of December 2023

We are driving up from Kansas City the end of April to first week of May. What do you recommend as the best way to add the Little Big Horn battlefield into this itinerary? Thank you for your amazing itinerary. It looks to be so helpful with the trip we are planning.

Hi Steve, we're glad to hear you'll be driving this road trip next year. The easiest way to include Little Big Horn Battlefield is to drive I-90 directly from Devils Tower and then you can loop around to Cody from Billings. You'd be replacing the drive from Buffalo to Ten Sleep on the Cloud Peak Skyway. One thing to note is your exact dates. The east entrance into Yellowstone from Cody is projected to open May 5 2024 but any adverse weather could push that date back. You might be better off continuing on I-90 from Billings and entering Yellowstone to the north at Gardiner because that entrance is open year round. Have a fantastic trip!

Dineen Riviezzo

Saturday 29th of July 2023

We just returned yesterday from our 11 day trip which we followed as the Morgans suggested and it was truly amazing. I cannot thank you enough for your well-thought-out and easy-to-follow itinerary. I was travelling with my 13 year old twins and my 80 year old parents and we all had such an incredible time. We even stayed in the recommended hotels. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Thank you very much!

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Hi Dineen, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this nice comment. We are happy to hear our itinerary helped you during your amazing road trip! It's such a beautiful part of the country and your family will always have those wonderful memories! Take care, Mark and Kristen

mt rushmore trip

Road Trip USA: Great Sights of the West - Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone And The Grand Tetons

P lan a Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip to experience the West’s top national parks and monuments. Share other interesting Western sights in South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming with the kids as a bonus.

America’s first national park was founded by Congress in 1872. The magnificent Yellowstone established a tradition for the preservation of our country’s natural resources. Today, we count nearly 400 natural treasures from Acadia to Mt. Zion in our National Park preservation system. The parks continue to entice travelers from around the world who are passionate about the great outdoors and American history.

Spend one to three weeks in this fascinating part of the American West. A Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip introduces many of our most popular parks and monuments. The adventure exposes your family to the history of several Native American tribes, as well as prairie pioneers. Some travel tips:

  • Don’t get us wrong — this area is big. The Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming all have large, wide-open spaces.
  • Do not plan an itinerary that requires you to zip from one place to another with clock-like precision.
  • Stops can be far apart and you will want to change drivers often.
  • It is slow going. Winter driving conditions can be a factor even in October or May.
  • Roads approaching Yellowstone National Park , such as the Beartooth Highway or beautiful Rte. 191, are slow. Don’t expect to be cruising along at 65mph.  
  • Plan well ahead and engage your stakeholders. Let kids select pitstops and our suggestions for the sites and attractions that will most please your family.

Our suggested 7-10 day Ideal Western Road Trip Itinerary

Here are some suggestions for an easy-going, kid and backseat-friendly Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip.

Day 1/2:  Rapid City, South Dakota

Day 3:  Rapid City to Custer State Park

Day 4/5:  Custer State Park to Badlands National Park

Days 6/7:  Badlands National Park to Buffalo, Wyoming or Billings, Montana

Day 8:  Little Big Horn to Yellowstone National Park, Montana

Day 9:  Yellowstone National Park to Jackson, Wyoming

Driving Out: Rapid City, South Dakota Is The Start Of A Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip

If you have to fly in and rent a car or SUV or family minivan for this classic road trip, start slow in Rapid City. The small, fun town is located on the outskirts of the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. Start slow and spend a few days exploring this area.

Don’t miss the city’s Art Alley , the colorful back lane downtown. Admire how the city channeled the artistic energy of would-be graffiti artists. It’s an intriguing gallery of political statements and pretty images that will get your kids talking.

Another must-stop is Prairie Edge , a local Native American trading post with curated boutiques. Small booths sell Western wear, landscape paintings, turquoise jewelry and the art of Chris Ravenshead and Mike McCloud among others. Let kids pick out less pricey fare such as ball caps or some glass beads imported from Italy for use by Native artisans.

