9 days in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park & Rapid City Itinerary

The Jackson Hole valley is approximately 97 km (60 mi) long and 24 km (15 mi) wide, encompassing the town of Jackson, Teton Village, and the northern section of Grand Teton National Park.

On the 15th (Sat), take in the exciting artwork at Mangelsen Images of Nature and then make a trip to Town Square.

For traveler tips, maps, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Jackson Hole trip itinerary maker site

Chicago to Jackson Hole is an approximately 7-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Chicago to Jackson Hole. When traveling from Chicago in September, plan for slightly colder days and much colder nights in Jackson Hole: temperatures range from 69°F by day to 37°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) early enough to drive to Yellowstone National Park.

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

Get in touch with nature at Uncle Tom's Trail and Yellowstone Lake. And it doesn't end there: witness a stunning natural landmark at Grand Prismatic Spring, take in breathtaking views at S Rim Trail, and take in panoramic vistas at Observation Point Trail.

For reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Yellowstone National Park road trip app

Traveling by car from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone National Park takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Jackson Hole in September, expect nights in Yellowstone National Park to be about the same, around 33°F, while days are slightly colder, around 62°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Rapid City.

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

Get outdoors at Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rapid City: Custer (Sylvan Lake & Needles Eye Tunnel), Loop Road (in Badlands National Park) and Mount Rushmore National Memorial (in Keystone). There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Bear Country USA, admire the landmark architecture of Chapel In the Hills, and see the interesting displays at Pawnseum.

To see where to stay, ratings, photos, and tourist information, go to the Rapid City trip itinerary builder website

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Yellowstone National Park to Rapid City takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Yellowstone National Park in September: high temperatures in Rapid City hover around 77°F and lows are around 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.