Driving from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park
Trip Overview
Mount Rushmore National Monument and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most iconic sites in the fabric of America.
And, each are both epic destinations on their own. But did you know that there are three scenic drives that connect the two?
Choose the scenic route via Beartooth Highway for jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Or, opt for the Cloud Peak Skyway for a classic Wyoming landscape.
Then again, you could wind through the Bighorn Mountains on the Bighorn Scenic Byway with its stunning vistas, thick forests, and cascading waterfalls.
Whichever way you choose, here are some of Shaka Guide’s favorite must-do stops along the way!
Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Tour Map
Top Things To Do in Mount Rushmore
1. Visit Mount Rushmore National Monument
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It’s so much more than pretty faces! At Mount Rushmore National Monument, there’s a lot more to do. Hike the Presidential Trail for up-close views of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt.
Learn about the monument's creation at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. From May through September, catch the evening lighting ceremony for a patriotic presentation.
Don't forget to snap a selfie with the presidents and cool off with some Thomas Jefferson ice cream!
2. Explore Custer State Park
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Custer State Park offers a wildlife adventure! Cruise the scenic Wildlife Loop Road to spot bison, burros, and bighorn sheep.
Hike or bike through the Black Hills on trails like Sylvan Lake Shore Trail for panoramic views. Take a jeep safari for a guided tour through the park's hidden gems.
After your adventure, cool off with a swim in Sylvan Lake or explore the quirky begging burros near the park headquarters.
3. Visit Crazy Horse Memorial
Jess Conaway
Pay homage to Lakota warrior Crazy Horse at this colossal mountain sculpture. Explore the Indian Museum of North America to delve into Native American cultures.
Witness the scale of the carving from the Welcome Center or, for an extra fee, take a bus ride closer to the mountain for a breathtaking perspective.
For a truly unforgettable experience, check out the laser light show on summer evenings.
4. Take a spin on the Iron Mountain Scenic Drive
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Twist and turn through the Black Hills on this iconic scenic road, where Mount Rushmore is framed perfectly through the granite tunnels.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you navigate hairpin curves. Descend quickly via thrilling "pigtail" switchbacks.
Breathe in the fresh mountain air at pull-offs offering panoramic vistas. Don't forget to stop and snap photos!
5. Spend some time underground at Wind Cave National Park
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Did you know that there’s a national park that’s almost entirely underground?
Wind Cave National Park is the seventh-longest cave in the entire world, and it’s just waiting to be explored!
Take a guided tour through chambers adorned with unique "boxwork" formations.
Feel the cool wind that carves the cave's namesake formations.
Then come back to the surface to hike or bike through the scenic Black Hills on trails with stunning views.
Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Routes
1. Via Cloud Peak Skyway
- Distance: 428 miles
- Duration: 8 hrs+
Bighorn National Forest
Bighorn National Forest boasts over 1,200 miles of trails for all ages and skill levels, and all are chock-full of lush forest scenery.
Fish for trout in the sparkling waters of the Bighorn River, or paddle a canoe or kayak on Bighorn Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, and various birds of prey.
Sitting Bull Campground
Nestled in the heart of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, Sitting Bull Campground allows you to immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
Hike or bike on scenic trails, cast a line and fish for trout in nearby Meadowlark Lake, or rent a canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle.
And when the day is done, cozy up by a campfire and roast marshmallows under a blanket of stars.
Ten Sleep Canyon
Carved by glaciers and time, Ten Sleep Canyon in Wyoming is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Rock climbers from around the world flock to its over 800 bolted routes, scaling the dramatic red cliffs.
Hikers can explore scenic trails offering stunning vistas of the canyon walls and lush meadows below. Mountain bikers can test their skills on challenging tracks.
For a leisurely experience, take a scenic drive through the canyon, stopping at pull-offs to marvel at the geological wonders. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bighorn sheep and eagles soaring above.
Medicine Lodge State Archeological Site
Explore over 10,000 years of history at the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site!
Hike interpretive trails and explore remnants of campsites and teepee rings left behind by Ancestral Native Americans.
Learn about their hunting practices through projectile points on display and imagine their lives on the Great Plains!
2. Via Bighorn Scenic Byway
- Distance: 441 miles
- Duration: 9 hours
Devil’s Tower National Monument
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Devils Tower National Monument is a geological marvel: a colossal, isolated butte rising over 860 feet from the surrounding plains.
This unique national monument offers a blend of natural wonder, cultural heritage, and breathtaking beauty.
Hike the base trails for up-experienced trekkers, or marvel at the vertical columns from afar.
Learn about the tower's sacred significance to Northern Plains tribes and the Black Hills Kiowa Tribe.
Stargaze at night under the vast Wyoming sky, or capture the tower's dramatic silhouette at sunrise or sunset.
Sand Turn Interpretive Site
Soak in stunning vistas of the Tongue River Basin, sprawling out before you. Informative signs will share the geological story of the landscape and the history of the area.
Breathe in the fresh mountain air and snap panoramic photos to capture the scenic beauty.
This quick stop offers a chance to stretch your legs, appreciate the views, and learn a bit before continuing your road trip adventure.
Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
Journey to the Medicine Wheel National Historical Landmark in Wyoming and explore a sacred site steeped in mystery.
Hike a scenic path to a massive stone wheel, one of the largest in North America.
