If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park from Rapid City, South Dakota, you’re in for an adventure. This scenic road trip will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the American West, from the rolling hills of the Dakotas to the rugged peaks of the Rockies.
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Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park Drive
The drive from Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park covers a distance of approximately 430 miles and takes around 7 hours and 47 minutes without any stops. However, you’ll want to factor in extra time for taking in the sights and enjoying some of the fantastic stops along the way.
To get to Yellowstone National Park, take I-90 west out of Rapid City and head towards Gillette, Wyoming. From there, take Highway 14 west to Cody, Wyoming, and then follow Highway 120 north into Yellowstone National Park.
Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park: How Far Is It?
The distance between Rapid City, South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park is around 487.1 miles (783.9 km). It takes approximately 7 hours and 47 minutes to drive this distance, assuming you don’t make any stops.
How Far Is Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park By Plane?
The flight distance between Rapid City, South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park is around 400 miles (643.7 km).
There are several flights that operate daily from Rapid City Regional Airport to Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming. The flight takes around 2 hours, and you can book your tickets in advance to get the best deals.
What Is The Time Difference Between Rapid City And Yellowstone National Park?
Being in the same time zone, Rapid City and Yellowstone National Park share the same time, which can make it easier for travelers to plan their itinerary and schedule their activities.
This also means that you won’t have to adjust your watches or deal with any jet lag if you’re traveling from Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park. Additionally, being in the Mountain Time Zone means that both locations experience similar daylight patterns, which can be useful when planning outdoor activities or sightseeing. Overall, sharing the same time zone makes for a more seamless travel experience between Rapid City and Yellowstone National Park.
The Cheapest Way To Get From Rapid City To Yellowstone National Park
The cheapest way to get from Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park is by car. You can rent a car in Rapid City and drive to Yellowstone National Park.
Rapid City To Yellowstone National Park Drive – Rent A Car In Rapid City
If you’re planning to rent a car in Rapid City for your trip to Yellowstone National Park, here are some rental car companies to consider:
- Alamo: starts at $80 per day
- Avis: starts at $86 per day
- Budget: starts at $72 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $92 per day
- Hertz: starts at $94 per day
- National: starts at $98 per day
Gas prices will vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $50 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.357 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Rapid City To Yellowstone National Park – Driving Stops Along The Way
There are several amazing stops you can make along the way from Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park. Here are some of the most popular:
Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood is a historic gold rush town that is definitely worth a visit. You can take a guided tour of the town and learn about its history, or just wander around and enjoy the unique architecture and charming shops and restaurants.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
No trip to South Dakota is complete without a visit to Mount Rushmore. This iconic monument features the faces of four American presidents carved into the side of a mountain. You can take a guided tour of the site or explore on your own.
Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower is a massive rock formation that rises up out of the surrounding landscape. It’s a sacred
site for many Native American tribes and is popular with climbers. You can take a hike around the base of the tower or just enjoy the stunning views.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon spans across Wyoming and Montana and offers stunning views of the Bighorn Mountains and the Bighorn River. You can take a boat tour or hike one of the many trails in the area.
Cody, Wyoming
Cody is a charming western town that is known for its rodeo and Old West history. You can visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West to learn about the town’s namesake and explore the many galleries and museums in the area.
Yellowstone National Park
Of course, the ultimate destination on this road trip is Yellowstone National Park. Once you arrive, you can explore the park’s many geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. Be sure to visit Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser, and take a hike in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Best Driving Route From Rapid City To Yellowstone National Park
The best driving route from Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park is to take I-90 west out of Rapid City and head towards Gillette, Wyoming. From there, take Highway 14 west to Cody, Wyoming, and then follow Highway 120 north into Yellowstone National Park. This route offers stunning views of the Black Hills, Bighorn Mountains, and the Absaroka Range. Be sure to stop at some of the amazing sights along the way and enjoy the journey.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the road trip from Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park offers a beautiful journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the American West. The distance of approximately 430 miles can be covered in around 7.5 hours, but it’s worth taking extra time to explore some of the amazing stops along the way, such as Deadwood, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Devils Tower National Monument. Whether you choose to drive or fly, this trip is sure to be a memorable adventure filled with stunning scenery, rich history, and fascinating geological wonders.