The Journey Museum & Learning Center is a mixed bag, well worth a visit for the insights it provides. Picture a collection of local treasures brought together after a horrific flood that tore apart the city. The museum features Lakota culture and the settlers’ Gold Rush history. We liked the geology center with locally-found dinosaurs and STEAM lab supported by NASA. Overall, the Journey Museum is a good rainy day indoor space with lots of hands-on activities for families. Toddler Tuesday activities and the mid-October Native American Festival are calendar highlights.

Where To Stay and Dine in Rapid City, South Dakota

The local Rapid City Quality Inn boasts a clean indoor pool, free hot breakfast and convenient location. WaTiki Waterpark  is perfect for cooling-down, fun activities during the summer.

Since its founding in 1870, Rapid City has grown from a Wild West outpost to a thriving small city. Good eating includes craft beer bars (think Firehouse Brewing Company .) Try at least one of the hearty steak and bison eateries. Cowboys invented chislik , a local specialty of fried beef chunks rolled in salt to preserve them. The Dakotah Steakhouse has its own gourmet chislik version that’s yummy with a beer or soda. Chow down on terrific hand-crafted dining, like the habanero pulled pork sliders with watermelon at Murphy’s Pub & Grill. )

There’s even a rooftop bar with mixologists and skyline views. Vertex , the bar, is on top of the classic red brick Alex Johnson Hotel . (This is not to be confused with the view from a fun family bike trip along Skyline Drive.) Unless you’re there in August over the famously wild Sturgis Rally motorcycle fest, you’ll enjoy the laidback charm.

Drive Day 3: On the Road to Custer State Park – 47 miles on Your Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip

Southwest of Rapid City via Routes US 16 and SD 244, it is about 25 miles (40 minutes) to the most recognized symbol of this region, Mount Rushmore National Memorial . Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum began the project in 1927 at the age of 60. It was not yet complete when he died in 1941. Known as the “Shrine of Democracy,” this awesome site offers a walking trail, a 2,500-seat amphitheater, a visitor center, a museum and food service. Nearly 3 million visitors each year learn about the 400 men who helped to carve the monument. Salaries averaged $1.00 per hour.

Did you know that the presidents’ noses are 20-feet long and their mouths are 18-feet wide? From May through September, the evening lighting ceremony is a particularly impressive sight.

Drive about 17 miles (25 minutes) southwest via Routes SD 244, US 16 and US 385. Discover another sculptural marvel, yet one which is still under construction. Lakota elders commissioned the creation of the Crazy Horse Memorial complex in 1948. Chief Henry Standing Bear, an Oglala Lakota Chief, chose to memorialize Crazy Horse, who symbolized the Lakota’s spirit, pride and courage. When finished, this mountain carving, done in the round, will stand 563-feet high and 641-feet long. The complex welcomes over 1 million visitors a year. Allow time to explore an Indian Museum, a Native American educational and cultural center and the sculptor’s home and studio. Kids will benefit from pausing at the multimedia presentations and resting their feet at the restaurant.

If you’re planning to stay overnight in this area, consider the beautiful 71,000-acre Custer State Park or Custer itself.

Exploring More of the Black Hills from a Base in Custer

Custer is a fun central base for exploring Mt. Rushmore, bison herds at Custer State Park and boomer-fueled shops and fine dining. This cute Wild West town has been attracting retirees for years. Young entrepreneurs opened local businesses to serve them and… Voila! There is a fun, buzzy atmosphere in Custer that kids will enjoy.

It’s more authentic in some ways than Deadwood and that much closer to the national park and attractions.

Allow at least one day in Custer State Park . Don’ miss the park’s Jeep Safari . The two-hour adventure brings you up close with otherwise shy bison a.k.a. buffalo who may come up and sniff your vehicle. A bonus: Enthusiastic driver-guides take the family off-road for a little spin to get closer to them. This place is packed during the September roundup and November Auction. Hotel room rates soar but it’s the only time to watch buffalo herds being culled to maintain the park’s sustainability as a bison habitat.

Where To Stay and Dine in Custer, South Dakota

While this region is great base for hikes and more exploration, some families will want to stay right inside Custer State Park, about 30-60 minutes south of Custer depending on weather. They rent rooms in four historic stone lodges, several modernized cabins and campgrounds.