Learn about its significance to various Native American tribes for thousands of years.
Observe the intricate layout of rocks and radiating spokes, their purpose a matter of ongoing cultural interpretation.
Respect the spiritual significance of this place as you ponder its connection to the cosmos and the land.
Shell Falls Interpretive Site
Nestled along the Bighorn Scenic Byway, Shell Falls Interpretive Site offers a quick and scenic detour.
Walk the short, paved trails for stunning views of Shell Creek cascading down a 120-foot drop.
Informative signs will tell you the story of the falls and the canyon, carved over millions of years.
Choose from viewpoints with stairs or gentler inclines.
Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the roar of the waterfall before continuing your road trip adventure.
3. Via Beartooth Highway
- Distance: 520 miles
- Duration: 9 hours
Beartooth Pass
This high-altitude marvel tops out at over 10,900 feet, offering panoramic views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains.
Hike or picnic at the summit for fresh mountain air, vibrant wildflowers, turquoise alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
Remember, this scenic gem is typically open from Memorial Day to mid-October, weather permitting.
Beartooth Lake
Cast a line and fish for trout in the crystal-clear waters. Rent a kayak or canoe for a peaceful paddle, soaking in the alpine scenery.
Hike or camp nearby, breathing in the crisp mountain air. Be on the lookout for wildlife like marmots and pikas.
Even a simple roadside stop allows you to marvel at the lake's reflective beauty – a perfect pit stop on your Beartooth adventure.
Top of the World Store
Perched at nearly 10,000 feet on Beartooth Highway, Top of the World is a rustic general store, where you can stock up on mountain adventure essentials—think snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and maybe even fishing licenses!
They also have gas, so you can fill up your tank before hitting the road again.
Red Lodge, Montana
This charming little Montana town is known as the Basecamp to the Beartooths, and it offers a charming escape brimming with adventure! Hike or bike along the Lake Fork Trail or the scenic Woodbine Falls Trail.
Explore the Carbon County Historical Society Museum for a little bit of history, or delve into the world of early miners at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.
Red Lodge also has a vibrant art scene! Stroll through galleries showcasing local talent at the Carbon County Art Guild & Depot Gallery or Back Alley Metals.
Catch the Red Lodge Artwalk, a self-guided tour of galleries and studios held on the second Saturday of every month from May to September.
Top Things To Do in Yellowstone
1. See Old Faithful
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This famous geyser is one of the most iconic sites in the National Park system!
Witness nature's clockwork as it shoots boiling water 100 to 180 feet in the air, every 44 minutes to two hours.
Boardwalks provide safe viewing for this geothermal wonder.
The surrounding Upper Geyser Basin offers a bonus - vibrant hot springs and other geysers to explore before Old Faithful steams into action.
2. Watch wildlife at Lamar Valley
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In Lamar Valley, rolling grasslands attract vast herds of bison and elk. Watch them graze or engage in dramatic clashes during mating season.
Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope, too. Lamar Valley is also prime wolf territory.
Spot these elusive predators stalking their prey or lounging in the sun.
Grizzly bears and black bears may also make an appearance, so be alert and maintain safe distances. This valley is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Walk the boardwalks at the Grand Prismatic Spring
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Marvel at Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's and America's largest hot spring. Witness a rainbow come alive in its vibrant center, caused by heat-loving bacteria thriving in different temperature zones.
The boardwalk provides a safe, close-up view of the stunning blue center, fiery orange edges, and rings of yellow, green, and red.
This geothermal wonder is a must-see for any Yellowstone adventure.
4. Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
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Witness the power of water at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Carved by the Yellowstone River, this dramatic canyon stretches for 20 miles, reaching depths of over 1,000 feet.
Hike along the rim for breathtaking views of colorful rock layers and cascading waterfalls like Lower Falls, the park's tallest.
The canyon whispers tales of volcanic activity and glaciation, while the ever-present mist from the river adds to the mystique. It's a Yellowstone icon not to be missed.
5. Hike Mount Washburn
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Hike to the top of Mount Washburn for panoramic views and a taste of Yellowstone's volcanic history.
Choose between two trails: Dunraven Pass Trail offers a gradual climb with meadows bursting with wildflowers in July. Chittenden Road Trail is shorter but steeper.
Both paths lead to the summit with a fire lookout offering interpretive exhibits and breathtaking 360-degree vistas encompassing Yellowstone's wonders.
6. Relax at Yellowstone Lake
Rachel Ennis
Rent a motorboat or rowboat (permit required) to cruise the shores and cast a line for the famous Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.
Explore the vibrant North End or simply relax and soak in the cool breeze. For non-motorized options, kayak or canoe peacefully across the crystal-clear waters.
Hikers can access campsites along the shoreline for a unique overnight experience.
Remember, the water stays cold year-round, so dress appropriately for any lake activities you choose.
Final Thoughts
There are nearly 500 miles between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, but those 500 miles are jam-packed with fun activities for the whole family!
And whichever route you choose, you’ll be treated to historical landmarks, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
From the grandeur of Mount Rushmore to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, this adventure promises to create lasting memories.
And don’t forget to take Shaka Guide with you! Check out our tours of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park!
Take the Yellowstone National Park Audio Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.
Still planning? Check out our Yellowstone Itinerary and Know Before You Go guide to prep for an epic day.
Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!
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