I would love to help! It is the northern route through the Bighorn Mountains. I dont want to go as far south as the Grand Canyon as we have done that before (Grand Circle in 2018 by car). This route is the shortest and will take you to the famous Yellowstone National Park on your way. 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. 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. From . Explore the museums and the Great Salt Lake before hitting the road to Yellowstone. Porcelain Basin is our favorite of the two basins. Guide to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This is our favorite of the two routes through the Bighorn Mountains. 2000 Cross Country Road Trip | Lolo's Extreme Cross Country RV Trips 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 birds eye view, or grab a seat at the viewing deck at the Old Faithful Inn. 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. 3 Scenic Driving Routes | GyPSy Guide Driving Tour Apps You can visit Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore year-round but keep in mind that some roads will be closed to driving in Yellowstone during winter. Depending on what you're interested in experiencing, you can experience a wintery wonderland or a summer outdoor paradise. Tonight, stay either near Devils Tower or you can drive one hour east to Spearfish, South Dakota. Cloud Peak Skyway is 47 miles long, running from Ten Sleep to Buffalo, Wyoming, on US Highway 16. Spend the morning at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We use Booking.com to book our hotels when we travel. About; Roadtrippers Plus; Magazine; Contact; Help; Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers . Start in Chicago on this incredible road trip through some of the nation's most stunning prairies, wide-open skies and gorgeous rock formations on your way from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone. We are looking at 2023. So, for many people, it would even be doable to drive from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone in one day! This is a small geyser basin and it only takes about 30 minutes to walk through all of it. Wrap up the day (and your Maryland road trip) with dinner and cocktails on the patio at Up on Market, a . Yellowstone - Road Trips Message Board - Tripadvisor When you reach your destination of Yellowstone National Park, we recommend staying at the highly rated and luxurious Bentwood Inn. From here you can save it and/or print it. This annual park pass costs $80 and is valid for one year. Find all the transport options for your trip from California to Mount Rushmore right here. 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. With a large number of accommodations and restaurants, this is a great place to base yourself for visiting the park. But not to worry, you will be choosing between two very scenic drives. From Wall, its just a 30 minute drive to get to this overlook. 12. If you are doing well on time, you have the option to add on a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Explore the map. The closest thing I have right now is the Grand Teton Yellowstone Glacier itinerary PDF. You'll primarily pass through Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, with plenty of attractions to. Here is the link to our One Day Badlands Itinerary. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Sunrise is a magical time to visit Badlands National Park. Julie, We are planning on driving an RV. Road Trip Route Planner, Map and Trip Guides | Roadtrippers Call to book 1-877-929-7245. I dont seem to be able to print or save a copy from earthtrekkers.com/yellowstone-devils-tower-mount-rushmore-road-trip-itinerary. But with all the amazing things to see on the way, we definitely recommend you take a few extra days and take in the sights! We stayed here on our most recent visit. After exploring the area, drive east into South Dakota to see the iconic Mount Rushmore. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Rushmore and the Grand Tetons Details Itinerary Tour Vendor 11 days Midwest US, North America, Western US 3/5 Road Trips ATI offers the most extensive and creative array of independent tour itineraries across North America. From Dayton, it takes 3 hours to drive to Devils Tower (185 miles). Start on the North Rim. Mount Rushmore in early October. 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. Recommended photo spots: The dam, obviously; the Pat Tillman memorial bridge. Beartooth Highway (one of the greatest road trips in America) Charles Kuralt called the Beartooth Highway "the most beautiful drive in America.". From the parking lot, you walk to all of the sights (regardless if you got here by RV or car). There is an onsite pool and hot tub and this is one of the highest rated properties in Cody. Day 1: Start Your Arizona Road Trip By Driving From Las Vegas to Flagstaff Day 2: Drive The Loop From Flagstaff To The Grand Canyon Phoenix 5 days itinerary: The Ultimate 5 Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary Most popular city on this route 2 minutes off the main route, 28% of way to Yellowstone National Park 7 Zion National Park Save Starting from San Francisco in the Bay Area our suggested route will take you through Boise and Lake Tahoe, a somewhat more relaxed vibe but still jam-packed with unique attractions along the way. For dinner, the Gun Barrel Steak & Game House is a popular spot. Driving out and back on Beartooth Highway to Rock Creek Vista will take about 3 hours. Take this route early in the morning for at dusk for the best opportunities to see bears and wolves. If you dont 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. 