Its hard to imagine a better, more adventure-filled road trip route than a between South Dakotas Black Hills and Wyomings Yellowstone National Park. On this route, youll find the perfect mix of outdoor adventuresfrom high-mountain hikes to expansive grassland sunsetscultural history, and the type of friendly interactions the West is famed for. Where to start? Here are 10 must-hit stops in Black and Yellow country.
Get a Wildlife Close-Up in Custer State Park
Youll want to stay in the car for this onebison are not to be messed withbut drive-by fauna viewing is the idea behind the 18-mile Wildlife Loop in . In addition to the bison, a keen eye might spot pronghorns, bighorns, elk, deer, birds of prey, and the parks famous begging burros. Later, rent kayaks or SUPs and head out on Sylvan or Legion lakes. Rock climbing, running, biking, hikingyou can do it all in the southern Black Hills, says the South Dakota Outdoor Shops Grant van Vleet.
Hike to Another World in Badlands National Park
While hiking in is like hiking on another planet, it doesnt have to be a gigantic mission. With supervision, kids can handle shorter routes like Notch Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip featuring a (mellow) ladder climb and big views, or Door Trail, a three-quarter-mile stroll into a fossil field. Want to go deeper? The five-mile (point-to-point) Castle Trail connects two trailheads for an easy car shuttle for fit hikers.
Take a Chill Day at Mount Rushmore
Youve always wanted to see it, but maybe youre concerned the kids wont be interested? Give a visit. From the Avenue of Flags to the Sculptors Studio to the chance to explore the grounds with a ranger or spy wildlife, its easy to make a day of it at the nations biggest shrine to democracy. Take a stroll on the Presidential Trail for unique views of each presidential face. In the evening, attend the lighting ceremony before heading back to camp or the next hotel.
Dive into Old West Culture in Deadwood
Made famous by the likes of Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickock, and Seth Bullock, the little town of , has been on the historic register since 1961. Take a tour of the Mount Moriah Cemetery and youll once again be walking among heroes, villains, brothel keepers, and gamblers. Inspired? Pop into a hotel for a game of poker. Later, stroll up to the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower (under two miles round trip) and take in more views of the Black Hills.
Picnic and Fish Spearfish Canyon
Another Black Hills gem, south of the town of Spearfishhas plenty to explore, from ponds to hiking trails to waterfalls. Its a hot spot for birdwatchers and an abundance of brown trout and wild rainbows make it an anglers paradise. Need some exercise but have a narrow time window? A strenuous 2.4-mile round-trip hike up the 76 Traila remnant of an old mining trail from the Gold Rush daysgains you views of Spearfish Canyon from an overlook. Looking for a real challenge? If you time your trip right, is a 50-mile mostly singletrack mountain bike race that begins in Spearfish City Park and takes place every Labor Day weekend.
Take In the Universe Over Devils Tower
This 867-foot-tall marvel of igneous rock has been sacred to many Northern Plains tribes for millennia; more recently, geologists, rock climbers, and stargazers have flocked to to revere its otherworldly aesthetics. Book ahead and you can camp within the monument grounds. Coming to climb? Sign on with a guide. Climbing Devils Tower takes endurance, says Jeff Llewellyn, guide and co-owner of Sylvan Rocks, a local guiding service. But after our blitz course, we take beginners and intermediates up. If you go unguided, please honor the June closure out of respect for Native peoples.
Cast a Line at Keyhole State Park
On the western border of the Black Hills, the Keyhole Reservoir in Keyhole State Park is one of the top destinations for fishing in the area. Fishing from the shore of the Keyhole Reservoir is a great option, but with more than 14,000 acres of navigable water, a boat rental is definitely worth your while. The lake is home to a wide variety of fishsmallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike to name a few. Docks on the lake are typically open from mid-April until early November, however, anglers can fish the reservoir year round (just be sure to check fishing regulations to learn more about whats allowed during your visit).
Explore the Route
Hit the Trails on Two Wheels
In a state as wide open as Wyoming, the best way to cover more ground is by bike. From mountain biking to gravel riding and even winter fat biking, Cody has more than 100 trails for all levels. The Beck Lake Bike Park and Trail System, which offers plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain, is known for its jump lines, drop zone, and pump track. More advanced riders can head out on the Outlaw Trail system for cross-country and downhill riding through sandstone landscapes.
Camp Out in the Bighorns
Tucked up by the Montana border, the 120,000-acre is a truly spectacular place. Here, thousand-foot cliffs tower over Bighorn Lake, and dozens of uncrowded hiking trails await. Got a boat? Meander the placid Bighorn River. Got an adventure van? The dispersed camping in nearby Bighorn National Forest provides perfect bases for exploration. By August, the high country in the Bighorns is melted out and you can put in big backpacking trips above timber, just below 14,000 feet, says Bruce Shell with Bighorn Trading.
Introduce Yourself to Yellowstone
The crown jewel of Americas National Park system, covers two million acres of rugged mountains, wildflower meadows, roaring geysers, and so much unfettered wildlife that its been called the last preserve of the American Serengeti. A careful visitor could spend a lifetime here and see something new every day. If you dont have a lifetime to spend, take the 4.5-mile stroll to see Old Faithful and a dizzying array of geysersall of which are marked with eruption times. Later, visit Grand Prismatic Spring to take in the colors.
As the least populated state with the most room for adventure, Wyoming recognizes the responsibility to be mindful stewards for our land, animals, culture and communities. The invites you to come witness the majesty, responsibly, with these important tips. to receive the latest news.
In the Mount Rushmore state, our places are larger than life. So bring your imagination – and your sense of wonder – and discover the greatness that lies within our beloved lands. When youre ready to explore, learn more and plan your adventure at