If you’re moving south to the Southern Hills of the Black Hills consider the classic stone lodge, the State Game Lodge . We loved the cozy log cabin feel of the main lodge and one- to three-bedroom log cabins. Instagram the buffalo print pillows and retro Western décor your friends will love. WiFi is confined to the lobby of the rustic main lodge. Plan to hang out as President Calvin Coolidge did when it served as the summer White House under President Calvin Coolidge. There’s a large dining room and more remote buildings for events, plus a gift shop and very helpful staff.

For Days 4/5: Custer State Park to Badlands National Park – 55 miles

There are two routes to the Hot Springs region about 20 miles south of Custer State Park. Head 35 miles (1 hr) southeast of the Crazy Horse Memorial via Route US 385. Here you will find the fascinating Mammoth Site , an ongoing dig featuring 26,000-year-old bones of woolly mammoths that lived here. After the half-hour guided tour, you can spend an hour or two exploring on your own. For some relaxation, visit Evan’s Plunge for a soak in the healing waters of natural mineral fed pools.

Alternatively, on the way to Hot Springs, stop at the underground attraction Wind Cave National Park . One of the longest cave systems in the world, the ancient limestone is shaped like a complex subterranean maze. Wind Cave comprises 28,000 acres above ground. This terrain is home to native wildlife such as bison, elk and mule deer. Visitors come for the rare formations of crystals. Learn about the “windy” sound which accounts for its name on one of several cave tours.

Need a family-friendly hotel in the Mount Rushmore area? Go here.

An extraordinary side trip to consider is the stark, barren Badlands National Park . It’s just 80 miles (1 ¼ hours) southeast of Rapid City via Routes I-90, SD 240 and SD 44. The 244,000-acre park was so-named by 19th century fur traders who referred to it as “bad lands to cross”. Geological formations and the desolate beauty fascinate visitors. Select from eight hiking trails ranging from a quarter-mile to 10-miles long. It’s great to be out of the car. Watch for native prairie grasses, wildflowers, wildlife and fossils. Younger kids love the striking steep canyons, jagged spires and moon-like landscape out of a “Star Wars” film.

For more suggestions of family-approved attractions of interest, visit BlackHillsTourism.com

A Detour Worth Taking on the Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip: Wall Drug

What’s 50 miles east of Rapid City and less than eight miles from the Badlands? Yup, you can’t miss Wall Drug , a vintage road trip attraction that became world famous when they installed billboards pointing the way to their pharmacy back in 1931. The Hustead Family, now four generations strong with the founders’ great granddaughter Sarah waiting tables, has maintained that Dust Bowl-era charm rarely seen these days.

Dorothy and Ted Hustead were quick to realize that providing medicine wasn’t bringing in customers. A more compelling reason to visit was providing “Free Ice Water!” to summer road trippers who were sweltering in their cars. And, with that and coffee for 5¢ (still 5¢) they were off.

The Husteads famously expanded from 4,000 square-feet of pharmacy and beverages to a full 76,000 square-feet of dining. They now feature Western wear and souvenir shopping plus photo opportunities. Pause and play at the games arcade and mechanical T-Rex who roars every 12 minutes. Let off steam at the outdoor area with fun stuff for the kids (like a giant jackalope to climb upon). The restaurants are packed with 320 gallery-worthy Western paintings, including two portraits painted by Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mt. Rushmore. If the Badlands made Wall Drug, then Wall Drug certainly made Wall , a must-stop on your road trip.  If only for the juicy bison burgers with onion rings.

You literally can’t miss it because there are still tons of signs along Route 16A! The family manages 300 billboards which are constantly refreshed by a staff mural painter.

Days 6/7: Badlands National Park to Buffalo, Wyoming – 259 miles

En route to Yellowstone National Park , you could choose to travel west across Wyoming. (Or, head northwest through Montana by reading below.) To traverse Wyoming, take Routes I-90 and US 14 about 400 miles (7 hrs.) to Cody . As one of the Yellowstone’s gateways, it’s about a one-hour drive from the eastern entrance.

While here, you can have an authentic “cowboy” adventure. Drop into both the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Buffalo Bill State Park . Make it more authentic with a stay on a dude ranch for a few days of riding and rodeos.