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. Grand Prismatic Spring and the Fairy Falls Hike, Old Faithful: 10 Tips to Have the Best Experience. From Lamar Valley, it takes 2 to 3 hours to drive to Cody. Wyoming: 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary Salt Lake City to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. . Yellowstone to Mt Rushmore is 8 hours, wheels turning. But you could come back through Colorado. We have a 10 day Colorado itinerary that you could do a portion of. Yellowstone Lake Yellowstone Grand Loop Road (great to follow to see many of the sites) Whitewater Rafting Waterfalls: Osprey Falls, Fairy Falls, Towel Fall, Upper Falls, Lower Falls, Union Falls Favorites: Grand Prismatic Spring was at the very top of our list of things to see at Yellowstone. Want to avoid the crowds? On our first visit to the area, we stayed in Rapid City at the Courtyard by Marriott. This is one of the best scenic drives in the US. 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. Black Elk Peak, Cathedral Spires, and/or Little Devils Tower. It can be done in the order outlined here or in reverse order. You can print a copy of the Yellowstone to Rushmore and Washington Road Trip from your browser by pushing CTRL+P. Spend the afternoon in and around Jenny Lake. 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 Routing by HERE 2021; Improve this map; Remove Ads. From Dayton, it takes 3 hours to drive to Devils Tower (185 miles). I love your itineraries. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Visiting Mount Rushmore A national treasure in the United States, Mount Rushmore National Memorial symbolizes the ideals of freedom and Democracy. Very helpful! I do have a question, we will be traveling from Ohio by RV (I saw where you answered this question that it is RV friendly. You can do this itinerary with less time, but you will have to give up a few sights. Hill City is another small town to consider. We took the Natural Entrance Cave Tour, which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are some fishing options in the lake. These road trips to Yellowstone are complete resources with itineraries, maps and unexpected stops on the way including authentic small Western towns and undiscovered natural wonders that will make your trip unique. Make sure to enjoy the free Wi-Fi and on-site bar as well as the on-site restaurant. I recently published an extended guide to planning Redwoods road trips that includes this itinerary in greater detail. Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Amazing when you really think about it - See 11,784 traveler reviews, 7,905 candid photos, and great deals for Keystone, SD, at Tripadvisor. Old Faithful erupts roughly every ninety minutes, so it is possible that you can catch two eruptions while you are here. When you reach Boise after your long drive, rest in luxury at The Grove Hotel. 7-Day Yellowstone, Arches, Mt. Share Map. If you want an upscale experience in the city center of Jackson, the Wort Hotel gets rave reviews. Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. 29 AMAZING Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You'll Love This itinerary is a one-way, point-to-point road trip. Your Guide to a Mount Rushmore Road Trip | Reader's Digest You'll drive for 33 hours and cover 1890 miles. Spend the afternoon in and around Jenny Lake. Finding this trip on your website is like a dream come true. 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. But to explore a place like Yellowstone, you will have to leave your dogs in the hotel/apartment, because I think pets are only allowed in vehicles and parking lots, and not on trails and inside buildings. The Lodge at Jackson Hole. View Dates & Pricing. Anything for Oregon? This is the location of Steamboat Geyser, the worlds tallest active geyser. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Explore the endless hiking trails of this one-of-a-kind natural area. 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. Sacramento to Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore - Road Trips Forum This saloon is where Wild Bill Hickok was shot and killed playing poker by Jack McCall. There are two routes to drive to Cody, which adds another 2 to 3 hours of driving. From early November through mid-April, many of these park roads will be closed due to snow. Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip | Family Vacation Ideas New England: New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Stunning Stops. Yellowstone Driving distance from Cooke City to Old Faithful: 100 miles / 2 hours 50 minutes You will come into Yellowstone via Lamar Valley, which is an amazing wildlife watching area in the park. Drive from Southern California to Indio/Palm Springs Fly from Indio/Palm Springs (PSP) to Rapid City (RAP) PSP - RAP $261 - $868 5 alternative options Bus to Las Vegas, fly 8h 21m Take the bus from Barstow Station to Las Vegas South Strip Transfer Terminal Fly from Las Vegas (LAS) to Rapid City (RAP) LAS - RAP $420 - $600 Our suggested 7-10 day Ideal Western Road Trip Itinerary Day 1/2: Rapid City, South Dakota How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (places to go and the driving route). Salt Lake City International Airport is 280 miles away and it is almost a 5-hour drive to get to Jackson. It is home to various animals such as wildebeest, elk, and moose. 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. For more details on visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, read our Guide to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. 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 will minimize how much driving you will do. Make a pitstop at the Shell Falls Interpretive Site to see Shell Canyon. Press CTRL+P (or command+P on a mac) to bring up the printer dialog box. What to Visit on a Road Trip From California to Mount Rushmore in South Your email will not be provided to third parties. My minimum recommendation for a first time trip just to see the main sights is 4 nights (3 full days) for Yellowstone, 2 nights (1 full day) for Grand Tetons. Upon arrival, request your shuttle by calling the Rushmore Hotel at 605-348-8300. From the fun-in-the-sun city of Los Angeles, get on I-15 towards Las Vegas. After that, drive through Wyoming and Bighorn National Forest before heading east into South Dakota and the famous American landmark Mount Rushmore. These shoulder months offer mild Travel Travel through breathtaking wild scenery and get the chance to see enchanting Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and so much more on this road trip of a lifetime. 