There is a lot more activity here, with noisy fumaroles, steaming hot springs, and blue pools of water. The drive to Mount Rushmore from San Francisco taking The Yellowstone Route takes around 28 hours to cover 1,800 miles, not considering any food and gas breaks. You can also refer to our Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier itinerary for ideas on how to plan out these three parks. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. For example, the Kelly Inn in West Yellowstone allows pets on request. If you're planning a road trip to see Mount Rushmore, it makes the most sense to divide the surrounding area into three main scenic driving routes: The Black Hills with Mount Rushmore Badlands National Park Spearfish Canyon The Black Hills and Mount Rushmore loop will take a full day. I love your itineraries. And with the gardens and interior decor, this property is beautiful. Highlights: * Rail travel on Amtrak (1 night on train) * Scenic excursion on the 1880 Train. Driving directly, it might take around 8 hours of driving time from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone. Total Distance . Take this route early in the morning for at dusk for the best opportunities to see bears and wolves. Road-trips Yellowstone, Mt. But not to worry, you will be choosing between two very scenic drives. This is a cool town, filled with great restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops. Its best to fly home from Glacier, since it is located so far from Rapid City (it would take about a full day to backtrack to your starting point). Of course, it depends on the traffic on the days of your travel. This is one of the best road trips in the USA. 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. Get the reverse directions for a Mt Rushmore to Los Angeles drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. . The Devils Tower Lodge and the Best Western Devils Tower Inn also get excellent reviews. 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. Its not ideal, since its not formatted to be printed, but it is your best option right now. Click here to learn more about your options. When their flight to Chicago is abruptly canceled, Steve Martin and John Candy embark on a comedic road trip adventure as two clumsy yet lovable characters in this 1987 film: Answer: "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." 13. Who wrote the classic road trip novel "On The Road"? Bighorn Scenic Byway (US Route 14) cuts through the northern section of Bighorn National Forest. Below are the details for both routes. This is a jaw-dropping view of the hot spring and a must-do on a trip to Yellowstone. Spend the morning at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. So it looks like at a minimum, you'd need 10 days to two weeks. About this Yellowstone, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore Itinerary, 7 Day Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore Itinerary, Day 1: Arrive in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Day 7: Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Lead & Mount Rushmore, Day 10: Wind Cave National Park & Fly Home. From the city by the bay, San Francisco, head east on I-80 towards California's capital Sacramento. For full details on things to do on this drive, read our Guide to Beartooth Highway. For more information about how to visit Devils Tower, check out our, To learn what to do and how to plan your time, read our post, For a full list of things to do and many more photos, read our, More Information about Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Devils Tower & South Dakota. Just be aware that snow is possible in Yellowstone in October, especially the farther into the month you go. Both of these routes are roughly the same distance and take the same amount of time. What would be the most optimal route? Theres so much to see and do that we welcome you to pick and choose your stops to fit your vacation style whether thats family fun time, scenic cruises or adventure challenges. After seeing the beautiful Pyramid Lake, continue back on route and travel up I-80 and US-95 north into Boise, Idaho. Tonight, sleep in Cody. Elevations of 3,400-7,731 feet. If you do one hike today, this is the one that I recommend. 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. 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). 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. Once at Devils Tower, you will have a few hours to spend here. You'll primarily pass through Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, with plenty of attractions to. This state park has a little bit of everythingthrilling hiking trails, picturesque lakes, and an abundance of wildlife that rivals that in the neighboring national parks. 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). Really great road trip! From Dayton, it takes 3 hours to drive to Devils Tower (185 miles). It is also good to keep in mind that while Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open all year, the Sculptor's Studio closed from October - April, so plan your visit accordingly. Is this trip capable by RV? Although this will depend on exactly where in Yellowstone is your first destination, since Yellowstone is big! 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. Cheers, Julie. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. These shoulder months offer mild Travel What a detailed site you have!! drive for about 3.5 hours. 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. day 2 driving 8 hours. 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. There are some fishing options in the lake. From Lamar Valley, it takes 2 to 3 hours to drive to Cody. You can begin at the southern end of the Shenandoah National Park, near Waynesboro, VA, and wind along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We use Booking.com to book our hotels when we travel. 