We especially recommend the Paradise Guest Ranch , located 6 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming. It makes a great mid-way, overnight point between Rapid City and Cody. Ranch rates include luxury log cabins with private baths and fireplaces and three family-style meals a day. Activities range from fly fishing to riding, square dancing, spa and pool, an overnight teen pack trip and sing-along bonfires. Contact the Dude Ranchers Association for listings of other ranches in the region. (Tip: Be sure to ask the minimum age at which kids can ride.) Families interested in staying in town will like the indoor and outdoor pools at the Best Western Sunset Motor Inn , just a few blocks from the Buffalo Bill center.

Alternative for Days 6/7: Badlands National Park to Billings, Montana – 370 miles on your Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone Trip

Alternatively, travel on Route I 90 375 miles (5 ½ hours) to Billings , Montana, through the Crow Indian Reservation . Tour the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument , the site of General Custer’s famous Last Stand. It was his “last” stand because his troops were crushed by Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors.

In addition to a museum and memorial, guided tours focusing on military history are offered by Native Americans and Park Rangers. Unless someone in your group is a military history buff, a self-guided tour is more appropriate for families. You’ll want to spend the night in Billings; for lodging selections visit www.visitmt.com .

Day 8: Little Big Horn, MT to Yellowstone National Park – 130 miles

From Montana’s Little Big Horn , drive approximately 130 miles (2 ½ hours) to “Old Faithful.” To see the famous geyser, enter Yellowstone National Park from its north, northeast or east entrances.  Please note that the north entrance at Gardiner is the only one open to cars all year. During the winter months, only snow vehicles such as snowcoaches and snowmobiles can use the west, south and east entrances.

This vast natural treasure encompasses two million acres and entrances visitors from all over the world. Your exploration of nature will include viewing steaming geysers, hot springs and other geological wonders. Hike slowly and quietly to spot a variety of intriguing wildlife. Or, book ahead for horseback riding and snow-shoeing. The park is divided into the following five regions:

  • Mammoth Country, North Western Region: Site of the Mammoth Hot Springs and home to elk and bison.
  • Geyser Country, South Western Region:   Home to Old Faithful and other geothermal features such as fumaroles, mud pots and hotpools.
  • Lake Country, South Eastern Region:  Find osprey and bald eagles around the cold, blue Yellowstone Lake located at an altitude of 7,735 feet.
  • Roosevelt Country, North Eastern Region:   An area covered in sagebrush, spruce, fir, pine, aspen trees and a petrified forest. Inhabited by deer, bison and wolves, it is reminiscent of the Old West.
  • Canyon Country, East Central Region: Home to the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” the Hidden Valley and Lower Falls are twice as high as Niagara Falls. Elk, bison and deer roam this area.

Tours And Overnight Programs Enrich A Yellowstone Road Trip

Several sightseeing excursions within Yellowstone are available. For great family programs, surf to the Yellowstone Association for information on year-round Lodging and Learning programs.

Visit Travel Yellowstone for day tour information. Highlights of your Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip may well be a Yellowstone giuded tour. “The Circle of Fire” tour explores the caldera rim including the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. “Yellowstone in a Day” introduces you to Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful. The “Yellowstone Lake Butte Scenic Tour” and several other tours operate during the summer. In winter you can explore the park on snow via snowcoach, cross-country skis, snowshoes and snowmobiles.

Special programs and activities for children include the Junior Ranger program. It’s free, right at the park, and offers visitors from age 5 a chance to complete a series of activities. Share answers with a park ranger to receive an official Junior Ranger badge or patch and Junior Ranger certificate. Have a STEAM day with The Young Scientist Program for ages 5+. Kids solve science mysteries to earn a Yellowstone patch or key chain.

Comfortable Lodging & Hotels to Make Your Yellowstone Road Trip Perfect

Several rustic but comfortable lodges are nearby. Review the Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins , The Lake Lodge Cabins and The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel on the parade grounds of the old Fort Yellowstone. The Old Faithful Inn offers accommodations with private baths, restaurants, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing tours. A popular new hotel built in the traditional park-lodge style (with heavy timbers and a cedar shingle roof) is the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins, just a five-minute walk from the geysers.