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. On your drive, you'll have several incredible places to rest and explore. Today, you will visit a few more sights in Yellowstone. For recommended hotels and locations, both inside and outside of Yellowstone National Park, read our article Where to Stay in Yellowstone. It is the southern route through the Bighorn Mountains. The Hoover Dam from above on a helicopter tour - truly a sight to behold on a Southwest road trip. Its not ideal, since its not formatted to be printed, but it is your best option right now. The busiest months are June, July and August. The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Where to Stop - Leisure Mapbox . Its a nice drive but Tim and I both think that the Bighorn Scenic Byway is more thrilling from start to finish. The Most Beautiful County In Every State - msn.com There is a garden, library, and on-site bar. Stay in Yellowstone through day 5 of this itinerary and use one of these days to day trip to Grand Teton National Park. But we loved the spacious room, excellent Wi-Fi, and comfy beds. On top of that, there's plenty of nightlife to enjoy after your long drive. Beartooth Highway is typically open from Memorial Day through very early October. 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 Day 1: Rapid City, South Dakota 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. Our favorite overlooks on the North Rim are Lookout Point, Red Rock Point, and Inspiration Point. There are also a number of fishing lodges in the park. Recommended accommodations: No need to stay overnight - this is best done as a quick stop off on the way to Flagstaff and/or the Grand Canyon.. Stop 4: Flagstaff, Arizona (the Grand Canyon & Sedona) During the Black Hills Gold Rush, from 1876 to 1879, this town was in its heyday. It was so good that we ate here two nights in a row. When translated to driving times, it will be around 16 hr 30 min to 16 hr 45 min. The colder months see fewer people and are still very beautiful. I would not make the 2 day drive just for a bit of time at the one spot. This itinerary is a one-way, point-to-point road trip. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. But I would love to see something different on our way back to Ohio. Just wondering if its going to be doable. This drive starts off with beautiful views of the Bighorn Mountains. You can email us at info@earthtrekkers.com but we get so many emails every day that sometimes it takes us a week to get to them. 3. 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, 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). For full details on things to do on this drive, read our Guide to Beartooth Highway. The Fossil Exhibit Trail and Saddle Pass are two more walks/hikes to consider doing. From Cody, it takes 2 hours to drive to Ten Sleep. Today, you will visit the most popular sites. Back Basin is the larger of the two basins. Deadwood is a great place to have lunch, depending on how your timing works out. For each property, if you scroll down to the bottom of the screen, they will list their pet policy. Flying into here will save you some driving today. There are three main airports near Jackson, Wyoming. Check park conditions and road closures as you are planning your trip and again just before you go. About an hour's drive from Yellowstone National Park's main entrance, this cozy and comfortable accommodation has tons of luxurious amenities, including spacious rooms and private fireplaces. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is there a printable version of this itinerary or even just the map? The Door and Window Trails are very easy walks that take you up close to the rock formations. Highlights include Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Death Valley, Zion National Park, Dixie National Forest and Salt Lake City. This can be done mostly on back roads. After the first eruption, spend some time exploring the Upper Geyser Basin and Geyser Hill. You'll pass strikingly beautiful mountain scenery and desert landscapes that will make any professional or amateur photographer fall in love. 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. Drive through the wild Mojave Desert until you reach Sin City, Las Vegas. Bison roam the park and we saw a huge herd of bison while hiking the Lookout Trail and Centennial Trail Loop. Cheers, Julie. Activity level Natural Explorer. Return to your hotel, lodge, or campsite and have dinner. For more information about Badlands National Park, check out our article 15 Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park. This road trip works best from May through October, when the roads in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are open. I also found a doggy daycare place that might help you out too. You will spend one night in Cody. 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. Elk, bison, pronghorn deer, bear, coyotes, and wolves can all make appearances. About halfway along the Los Angeles Route you will reach Salt Lake City. We dont have those specific PDFs done yet but thanks for asking, and Ill them to our to-do list. Route #1: Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone on Bighorn Scenic Byway Distance: 441 miles Driving Time (without stops): 7.5 hours This driving route starts at Mount Rushmore and ends in Cody, Wyoming. Instead, go right to Yellowstone. You can still explore the national park on a snowmobile or a snowcoach. Rome2rio displays up to date . 