10 days in Rapid City, Yellowstone National Park & Yosemite National Park Itinerary

South Dakota's second-largest city, Rapid City has for many years served as a gateway to the West.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Wed): view the masterpieces at Suzie Cappa Art Center, don't miss a visit to Dinosaur Park, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Reptile Gardens, then look for gifts at Alex Johnson Mercantile, and finally wander the streets of Downtown Rapid City. On the 4th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get in on the family fun at Storybook Island.

For other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Rapid City journey builder site.

Lincoln to Rapid City is an approximately 9-hour car ride. You can also fly; or drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Lincoln to Rapid City. July in Rapid City sees daily highs of 85°F and lows of 62°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Thu) so you can travel to Yellowstone National Park.

An exceptionally diverse landscape and varied wildlife have made Yellowstone National Park one of America's most popular parks.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Fri): take in breathtaking views at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and then take in the natural beauty of Upper Geyser Basin. On your second day here, witness a stunning natural landmark at Old Faithful and then take in the natural beauty of Grand Prismatic Spring.

To see photos, maps, and tourist information, use the Yellowstone National Park online trip builder.

Fly from Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus, shuttle, and car. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Rapid City in July: highs in Yellowstone National Park hover around 73°F, while lows dip to 39°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) so you can travel to Yosemite National Park.

Massive granite mountains, towering waterfalls, groves of Giant Sequoia trees, and wilderness as far as the eye can see distinguish the landscape of Yosemite National Park.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Glacier Point and Yosemite, Tunnel View. There's still lots to do: admire the sheer force of Vernal Fall, take in the dramatic natural features at Sentinel Dome, identify plant and animal life at Cathedral Beach Picnic Area, and trek along Mariposa Grove.

To see more things to do, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Yosemite National Park trip planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and bus from Yellowstone National Park to Yosemite National Park takes 11.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi, bus, shuttle, and train. Traveling from Yellowstone National Park to Yosemite National Park, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Yellowstone National Park in July, with highs in Yosemite National Park at 83°F and lows at 46°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) to allow time to travel back home.