The journey from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park is a road trip filled with history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Imagine starting your day marveling at the iconic faces carved into Mount Rushmore, then hitting the open road to explore stunning landscapes, charming towns, and hidden gems along the way. This route isn’t just a drive; it’s an unforgettable experience that takes you through some of America’s most cherished landmarks. So, plan your perfect trip from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park. Get ready for a journey that combines the best of both worlds – monumental history and untamed wilderness with us (nationalparkshops’s team)!
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Distance from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park
The distance from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park varies depending on the route taken, generally ranging from approximately 423 to 533 miles. The most common route leads to the West Entrance of Yellowstone, which is about 423 miles away and typically takes around 7.5 hours of driving time without accounting for stops along the way.
For those looking for a scenic drive, one option is to take the Bighorn Scenic Byway, which covers approximately 441 miles and takes about 9 hours. This route offers beautiful views of the Bighorn Mountains and surrounding landscapes. Alternatively, the route via Cody, Wyoming, is longer at around 528 to 533 miles, taking approximately 9 to 10 hours. This path provides opportunities to explore additional attractions along the way.
Regardless of which route you choose, several noteworthy stops can enhance your journey. One popular detour is to visit Devils Tower National Monument, known for its striking geological features and excellent hiking opportunities. Overall, the drive from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone not only connects two iconic destinations but also offers a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of the American West.
>> What State Is Yellowstone National Park In: Located on Map
Things to do Around Mount Rushmore
Before heading to Yellowstone, let’s explore what fun activities there are to do around Mount Rushmore!
Visit the Mount Rushmore National Monument
Experience the remarkable sculpture featuring four of America’s most renowned presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln – etched into the granite mountainside. Discover the monument’s history through a guided ranger tour, visit the museum and visitor center, watch a brief film, and hike the Presidential Trail for varied viewpoints. Another noteworthy aspect is the evening lighting ceremony, where the monument shines against the night sky accompanied by patriotic music.
Explore Custer State Park
Located just south of Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park provides a variety of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, and fishing. The Wildlife Loop Road is an ideal spot to observe the park’s well-known bison herds, elk, mountain goats, and other animals in their natural environment. Additionally, Custer State Park features the renowned Needles Highway, a picturesque drive that showcases breathtaking views of towering granite spires and distinctive rock formations.
Visit Badlands National Park
Discover a surreal terrain located only 1.5 hours away from Mount Rushmore. The area showcases a combination of rough canyons, high spires, and sharp rock structures that appear endless. Enjoy the sights from various scenic routes or venture on one of the numerous trails for an up-close experience. The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a favored location that includes displays and exhibits related to fossils.
Discover the History of the Black Hills
The Black Hills were pivotal in America’s history, from the gold rush to clashes with Native Americans. One essential site to see is the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is a beautiful artistic creation and continues to honor Native American heritage. Additionally, tourists can travel back in time by exploring the historic town of Deadwood, which was once a famous frontier settlement that hosted figures like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok.
Go on a Wine Tour
The Black Hills area features numerous wineries that create different types of wines, such as red, white, and rosé. Enjoy some of the local selections while taking in the picturesque sights of the nearby hills. Whether you’re passionate about wine or simply seeking an enjoyable and leisurely outing, a wine tour in the Black Hills promises to be an entertaining and unforgettable experience.
Routes from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park
There are three distinct routes to take from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park, all of which incorporate a brief stop at Devil’s Tower.
I suggest leaving early, ideally by 8 am, for each of these paths. This allows ample time to explore Devils Tower and enjoy various scenic attractions during the journey.
>> Yellowstone National Park Roads: Opening And Closing Schedule
Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park via the Beartooth Highway
- Distance: 520 miles
- Driving Time (without stops): 9 hours
As you navigate through the mountains, you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas of snow-covered summits, deep ravines, and mountain lakes. Numerous pull-offs provide opportunities to pause and absorb the remarkable scenery. The Beartooth Highway begins in Red Lodge, Montana, and concludes near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, making it a practical route. Here’s what to explore along the journey:
Devils Tower National Monument
Standing at 1,267 feet, this butte holds spiritual significance for various Native American tribes and is a favored spot for rock climbers. You can walk around the base via the 1.3-mile Tower Trail or join a guided climbing expedition. Keep an eye out for prairie dogs, deer, and other local wildlife.
Beartooth Pass
Reaching an elevation of 10,947 feet, Beartooth Pass is renowned as one of the most picturesque drives in the nation, showcasing breathtaking views of the Beartooth Mountains, valleys, and pristine lakes. Make sure to stop at Beartooth Pass Vista for expansive views of the mountain landscape.
Granite Peak
This impressive peak is Montana’s tallest point, located within the untouched wilderness of the Beartooth Mountains, and can be spotted from multiple locations along the highway.
Island Lake
This stunning high-altitude lake is favored for fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Encircled by awe-inspiring mountain and forest views, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and appreciate nature’s splendor.
Top of the World Store
A notable historical site and a popular stop for travelers, this general store provides souvenirs, snacks, and magnificent views of the Beartooth Mountains. It’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park via the Cloud Peak Skyway
- Distance: 428-miles
- Drive Time: 8 hours
This route will take your journey from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park through some of the most stunning scenery in Wyoming. The journey takes you through Bighorn National Forest, showcasing impressive peaks, clear lakes, and lush forests. The Cloud Peak Skyway begins in Buffalo and stretches 47 miles to Ten Sleep, meandering through the Bighorn Mountains and providing breathtaking views of the natural surroundings.