Stay within the magical park’s boundaries if you can afford to. If you can’t afford to be in the park, several adjacent towns like Livingston and West Yellowstone have quality lodging. Additionally, area ski towns such as Big Sky and Red Lodge double as excellent summer vacation home rental options. Mountain resorts put you in pretty places, within an hour or so drive of a park entrance. These towns provide many amenities as well.

Road Trip Day 9: Yellowstone National Park to Jackson, Wyoming – 122 miles

Grand Teton National Park , only 7 miles south of Yellowston via Routes 89/191, is known for its abundant wildlife and dramatic scenery. The jagged mountain range rises more than 12,000-feet above sea level like the setting of a wildlife play. The high-altitude habitat creates many family wilderness opportunities. See a trumpeter swan. Visit the National Elk Refuge and hike to a mountain lake or waterfall. Chill out and go fish or raft down the Snake River.

For lodging suggestions, visit the Grand Teton Lodge Company . We suggest Colter Bay Village which offers a choice of well-priced rustic log cabins and tent cabins. It’s really popular with families. Other options include the Jackson Lake Lodge , a full-service resort. Or, splurge on one of the 37 cabins situated in a pine forest at the deluxe, historic Jenny Lake Lodge .

If you prefer a bit more civilization (galleries, shops, fine restaurants), consider staying at one of Jackson, Wyoming’ s many hotels or fancy resorts. Commute easily to Grand Teton (within an hour’s drive on Routes 89/191) for day adventures.

We recommend both the luxurious, wilderness Spring Creek Ranch and the Snow King Resort . Check out the value condominiums surrounded by Bridger Teton National Forest (a popular ski area in winter, and a great hiking spot in summer.)

A fun option to add to the memory bank is the funky, wild west-themed, motel like Cowboy Village Resort in town.

The post Road Trip USA: Great Sights of the West – Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone And The Grand Tetons appeared first on My Family Travels .

Your Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip itinerary to experience the best Western parks and monuments in South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.

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COMMENTS

  1. Plan Your Visit

    Consider visiting before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. Use the links below to plan your visit to Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills. Basic Information. Get the information you need to help plan a visit to Mount Rushmore. Directions and Transportation.

  2. How to Visit Mount Rushmore: 10 Things to Know Before You Go

    9. Don't Miss the Profile of George Washington. For a unique view of Mount Rushmore, you can see the profile of George Washington from outside of the national memorial. Located on Highway 244, less than a 5-minute drive from the memorial site, you can see Mount Rushmore from the side.

  3. How To Plan The Perfect Mount Rushmore Vacation

    November 1 to March 9 - 7:00am to 9:00pm. March 10 to September 30 - 5:00am to 11:00pm. October 1 to October 31 - 5:00am to 9:00pm. Travel tip: Your Mount Rushmore parking pass is valid for one year after purchase, so you can visit the memorial as many times as you wish during your visit to the Black Hills.

  4. How to Visit Mount Rushmore (+ Things to Do Nearby & Itinerary)

    Day 1: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park. Day 2: Wind Cave National Park, Mammoth Site Museum, and Rapid City or RTA. Day 3: Badlands National Park. TIP: If you are looking for even more ideas for your Black Hills vacation, here you can find a more detailed Black Hills itinerary for 4 days.

  5. How to Make the Most of the Road to Mount Rushmore

    It's also easy to drive yourself - We've put together a three-day itinerary that is jam-packed with some of the region's top attractions, dining and lodging - all conveniently located along Highway 16. Beginning at Mount Rushmore, take a left onto Highway 244 East towards Keystone. Continue east on to Highway 16 where the fun awaits.

  6. Mount Rushmore National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

    Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.

  7. Your Guide to a Mount Rushmore Road Trip

    Three great day trips would be: 1) Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, 2) Wind Cave National Park, and 3) the Wild West town of Deadwood, where you can visit old-timey saloons and watch ...

  8. Mount Rushmore Vacation Itinerary: The Best of the Black Hills

    If not, or you prefer to rough it when planning a trip to Mount Rushmore, there are plenty of reputable chain hotels in the area, like Best Western, La Quinta, etc. Places To Eat in Rapid City; Black Hills Bagels (closes 3pm daily) 913 Mt. Rushmore Road. Rapid City, SD 57701. Wobbly Bobby (opens 3pm daily)

  9. The Ultimate Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Guide

    Welcome to the Ultimate Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Guide. Carved high on the granite cliffs, four faces that represent the ideals of America are a sight to behold. Mount Rushmore reminds us of the birth, growth, development, and preservation of our country. This memorial is an amazing place to learn and reflect in the heart of the beautiful ...

