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We're planning a first time trip to Yellowstone NP (and GTNP) next July and considering stopping at Mt. Rushmore on the way. Question is, we only have 9 days and I know there's never enough time in Yellowstone as it is, so I want to know if it's worth it to take the time to stop at Mt. Rushmore or should we save that for another trip?
If we decide to do it, we'd fly into Rapid City, take a day to see Mt. Rushmore, and then head off to Yellowstone/GTNP the next day either by car or by flying into Bozeman or Jackson. So basically we'd probably use up ~2 of our 9 days on the Mt. Rushmore detour.
Should we do it?
Thanks!
Mt. Rusmore side trip during trip to Yellowstone?
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Mt. Rushmore is certainly impressive but you can see it in a short period of time. It certainly won't take you all day to see it. It just seems like a lot of trouble and eats up time you could use for trips outside Yellowstone. Take a day and drive the Beartooth Highway out the Northeast entrance of YP and maybe down to Cody and back in the East entrance. Take another day and drive down to Jackson and Grand Tetons. To me that is the better use of your time.
Thanks fcr the advice, I appreciate it! Also seems like a lot of trouble and time to me. I have always wanted to see Mt. Rushmore but I think we can save it for another time. Thanks!
I put Mt. Rushmore in the category of 'it sounds better than it is'. It is better than visiting the not-very-amazing Four Corners but not by too much. In other words, if you happened to be going by then, by all means, check it out but it isn't worth a great effort. That is my opinion.
Yellowstone on the other hand is like no other place on earth. 9 days will give you a nice healthy dose but you'll know by the end of your trip that you have only just scratched the surface. Of course the drive through the Tetons is thrown in as an added bonus is you fly into Jackson. I can't wait until I find a way to return to Yellowstone...it broke my heart to leave it.
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/yellowstone_06&page=all