14. Try again, pressing CTRL+P (command + P on a mac) to bring up the printer dialog box. This road tops out at Granite Pass (elevation 9,033 feet) before winding down through the mountains on the way to Dayton. Read our one day Grand Teton itinerary for full details on how to do this. Enter the park through the northeast entrance. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Today, spend the morning in Grand Teton and the afternoon in Yellowstone. Check park conditions and road closures as you are planning your trip and again just before you go. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Make your reservation in advance. To get into the heart of Jackson, it is a short drive or a 20-minute walk. UNITED STATES: We have TONS of information about places to visit in the United States in our USA Travel Guide. Keep this in mind when planning your trip. We can I purchase the itineraries for Yellowstone to Rushmore and the Washington Road Trip? Old Faithful is one of Yellowstones most popular sights. If this sounds like something you would like to do, stay in Wall the night of day 8. Along the way to Yellowstone, weve included fun attractions, great places to eat and other national park sites that offer different experiences than Yellowstone. This gravel road is suitable for standard cars. The Yellowstone Loop: 11 Stops to Make on an Epic Western Road Trip By Michael Yessis Route distance: 1,561 km Suggested Time: 2 weeks + A vast, scenic landscape provides the timeless backdrop for the western United States. Is this. Make sure to enjoy the free Wi-Fi and on-site bar as well as the on-site restaurant. In Deadwood, walk through the historic town, Tour the Adams House, visit Mount Moriah Cemetery, and visit the Saloon #10 Bar. 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. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. View more. How long does it take to drive across the USA? The city boasts some stunning architecture and unique cultural attractions that give an interesting contrast to the natural attractions in Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. Activity level Natural Explorer. The Door and Window Trails are very easy walks that take you up close to the rock formations. From Rocky Mountain National Park and Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakotas Black Hills, Glacier National Park in Montana and Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, weve filled these park-connecting trips with tips to avoid the crowds without missing out on interesting activities, attractions and views. If you can schedule a late afternoon or evening flight, you have time in the morning to visit Wind Cave National Park. Your email will not be provided to third parties. 7-Day Yellowstone, Arches, Mt. Scenic Drive through the Bighorn Mountains. 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. Some rooms have patios and some room have balconies. Best of all, you'll The most optimal route would be to travel from Rapid City to Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, organic silk linens, and fresh flowers. From the fun-in-the-sun city of Los Angeles, get on I-15 towards Las Vegas. You would need to make reservations to stay in the park as. I dont seem to be able to print or save a copy from earthtrekkers.com/yellowstone-devils-tower-mount-rushmore-road-trip-itinerary. You can even go to the rodeo. Yellowstone Lake is a large alpine lake in Montana, USA. Old Faithful erupts roughly every ninety minutes, so it is possible that you can catch two eruptions while you are here. From . Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Wind Cave. Cheers, Julie. During this time, you'll get to enjoy this natural wonder covered in snow which is one of the most prized sights for nature photographers. Tonight, I recommend staying in Cody, Wyoming. Thank you. Suggested Days: 4-6. That's 24 hours of driving just to get to your destinations. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone: "Coming in from Nebraska, what road is." | Check out 5 answers, plus see 11,784 reviews, articles, and 7,905 photos of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 47 attractions in Keystone. The colder months see fewer people and are still very beautiful. Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park. 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. By starting here first thing in the morning, you get to avoid the midday crowds. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. If you are looking for a bit of luxury, this is a highly-rated historic hotel 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 Trip Guides. Our website uses cookies. Visitors can also experience watching sports teams like the Utah Jazz in their home stadiums. We are planning on reversing your 10 day itinerary from Rapid City to Grand Teton. Most of this drive is on Interstate 90 which is a large divided highway. If you have any questions about this Yellowstone, Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. 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) PLACES TO GO IN SOUTH DAKOTA: Here are 15 great things to do near Rapid City, South Dakota. On the way, stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument, a unique natural attraction that boasts an ocean of blackened lava and unique rock formations. You can either ride the Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Peak at Teton Village or have lunch in Jackson. Today you will drive from Cody to Devils Tower. Day 1 : Bismarck, North Dakota Do: Driving will take a big chunk of your day. This is where we stay when we visit Grand Teton National Park. Visit Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Lake Tahoe, Casper, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Grand Teton National Park, Rapid City, Twin Falls. EO Bungalows is one of the highest rated properties and your room comes with a kitchenette. 