  10. Mount Rushmore National Memorial Tours & Trips

    Mount Rushmore National Memorial Tours & Trips. Find the right tour for you through Mount Rushmore National Memorial. We've got 64 adventures going to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 24 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

  11. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone

    The Mount Rushmore Story is fascinating, but the reason for this monument as an inspiration for the continuance of our freedoms in our beloved country brings hope. It only cost $10 parking fee to visit and is the NPS best deal. Visited April 2023. Traveled as a couple.

  12. Trip Itineraries

    605 574-2523. Park information. Phones are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  13. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone

    The Mount Rushmore Story is fascinating, but the reason for this monument as an inspiration for the continuance of our freedoms in our beloved country brings hope. It only cost $10 parking fee to visit and is the NPS best deal. Visited April 2023. Traveled as a couple.

  14. Mount Rushmore Sightseeing Tour Package

    The tour then returns to Fort Hays, but the night continues as you enjoy our famous Chuckwagon Supper and Live Branson-style Music Show. This comprehensive Mount Rushmore Tour Package is our most popular option and the best value for your Black Hills vacation! Duration. 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM.

  15. 75 Surprising Facts About Mount Rushmore

    2. It worked. Mount Rushmore is now visited by nearly 3 million people annually. 3. Robinson initially wanted to sculpt the likenesses of Western heroes like Oglala Lakota leader Red Cloud, explorers Lewis and Clark, and Buffalo Bill Cody into the nearby stone pinnacles known as the Needles. 4.

  16. Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills

    Get information on Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. Read the Fodor's ...

  17. Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore: 10 Day Road Trip

    This is one of the best road trips in the USA. With 10 days, you can visit Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore, but that's not all. You also have enough time to visit the highlights of Grand Teton, day trip out to Badlands National Park, spend some time at Wind Cave National Park, and cruise the scenic drives and spot wildlife at Custer State Park.

  18. Black Hills & Mount Rushmore Vacation Deals

    Plan your trip to South Dakota's Black Hills and Mount Rushmore with packages and deals from Black Hills Vacations. Find lodging, cabins and packages for Keystone, Deadwood, Custer and more. Skip to content. Book Now; My Account; 1.866.601.5103; Explore Communities. ALL.

  19. Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore National Park Road Trip

    From Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore 3-Day Itinerary: Day 1Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, Hike Mount Washburn; stay in Cody for the night. Day 2Ten Sleep Canyon & Spearfish: Take in the views of Ten Sleep Canyon, have dinner in Spearfish at Sawyer Brewing, stay at Spearfish Canyon Lodge.

  20. Epic Rushmore to Yellowstone Trek: Scenic Routes Unveiled

    The drive between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park takes approximately 8 hours, 40 mins and covers a whopping 463 miles! With no stops along the way this would be difficult and would mean you would miss out on some of the best landmarks in the U.S.A! Road Trip Itinerary Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park:

  21. 10 Days Mount Rushmore To Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

    Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park is an attraction-heavy road trip route from South Dakota's Black Hills to northwest Wyoming. You should plan for 4 days in the Black Hills, one day for the long drive and 5 days split between Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

  22. Things To Do

    While most visitors travel to Mount Rushmore to admire the enormous sculpted faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, there are numerous other ways to experience this site and immerse yourself in the human history and the natural surroundings of the Black Hills of South Dakota.

  23. Road Trip USA: Great Sights of the West

    Plan a Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip to experience the West's top national parks and monuments. Share other interesting Western sights in South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming with the ...

  24. Virtual Tour

    Mount Rushmore's rope access team scans Theodore Roosevelt. NPS. Online Digital Portal. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, in partnership with the Kacyra Family Foundation and CyArk, is proud to present an online digital portal filled with multimedia materials created from the 2010 3D laser scanning project of the mountain. The online digital portal is free to the public and features an array ...