8 days in Yellowstone National Park & Black Hills & Badlands Itinerary

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

Explore Yellowstone National Park's surroundings by going to Snake River Overlook (in Moose) and Grand Teton (in Grand Teton National Park). The adventure continues: take in the natural beauty of Old Faithful, hike along Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, tour the pleasant surroundings at North Rim Trail, and explore the stunning scenery at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

For other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Yellowstone National Park trip planner.

Columbus to Yellowstone National Park is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Columbus to Yellowstone National Park, you'll gain 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Columbus in June, expect nights in Yellowstone National Park to be colder, around 34°F, while days are little chillier, around 66°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Rapid City.

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 17th (Sat): take in the dramatic natural features at Needles Eye Tunnel, appreciate the history behind Crazy Horse Memorial, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Sylvan Lake. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: identify plant and animal life at Bear Country USA, appreciate the history behind Mount Rushmore National Memorial, then immerse yourself in nature at Custer State Park, and finally take a memorable drive along Iron Mountain Road.

To see where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read Rapid City road trip planning tool.

Traveling by flight from Yellowstone National Park to Rapid City takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Traveling from Yellowstone National Park in June, expect nights in Rapid City to be much warmer, around 57°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 78°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Badlands National Park.

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.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Mon): take a memorable drive along Loop Road and then take in the dramatic natural features at Badlands Wall.

For traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read Badlands National Park trip itinerary planning app.

Drive from Rapid City to Badlands National Park in an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 83°F in June, and nighttime lows around 54°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) so you can fly back home.