keef65

Hello

Leaving Tenn. on June 19 (returning around July1st) driving with famlacierily of 4 to Yellowstone,Wy. By way of Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, Deadwood S.D., Devils tower over to Cody and then yellowstone down to Jackson Hole and possibly Tetons before heading back.

What are some things along the trail that we should take in?
Thanks
Keith

PaulRabe

In eleven days total, just driving from Nashville to the Black Hills on to Yellowstone, and then back to Nashville, you'll be lucky to adequately see the Badlands, the Black Hills, and Yellowstone. I would recommend you drive as fast as and far as you can in order to reach Badlands NP in as little time as possible.


For visiting areas administered by the National Parks Service, their URLs are invaluable.

www.nps.gov/yell
www.nps.gov/grte
www.nps.gov/badl
www.nps.gov/deto

Also check out
www.ohranger.com/guides
www.blackhillsbadlands.com/parks-monuments

> and possibly Tetons
If you go all the way to Yellowstone, don't miss the Tetons over anything else!! I'd actually recommend a day in the Tetons over a day at Mount Rushmore / Deadwood.

keef65

PaulRabe

Thanks for the reply we may extend the trip to July 2. Looks like we may add a couple in laws to the trip, we are heading out in a rental van, so a little crowded but not bad...

wish we could get to rushmore as fast as possible...we drove it several years back (my wife and I only at the time) straight to wall,sd like 17 hours straight only stops for gas...zombie driver-rough feeling

We will have 2 teenagers this trip so want them to see what lies west of the mississippi river.

Is there anything after Mt. Rushmore and badlands that should be see in S.D. area? Would like the kids to see Devils Tower, then my father in law wants to check the museums in cody out. Before heading to yellowstone & jackson hole area.

What return route from jackson hole would you recommend to Tenn?

tomfuller

Instead of going all the way to Wall, try 15 hours to Mitchell SD. See the Corn Palace. I like it better than Wall Drug.
How many drivers will you be able to use?
Maybe try to see Rocky Mountain NP on the return.

keef65

got 3 drivers, wondering if it would be best to head straight for jackson hole-teton area up to yellowstone and hit cody, devils tower, rushmore on the return trip?

Thanks for suggestions

Travelkitty

I would definitely add Custer State Park in the Mt Rushmore area. The whole park is wonderful, but a quick drive through the Wildlife Loop is great, especially with kids (although I had no kids an loved it!!)

PaulRabe

> Is there anything after Mt. Rushmore and badlands
> that should be see in S.D. area?

Thirteen days grand total to get from Nashville to Yellowstone and back. You've already committed yourself to seeing Badlands NP, Mount Rushmore, Devil's Tower, the museums of Cody, and (let's not forget!) Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

The latter two places require a bare minimum of four days for an rushed visit -- I'd say six days for the two of them is the minimum for an adequate visit. Add this to the sites you've already committed to, plus the two days minimum EACH WAY to get between Nashville and the Badlands*, and you can see that there's a great risk in trying to add more to this trip.

There is, indeed, places within the Black Hills that I enjoyed during our visits there. but I don't recommend seeing them if it means reducing even one hour of your visit to Yellowstone / Tetons.

I've been to 58 national parks in my life. That's PARKS -- not monuments, seashores, forests, wilderness areas, military parks, etc, etc, etc. Yellowstone is absolutely in my top three favorite of these -- and, if you put a gun to my head and demand I name ONLY one, I'll choose Yellowstone. It really is worth the time schedule I mention above.


* Yes, I know it can be done in less time than that -- but you'll drive everyone crazy if you attempt it in less than two days each way. And I say that as someone who drove 1150 miles SOLO in 28.5 hours, including an overnight stop for sleep.

keef65

thanks again, looks like it is going to be tough. Would you think it might be a good idea to drive straight to the teton, yellowstone area, get that part completed and visit the other spots, Cody,devils tower, deadwood, badlands,mt. rushmore before heading home.

If so what route and any quick stops that are worthwhile?

Have a good day,
Keith

voyager61

I agree that Yellowstone and Grand Tetons/Jackson should be your first two priorities for time and then on the way home choose whatever you have time to fit in from the rest of your list. Yellowstone is really an international destination and takes time to see because of the crowds at major spots and two-lane roads with people stopping for wildlife viewing, so it should ideally have 3 nights, especially if you don't plan on getting back. And it sounds like you will be staying outside the park, because you haven't mentioned in-park reservations, and that means you will have to drive in and out each day, which is also time consuming. Definitely don't do less than 3 nights. Tetons are worth 3 also, but you could get away with 2 if you are pressed for time.

keef65

Thanks that is sounds like a plan...dread the drive across Kansas...boring. I am looking each night for Yellowstone hotels..have a couple nights in the park, old faithful inn and grant village..trying to get 1 more nite.

Gretchen

Have you looked at going I70 through Colorado, up to Jackson and Yellowstone and then return via Badlands, etc., seeing what you can?
I haven't looked at a map for actual times and distances, but you might make Denver in a very long day.

ssbaumer

Hi Keith, My husband and I live in Franklin and are apparently taking almost the same trip you and your family did. Any suggestions would be wonderful and most appreciated. We spent 1st night in Omaha and headed to Rapid City now, staying 2 nights with plans to see Rushmore. Have reservations at Yellowstone Friday but may stay 2 nights. We're retired so flexible with our time and agenda. Also plan to head to Reno when we leave Yellowstone to stay with friends. Again any and all help will be great.
Thanks.

John

Don't know if he will see your post. He's only posted twice, not a regular, the last being in June!