Loaf Mountain Overlook
Enjoy the spectacular sights of the Cloud Peak Wilderness. This vast area covers over 189,000 acres and hosts some of the highest summits in the Bighorn Range, such as Black Tooth Mountain, Cloud Peak, Dayton Peak, Bighorn Peak, and Loaf Mountain. From the overlook, you can appreciate panoramic vistas of these remarkable mountains.
Powder River Pass
At an elevation of 9,666 feet, Powder River Pass represents the peak of the Cloud Peak Skyway. As the road descends into a canyon beyond this point, travelers experience the most awe-inspiring segment of the Skyway, revealing the enormous limestone mountains that rise on either side. Many guests regard this portion of the trip as the most memorable, offering unmatched views of the rugged terrain.
Ten Sleep Canyon
While driving through Ten Sleep Canyon, you’ll encounter some of the most exquisite scenery within the Bighorn Mountains. The canyon is by towering rock walls, clear streams, and wildlife, including bighorn sheep and mule deer. Take a moment to stop and read the informational signs that describe the area’s history while soaking in the views.
Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park via the Bighorn Scenic Byway
- Distance: 441-miles
- Drive Time: 9 hours
Discover the wild beauty of the Bighorn Mountains. The scenic byway begins at Mount Rushmore and concludes in Cody, Wyoming, meandering through thick forests, alongside flowing waterfalls, and across breathtaking mountain passes. This route from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park goes through Dayton, which serves as the entrance to the Bighorn Scenic Byway.
Sand Turn Interpretive Site
Situated on the western side of the Bighorn Mountains, this location offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the area’s history and geology. It includes educational displays, hiking paths, and a picnic area with magnificent views of Tongue Valley. There are multiple pull-off spots along the route for capturing photographs.
Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
The Medicine Wheel is an ancient stone circle thought to have been built by Native Americans more than a thousand years ago. Many Native American tribes regard this site as sacred and continue to use it for spiritual rituals today.
Shell Falls Interpretive Site
Be sure to visit the Shell Falls Interpretive Site, where you can discover several hiking trails that lead to beautiful vistas of Shell Canyon and Shell Falls. The 120-foot waterfall tumbles down a series of granite rocks. The name of the area comes from the numerous shells embedded in the rock formations.
Our Favorite Route
Of the three routes from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park, our preferred choice is the Bighorn Scenic Byway. The views throughout this route are truly stunning.
On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of navigating sharp hairpin turns, the Cloud Peak Skyway offers a milder incline and fewer twists, making it easier to drive.
If you’re considering a round trip between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone, you can take the Cloud Peak Skyway to Yellowstone and return via the Bighorn Scenic Byway.
If time allows, it’s highly advisable to include the Beartooth Highway in your plans. You can either incorporate it by taking Route #3 or make a day trip to the Beartooth Highway while visiting Yellowstone.
Things to do around Yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful
Old Faithful, possibly the most well-known feature of Yellowstone, is a geyser that erupts regularly, about every 90 minutes. Spectators can observe the stunning scene of scalding water shooting up to 180 feet high from various observation points around the geyser.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Witness the incredible grandeur of the expansive, vibrant canyon walls that border the powerful Yellowstone River. Several viewpoints, such as Artist Point and Inspiration Point, offer breathtaking sights of the canyon and its waterfalls. For those wishing to delve deeper into the region, hiking paths and guided excursions are accessible.
>> Top 11 List of Yellowstone National Park Waterfalls
Norris Geyser Basin
The Norris Geyser Basin is the oldest and hottest thermal zone in Yellowstone, showcasing numerous geysers and hot springs. Stroll along the basin’s boardwalk to discover attractions like Steamboat Geyser, which holds the title of the tallest active geyser globally, and the vibrant waters of Emerald Spring. Additionally, the Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Visitor Center provides exhibits and educational programs related to the local geology and ecology.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is the biggest water source in Yellowstone National Park, providing beautiful vistas and activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. Savor a tasty meal at one of the restaurants located by the lakeside.
FAQ
How many days do I need in the MT Rushmore area?
We suggest spending three days to fully experience all three driving loops and to visit downtown Rapid City. However, if your schedule allows for only one or two days, you can still manage to see key attractions. If you have two days, we advise seeing Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills on the first day, followed by a trip to the Badlands on the second day.
Is it possible to get from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park by train?
Traveling from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park by train is not feasible, as there are no direct train services to either location. Amtrak does not provide train routes that connect directly to Mount Rushmore or Yellowstone, making it necessary to rely on other forms of transportation. To reach Yellowstone from Mount Rushmore, travelers typically need to take a taxi or shuttle to Rapid City, South Dakota, and then fly to nearby airports such as Jackson Hole (JAC) or Cody (COD).
What is the best month to visit Yellowstone National Park?
The best months to visit Yellowstone National Park are generally considered to be late June and September. Late June offers a great balance of pleasant weather, with most roads and trails open, and fewer crowds compared to peak summer months. This time also allows visitors to see baby animals and enjoy the vibrant scenery as the snow melts.
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