60 days in Black Hills & Badlands Itinerary

Although Badlands National Park's name might not be the most inviting, its landscape of pinnacles, eroded buttes, spires, and an expansive, pristine mixed-grass prairie remain enticing.

Explore Badlands National Park's surroundings by going to Hurley Butte Horseback Riding (in Interior) and Wounded Knee Massacre Monument (in Wounded Knee). Spend the 3rd (Thu) exploring nature at Badlands National Park. And it doesn't end there: take a memorable drive along Loop Road, trek along Door Trail, stroll through Saddle Pass Trail, and explore the striking landscape at Yellow Mounds Overlook.

To see maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Badlands National Park trip planner.

New York City to Badlands National Park is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and taxi. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is usually a -2 hour difference. Traveling from New York City in August, Badlands National Park is little chillier at night with lows of 58°F. On the 15th (Tue), you're off to Murdo.

Murdo is a city in Jones County, South Dakota, United States. Get out of town with these interesting Murdo side-trips: Rapid City (Art Alley, Museum of the American Bison, &more), Philip (Minuteman Missile National Historic Site & Prairie Homestead) and Kadoka (Badlands Petrified Gardens & Badlands Distillery LLC). Next up on the itinerary: look for gifts at Wall Drug, contemplate the long history of 1880 Town, examine the collection at Pioneer Auto Museum, and learn about all things military at Delta-09 Missile Silo.

To find out how to plan a trip to Murdo, use our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Badlands National Park to Murdo in 1.5 hours. The time zone difference when traveling from Badlands National Park to Murdo is 1 hour. In August, plan for daily highs up to 85°F, and evening lows to 59°F. On the 30th (Wed), you'll travel to Keystone.

Fewer than 400 people call Keystone home year-round, but the population explodes in summer when crowds flock to nearby Mount Rushmore.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Keystone: Hot Springs (Pioneer Museum, The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, &more), Custer (Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail, Custer County 1881 Courthouse, &more) and Wind Cave National Park (in Wind Cave National Park). Pack the 3rd (Sun) with family-friendly diversions at Rushmore Tramway Adventures. There's much more to do: explore the striking landscape of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, see the interesting displays at National Presidential Wax Museum, take in the pleasant sights at Breezy Point Picnic Area, and appreciate the history behind Crazy Horse Memorial.

To see reviews, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Keystone road trip planning tool.

You can drive from Murdo to Keystone in 2.5 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Murdo to Keystone. In August, Keystone is little chillier than Murdo - with highs of 77°F and lows of 51°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Deadwood.

Deadwood is a city in South Dakota, United States, and the county seat of Lawrence County. Change things up with these side-trips from Deadwood: Belle Fourche (Tri-State Museum, Center of the Nation Monument, &more), Roughlock Falls State Nature Area (in Lead) and Spearfish (Devil’s Bathtub & McNenny State Fish Hatchery). There's still lots to do: stroll the grounds of Mount Moriah Cemetery, don't miss a visit to Deadwood Model Train, cruise along Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, and get engrossed in the history at Adams Museum.

To find photos, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Deadwood trip itinerary maker tool.

Drive from Keystone to Deadwood in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Keystone to Deadwood. In September, daily temperatures in Deadwood can reach 73°F, while at night they dip to 49°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.