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. The Rocket Motel is a nice pick if you are looking for a budget property that gets good reviews. Day 3: Yellowstone NP. You can do this itinerary with less time, but you will have to give up a few sights. Continue on through the central valley and up into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mount Rushmore is a days drive past Yellowstone, plus any time to see other things in the area. Below, we've included our picks for the best overnight stops so you can get the most out of your trip. If you want an upscale experience in the city center of Jackson, the Wort Hotel gets rave reviews. After that, drive through Wyoming and Bighorn National Forest before heading east into South Dakota and the famous American landmark Mount Rushmore. We liked the Wyoming Inn a little bit better but we wouldnt hesitate to stay here again, especially since prices are a little lower. In fact, Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport located within a national park. From Colter Bay, it is less than 20 miles to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park (about a 30-minute drive). Miazgas has a wide range of food. Take the one-way loop off the main road to visit Jenny Lake, or to do one of the shorter hikes to Leigh Lake (1.8 miles RT) or String Lake (3.7 miles RT). If you walk the Presidential Trail you get unique views like this one. The first thing to see in Salt Lake is, of course, the Great Salt Lake! Salt Lake City and Area 51 on the way back to Vegas. If you visit both basins, a visit here typically lasts about 2 hours. 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. Julie, We are planning on driving an RV. The Fossil Exhibit Trail and Saddle Pass are two more walks/hikes to consider doing. On a clear day you can also see out to Badlands National Park. Cody Cowboy Village. Go canoeing, kayaking, or fishing during your stay. Trip - 1-2 weeks Offbeat, Fresh and Iconic: 4 Sides of California from North to South Trip - 5 days South Carolina to Alabama Road Trip: Beaches, History and Iconic Music Trip - 1-2 weeks Culture, History, and Tranquility: 3 Captivating Stops in Georgia Off the beaten path Trip - 1-2 weeks Southern Atlantic Coast Trip - 4 days The New England Coast Continue on through Wyoming and see Bighorn National Forest. Click here to read more about Spearfish Canyon and to see more photos from the drive. Located in Cody, this property gets some of the best reviews in town. Uncover the history of Mt. This hotel is located next door to the Wyoming Inn, mentioned above. For the drive through the Bighorn Mountains, taking the Cloud Peak Skyway is your better option, since this road has fewer tight turns/switchbacks. 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. Summer is the busiest tourism season. The closest thing I have right now is the Grand Teton Yellowstone Glacier itinerary PDF. Trip - 1-2 weeks A Pacific Pride Road Trip . I have been looking for a trip like this and so glad I found your site. This was the real thing -- 3 weeks and over 6,000 miles of adventure ahead of us. Overview of a 4 week 2000 Cross Country Road Trip with Travel Itinerary, Travel Road Map, . Hello Catherine. The challenge for us is that we want to bring our 2 dogs (German Shepherds). The Freedom Ridge Cabins and the Black Elk Resort are two of the highest rated properties in this town. Rushmore, Devils Tower, the Bighorn Mountains (spectacular views but be sure to watch the road! You can return to the Black Hills at this point, or stick around for sunset, another magical time to be here. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Thank you so much for your website! Since Bozeman is a 4-hour drive from Jackson, and you will drive right past Yellowstone, it doesnt make sense to drive to Jackson on the first day of this itinerary. View details. Answer: Jack Kerouac. I recommend spending more time here, walking the Presidential Trail and learning more about the history of Mount Rushmore in the visitor center. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price. Many of our readers have written in, saying that they got cheaper flights into Bozeman than Jackson or Idaho Springs. Instead, go right to Yellowstone. This is the first of two days in Grand Teton. This will minimize how much driving you will do. Cheers, Julie. The views of the Badlands arent 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). There are a few national parks here that you could visit, and places like Aspen, Boulder, and Denver are nice to visit. Day 7: Whitefish. Before sightseeing, check out its award-winning Sunday Brunch served at their Laurel Brasserie and Bar. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Continue on to learn more about our recommended routes, where to stay, and what to see along the way. For more details on visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, read our Guide to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Idaho Falls Regional Airport is 94 miles away and is a 2-hour drive from Jackson. I will go into this in greater detail later in this itinerary. Day 4: Drive toward Glacier (stop at Holland Lake) Day 5: Glacier NP. Black Elk Peak, Cathedral Spires, and/or Little Devils Tower. There are two routes to drive to Cody, which adds another 2 to 3 hours of driving. Press CTRL+P (or command+P on a mac) to bring up the printer dialog box. Explore the museums and the Great Salt Lake before hitting the road to Yellowstone. I do have two weeks budgeted and would like to include Glacier as well. On your drive, you'll have several incredible places to rest and explore. The Lodge at Jackson Hole. 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. I would not make the 2 day drive just for a bit of time at the one spot. Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Parks Road Trip 1 Week Itinerary.