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. but that was only a one-way trip home after picking up our new motorhome in California. Bighorn Scenic Byway (US Route 14) cuts through the northern section of Bighorn National Forest. Continue to Lead. I would love it if you would email me for some questions I have. This hotel is located next door to the Wyoming Inn, mentioned above. If you want to take a cave tour, currently tours are booked in the morning on a first-come first-serve basis. On our first visit to Grand Teton National Park, this is where Tim and I stayed. The Notch Trail is the most thrilling hike in the park and it is very short. 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. Start / End. Overview of a 4 week 2000 Cross Country Road Trip with Travel Itinerary, Travel Road Map, . Unfortunately, we dont have a PDF version of this itinerary. 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. Driving from California to Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore will take you through almost endless sights and worthy destinations. Was hoping to do Mt, Rushmore, then Crazy Horse, then Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop, then Iron Mt Road and short visit to Keystone. by MARY July 16, 2014 Entering the Bighorn Mountains near Shell, Wyoming. If you do one hike today, this is the one that I recommend. Below, we've chosen our favorites for you to choose from. Head to Badlands National Park (a 90-minute drive from Mount Rushmore) to see world-famous canyons and buttes, Wind Cave National Park (a 55-minute drive) to explore one of the largest and most. A road trip to Yellowstone isnt just about the destination. There are free rental bikes, a fitness center, and an indoor pool as well so you can really make the most of your stay. For a list of must-have experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park. From Hayden Valley, drive north. What's the best route from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone? For suggestions on how to plan your time today, read our post One Perfect Day in Grand Teton National Park. Just be aware that snow is possible in Yellowstone in October, especially the farther into the month you go. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Here's our pick of the best picture-perfect US county - or, in Alaska and Louisiana respectively, borough or parish - in each state that packs in the most gorgeousness. Zion & Bryce Canyon: Epic 3 Day Zion to Bryce Canyon Road Trip Itinerary. 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. We recommend the K Bar S Lodge and the Rockerville Lodge and Cabins. Mount Rushmore: 10 Things to Know Before You Go. Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast. Skip the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and go right to Norris Geyser Basin. Eruptions are unpredictable and you have to be very lucky to be here when it erupts. You can either ride the Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Peak at Teton Village or have lunch in Jackson. I do have two weeks budgeted and would like to include Glacier as well. It is a lot of pages since it is not optimized for printing. Along the way to Yellowstone, weve included fun attractions, great places to eat and other national park sites that offer different experiences than Yellowstone. Bighorn Scenic Byway is 57 miles long, running from Shell to Dayton, Wyoming, on US Highway 14. Located downtown, the hotel is within easy access of the Idaho Black History Museum, Zoo Boise, the Morrison Center for Performing Arts, and the Old Idaho Penitentiary either on foot, or via a short drive. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists come to the region's ski slopes to enjoy the world-famous snow and slopes. The distance between California and Mount Rushmore is 950 miles. The Chamberlin Inn. Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone - Vacations By Rail Caravan's Rapid City, South Dakota hotel, the Rushmore Hotel provides a courtesy shuttle from the Rapid City Airport (RAP). Driving Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park (Road Trip) Answer 1 of 7: Looking a new road trip, starting in Vegas, heading to the Scenic Byway 12 and then Denver to Mount Rushmore then to Yellowstone (for a few nights). The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport, which is located in the park. This route is about 419 miles and will take you around 7.5 hours if you drive straight through with no stops. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Ultimate Guide To BBQ Styles Across The United States And Around The World, The Complete Guide to California National Parks, there is no better place to stay than the Grand America Hotel, When you reach Boise after your long drive, rest in luxury at The Grove Hotel, we recommend staying at the highly rated and luxurious Bentwood Inn. Tours typically start at 9 am and the tour schedule varies based on the season. . If you cant get a hotel or campsite inside of the park, West Yellowstone is also a great place to stay for this itinerary. When booking hotels in locations all across the country, we frequently see properties that allow pets. The Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mt. The challenge for us is that we want to bring our 2 dogs (German Shepherds). Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs that is located in north Yellowstone. We plan to drive from Tucson, AZ. Persephones Bakery is an awesome breakfast/brunch spot in town. You would need to make reservations to stay in the park as. Historic Lantern Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can return to the Black Hills at this point, or stick around for sunset, another magical time to be here. Now we are looking at going to mt Rushmore to Yellowstone finishing up at Yosemite. Or, you can spend an hour or two walking the boardwalk trails and going on the scenic drive. The Cody. Save. Driving directly, it might take around 8 hours of driving time from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone. Mount Rushmore: SD: 47 : 1 : 19 : Wall Drug: SD: 80 : 1.5 .