Thinking about driving from Dallas to see Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in July 2021. Since Rocky Mountain NP is on the way, was thinking about stopping there as well. And have always wanted to see Mount Rushmore and Badlands too. Is this too much for 16 days seeing as it will encompass at least 4-5 days of driving time? If too much, which park should I cut out? Any suggested itineraries for this trip? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
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squidstick
United States
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11. Re: Road trip from Dallas to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Badlands
2 years ago
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Your days for each park looks fine. The extra day in Custer is good if you want to visit the Badlands.
The drive from Yellowstone to Black Hills is a very long one, doable but you will be worn out, 8-9hrs. Another option for a night stay is between Meadowlark Lake and Buffalo WY. along Hwy. 16, about 1/2 way, nice scenic area.
I don't think at that time of year it matters which place you hit first, you pick.
You'll have a blast. Have fun!
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mini
Fremont, California
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12. Re: Road trip from Dallas to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Badlands
2 years ago
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For the Black Hills suggest to stay in Custer State Park - which has nice lodging, wild life loop, and two other scenic roads. Good location to see other things like Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, etc.
looking to drive from yellowstone to the Badlands...doable in one day?? Is there one better route (scenic wise) than another?? Should I break the drive into 2 parts??
Hoping to hit Rushmore, etc on the return drive.
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librarychick
Illinois
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1. Re: YSP to Badlands drive?
13 years ago
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It's probably around a 9 hour drive, depending on where you exit YNP. So, yes, doable to get there in one day, not doable as a side trip or day trip from Yellowstone.
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Fam_o_5_plus_1
Wisconsin
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2. Re: YSP to Badlands drive?
13 years ago
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Hi there. Here is what we did on our July 2007 trip.
We drove from Wisconsin to Sioux Falls where we spent our first night. We then stopped at the Petrified Gardens and then drove through the Badlands (1/2 day) and then arrived inRapid City for our second night.
We then did Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Thunderhead Mountain, and Bear Country in one day. We spent that night in Rapid City again.
The next morning we left (6-7 am) for Yellowstone. We drove I-90 and then stopped at Devils Tower, where we spent about 1 hour. We had our 3 kids; 5, 2, and 1 so we couldn't do the hike, but you could spend 2-3 hours there. A MUST SEE!
We then took 16 out of Buffalo through the Powder River Pass, very pretty!! Then 16/20 through Greybull, then 14/16 to Cody. We spent the night in Cody. There are a lot of activities there to do here. We were then 1 hour from Yellowstone. We left early and got to Yellowstone early so we could have a whole day hiking and exploring.
As for driving straight from the Badlands to Yellowstone, it could be done. It would take you at least 9 hours, is my guess. And that is without stopping for gas, food, or anything. We broke it up as we wanted to see things along the way. I would highly suggest stopping in Cody, WY (if not doing anything in Rapid City on the way to YNP). You have to drive through YNP and the speed limits are 45 mph which really slow your travel time.
IMO, I would stop at Devils Tower and then spend the night in Cody, WY and see things there. That way you can start out fresh in the morning.
Have a great trip!
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Fam_o_5_plus_1
Wisconsin
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3. Re: YSP to Badlands drive?
13 years ago
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My bad, I read your post wrong. You are coming from the other direction.
You could do it, but I would stop at Devils Tower, coming the direction I said, just reversed. I would plan things I wanted to see on the way, determine how long to stay there, and then if it is doable in one day. If not find a hotel that is as far as you want to drive for one day and stay there. You can do the Badlands in 1/2 day and make it back toRapid City that night. I would then base in Rapid City. The HoJo there is very nice!